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Flipkart Hires Coupang Exec Ahead of Potential IPO

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. t-hires-coupang-exec-ahead-of-potential-ipo.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 20:42 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: INDIA, KOREA REPUBLIC OF

New Delhi, February 23rd, 2026 - In a clear signal of its intention to pursue a public listing, Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart has strategically appointed Gunjan Bhartia, a seasoned finance executive formerly of South Korean powerhouse Coupang, to a key leadership role. The move, confirmed by sources close to the company, underscores Flipkart's intensified focus on financial rigor and profitability as it prepares for a potentially landmark Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Bhartia joins Flipkart as Senior Director, Financial Planning & Analysis, and will be instrumental in shaping the company's financial strategy and driving improvements in profitability. This appointment isn't simply about filling a position; it's about injecting a culture of financial discipline and strategic planning honed at one of Asia's most rapidly growing and financially astute e-commerce companies.

Flipkart, co-owned by Walmart, has long been speculated to be planning an IPO. While no firm date has been set, analysts predict a listing within the next few years, potentially as early as late 2027 or 2028. The pressure to demonstrate sustained profitability and robust financial health to potential investors is immense, making Bhartia's experience particularly valuable.

Coupang's DNA: A Focus on Efficiency & Growth

Coupang's success isn't just about capturing market share; it's about how it captures it. The company is renowned for its 'rocket delivery' service, aggressive expansion, and, crucially, a relentless focus on cost optimization and efficient operations. Unlike some e-commerce firms that prioritize growth at all costs, Coupang has consistently demonstrated a pathway to profitability while maintaining a high growth trajectory. This delicate balance is what Flipkart appears to be seeking to replicate.

Bhartia's tenure at Coupang saw her navigate the complexities of a hyper-growth environment, implementing financial controls and reporting mechanisms that allowed the company to scale rapidly without losing sight of the bottom line. Sources indicate she was involved in key initiatives related to supply chain optimization, pricing strategies, and forecasting - all critical elements for an e-commerce business operating in a highly competitive landscape.

The Indian E-commerce Landscape: A Battle for Profitability

The Indian e-commerce market is intensely competitive, dominated by players like Amazon India and Reliance's JioMart, in addition to Flipkart. While revenue growth has been impressive across the board, profitability remains a significant challenge. Heavy discounting, logistics costs, and the need to invest in infrastructure all contribute to thin margins.

Flipkart's commitment to bolstering its finance function suggests a shift towards prioritizing sustainable growth over simply grabbing market share. The company recognizes that potential investors will scrutinize its profitability metrics closely, and Bhartia's expertise will be vital in presenting a compelling financial narrative.

Beyond FP&A: Broader Implications for Flipkart

Bhartia's role extends beyond traditional financial planning and analysis. Her appointment is expected to have a ripple effect across Flipkart's organization, influencing areas such as:

• Strategic Investment Decisions: Bhartia will likely play a key role in evaluating potential investments in new technologies, logistics infrastructure, and acquisitions, ensuring they align with the company's profitability goals.
• Pricing and Promotion Strategies: Optimizing pricing and promotional activities to maximize revenue and margins will be a core focus.
• Cost Control Measures: Identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives across all departments will be crucial.
• Financial Reporting & Governance: Strengthening financial reporting and governance processes to meet the stringent requirements of a publicly traded company.

Walmart's Influence & the Global Context

Walmart's ownership of Flipkart adds another layer of complexity. Walmart, a retail giant known for its own rigorous financial controls, is likely pushing for greater profitability at Flipkart. The parent company will want to see a clear return on its investment before proceeding with an IPO.

Furthermore, the global economic climate is playing a role. While the IPO market has seen a resurgence in recent months, investors remain cautious, prioritizing companies with strong fundamentals and proven profitability. Flipkart needs to demonstrate that it can not only grow revenue but also generate consistent profits in a challenging economic environment.

In conclusion, Gunjan Bhartia's appointment is a strategic move by Flipkart to strengthen its financial foundation and position itself for a successful IPO. Her experience at Coupang, a company renowned for its financial discipline, is expected to be invaluable as Flipkart navigates the complexities of the Indian e-commerce market and prepares to enter the public arena.