Virendra Prakash “VP” Sharma is a key figure in the modernisation of Indonesian retail landscape, particularly for acquiring more than 50 international brands and bringing them to the country. He is a founding member and Group CEO of lifestyle retail group PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP), and also holds numerous key positions within the company’s subsidiaries.

Since joining in 1990, Sharma has helped MAP grow from just one store to becoming Indonesia’s leading lifestyle retailer, with offerings ranging from department-store goods, high-street fashion and kids’ toys to food and beverages. Today, MAP has almost 2,600 retail stores in 81 major Indonesia cities, and more than 20,000 employees. Some of its brands include Starbucks, ZARA, Marks & Spencer, SOGO, Seibu, Oshkosh B’Gosh and Reebok. It was incorporated in 1995 and listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2004.

Sharma completed his commerce and law degrees at Rajasthan University, India, and earned his Master of Business Administration from Hull University in the United Kingdom.