Built to Last Forever: How Godrej Enterprises Group is Redefining Home Safety with Shyam Motwani at the Helm!

TFT: You’ve had an illustrious career spanning over 37 years. Could you share how it all started, some key milestones and learnings?

SM: I began my professional journey in 1986, navigating roles across diverse industries—ranging from retail and FMCG to consumer durables and now, the home safety and architectural solution space. Each phase of my career has brought with it an opportunity to learn, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to brands that are rooted in trust and innovation. My association with Godrej has been a particularly enriching chapter. At Locks & Architectural Solutions, a business unit of the Godrej Enterprises Group, the challenge and reward lie in leading a brand that not only carries a rich legacy but is also reinventing itself for the smart, design-forward consumer of today. Milestones like expanding our smart lock portfolio, strengthening our omni-channel strategy, and introducing consumer-focused initiatives like My Home Safety Plan are outcomes of continuous learning, customer feedback, and a deep commitment to innovation.

TFT: Godrej has a long legacy in India’s industrial and consumer product space. How does the Locks and Architectural Solutions division continue to uphold this legacy while driving innovation?

SM: Godrej, as a brand, has long stood for reliability and progress. Our locks business, dating back to India’s first Nav-Tal padlock, carries that legacy forward while constantly evolving to meet the expectations of a new-age India. At Locks & Architectural Solutions, we have upheld this tradition by becoming a pioneer in digital locking systems, introducing cutting-edge technologies such as biometric authentication, app-based controls, RFID access, and even cloud-integrated features. What differentiates us is our ability to blend safety with design our locks are not just secure, they’re also aesthetically pleasing and technologically smart. This shift is vital for a generation that no longer sees safety and sophistication as mutually exclusive. Our manufacturing processes have also undergone a transformation, integrating advanced automation and digital analytics to ensure consistency, innovation, and scale.

TFT: What are some of the recent innovations or product launches from your division that you’re particularly proud of?

SM: Among Locks & Architectural Solutions recent innovations, I am particularly proud of the first-of-its-kind Advantis IoT9, India’s first truly ‘Made in India’ smart lock with nine distinct access modes—including fingerprint, mobile app, smart wearables, Wi-Fi, NFC, and RFID card access. Built to suit Indian homes, it represents our commitment to deliver intelligent safety that integrates with everyday living and the Catus series of digital locks in multiple finishes like black, silver, and oak wood to suit varied home aesthetics. We’ve also introduced the Astron and Rion digital cabinet locks, designed for interior fittings. A noteworthy addition is the Tribolt Compact lock—an affordable yet robust main door solution for Indian households that delivers high-grade safety in a compact form factor.These products reflect our growing portfolio of over 200+ offerings that respond to contemporary safety and style needs.

In parallel, our omni-channel approach and accessibility have become significant growth enablers. Today, 4–5% of our sales come from e-commerce and quick commerce platforms, which grew by 107% in FY24. We are targeting a 4X growth from Q-commerce alone this year, with a current reach in 86 cities and plans to scale to 140. We have also launched the Rim Compact Series to meet the evolving expectations of modern Indian homeowners seeking sleek designs and robust safety.

Our export footprint also continues to grow, with existing operations in 24 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the USA. We expect our international revenue share to rise steadily.

TFT: How have consumer expectations evolved in the home security space in recent years?

SM: Consumer expectations have evolved dramatically over the past few years. Safety is no longer the sole priority—today’s homeowners seek control, convenience, and connectivity. There’s a rising expectation for smart home products that are easy to use, quick to integrate, and visually aligned with modern interior themes. From real-time mobile alerts to voice-controlled operations via Alexa or Google Home, locks have now become an integral part of connected living. In cities like Kolkata, where we are seeing increasing adoption of digital solutions, the shift from traditional mechanical locks to smarter systems has been significant. Our product range reflects this evolution, offering intuitive design and intelligent access in one seamless package.

TFT: Sustainability is becoming central to many industries. How is Godrej incorporating sustainable practices?

SM: Sustainability too is becoming central to our product and business strategy. As Locks & Architectural Solutions has long been committed to greener manufacturing practices, and our division is actively pursuing energy-efficient technologies and recyclable materials. Our digital products contribute to sustainability by reducing the need for physical keys, service visits, and paper manuals. We’re also investing in packaging innovations and working to optimize logistics to reduce our overall carbon footprint.

TFT: Can you shed some light on your strategy for expanding Godrej’s presence in domestic and international markets?

SM: In terms of expansion, Locks & Architectural Solution’s approach is two-pronged. Domestically, we are strengthening our offline and online presence simultaneously. With over 30,000 retailers and 1400 direct partners across India, we have a wide base, but we’re also doubling down on e-commerce and quick commerce. In FY24 alone, our Q-commerce grew 4X, and we’re now present in 86 cities, aiming to scale to 140 by the end of this year. Internationally, we are exporting to 24 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the US, and plan to deepen this footprint over the next two years. Our products are gaining acceptance for their design, durability, and compatibility with global safety standards. The Indian locks market, currently valued at ₹7,000 crore, is projected to reach ₹10,000 crore by 2027, driven by the overall growth of the home improvement and security sector at a CAGR of 6.5%. We are proud to be the market leader with an approximate 30% share. Looking ahead, our strategic objective is to become one of the top two brands in India by achieving ₹2,500 crore in revenue by 2028, targeting an ambitious 20% year-on-year growth.

TFT: What are some challenges specific to the Indian market and that of International?

SM: The Indian market does present unique challenges price sensitivity, low category involvement, and lack of awareness around home safety continue to limit penetration, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. But we’re overcoming these through educational campaigns, retail experience zones, and awareness initiatives such as Home Safety Day. On the international front, localization and regulatory compliance remain the top priorities, but our in-house R&D and design teams are well-equipped to adapt and respond to these needs efficiently.

TFT: Outside of work, what are some interests or activities that help you maintain a work-life balance?

SM: Outside of work, I find balance through reading, travel, cooking, and spending quality time with family. I enjoy exploring different cuisines and have a passion for healthy cooking—it’s both a creative outlet and a way to unwind. These moments of stillness and joy often lead to some of my most impactful ideas.

TFT: Lastly, what message you would like to convey to the young professionals? 

SM: To young professionals entering the industry, I would say this: never underestimate the power of curiosity. It’s what drives innovation, opens doors, and helps you stand out. Be open to change, embrace cross-disciplinary thinking, and focus on creating value—whether it’s through design, technology, or people-centric ideas. The future belongs to those who are ready to lead with both intellect and empathy.