Mumbai, Jan. 13 -- Sachin Sahay, executive vice-president-sales operations at ITC Ltd, has emerged as the frontrunner to take over as chief executive officer of the Aditya Birla Group-backed Birla Opus, the disruptor in India's Rs.70,000-crore paints market, according to two people aware of the development.

Sahay is set to succeed Rakshit Hargave, who stepped down as the chief executive in November 2025.

Birla Opus did respond to Mint's queries sent on 8 January on Sahay's likely appointment as the new chief executive officer. Sahay did not respond to Mint's calls, messages and emails on the new position. ITC also did not respond to Mint's queries on 13 January.

Sahay spent over 23 years at ITC, having started his career as a brand man...