5th Annual National
Convention on Salon & Wellness

“There are over two dozen salon brands in India operating between 10 to 50 outlets with the largest operator having 500+ operating outlets. Majority of the salon chains in India are regional and each one of them has a potential to set up 100+ outlets in the country if have a structured expansion plan. I foresee at least three operators with 500+ outlets in the next 10 years.”

Backed with MBA Degree in Marketing from MET (Mumbai) and M.Com in Business Management from Mumbai University, Istayak Ansari has over 13 years of experience in Start-ups, Retail Management and Franchise Development.

Started his career with Zee Education as Sales Manager in 2001, Ansari joined Gold's Gym India in 2004 as Franchise Manager. At the age of 30, Ansari was promoted as the Company Head. Consequently, he became the youngest Chief Operating Officer (COO) in the Health and Wellness Industry in Asia, heading the largest international fitness chain with over 85 gyms across 56+ cities.

After an eventful career in Gold's Gym, Ansari forayed into beauty and grooming industry by becoming Founding Director of Lloyds Luxuries Ltd and brought UK-based Truefitt & Hill barber shop to India, his first entrepreneurial venture.