When Kavinder Singh re-joined Pidilite Industries (leaders in industrial adhesives, bonding and waterproofing solutions), in 2024 as Joint Managing Director, he brought with him more than just business acumen. He carried nearly four decades of diverse leadership experience spanning consumer goods, adhesives, and hospitality. What followed was the creation of a new vertical that has the potential to change how India builds and maintains its hotels, commercial buildings and residences: Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS).
This is not Singh’s first innings at Pidilite. Between 2009 and 2014, he had led the consumer products business, overseeing corporate strategy functions and marquee consumer brands like Fevikwik, M-Seal and others in the segment. Before that, he was with ITC from 2001 to 2009, where he spearheaded the launch of Sunfeast biscuits in a competitive market dominated by Britannia and Parle. But his most transformational stint came at Mahindra Holidays, where, as MD and CEO of Club Mahindra from 2014 to 2024, he reshaped the brand into a hospitality leader built on long-term customer trust.
“Hospitality is one of the most demanding industries when it comes to experience, durability, and aesthetics,” Singh explains. “You’re not just building a resort; you’re creating memories. And those memories are only possible when the infrastructure never fails.”
As he became deeply involved in the process of resort development, a number of underlying, often overlooked challenges in the hotel industry began to emerge. These weren’t just architectural or aesthetic issues – they were systemic gaps in the way hospitality spaces were being built and maintained.
The Birth of PPS: From Waterproofing to Integrated Hospitality Solutions
When Singh returned to Pidilite, he saw untapped potential beyond traditional waterproofing. “Hotels face multiple challenges,” Singh elaborates. “There’s the rising cost of energy, frequent maintenance issues, the pressure to achieve IGBC green building certifications, and the need to maintain aesthetic appeal without constant refurbishing.”
He goes on to explain, “For instance, hospitality is one of the most unforgiving segments when it comes to surface failure. A leak in a room, a stained lobby floor, or a cracked tile in a swimming pool isn’t just a maintenance issue – it’s a brand failure. Worse, it leads to loss of room nights, operational disruption, and potential reputational damage.”
These insights led to the creation of Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) – a dedicated initiative offering integrated, end-to-end solutions for complex construction needs. What sets PPS apart is its full lifecycle approach: From specification and design consultation to post-handover diagnostics and annual maintenance contracts.
PPS in Action: What It Delivers
Singh explains the different ways PPS is structured to handle the entire range of hospitality infrastructure needs:
- Waterproofing: For roofs, basements, podiums, bathrooms and even swimming pools using Dr. Fixit solutions.
- Wall Insulation: Systems like Walace that are waterproof, insulated, fire-resistant, energy-efficient, and enable durable facades.
- Energy Efficiency: Low Energy Consumption (LEC) roofing systems that save on energy costs.
- Interior Aesthetics: ICA finishes from Italy for wood and metal; terrazzo floorings for public areas; designer grouts under Starlike brand.
- Surface Durability: Epoxy and PU floor coatings for car parks, decorative flooring (including terrazzo) for lobbies, Roff tile adhesives, decorative grouts by Starlike and stone care from Tenax.
“We’re bundling high-performance products with technical service and certified applicators to deliver what hospitality really needs: No downtime, energy savings, aesthetics that last, and surfaces that perform,” Singh says.
A Mindset of Service
The PPS model mirrors the values of hospitality: Service, care, and attention to detail. Unlike conventional vendors who disappear after installation, Pidilite takes ownership.
“We don’t just sell products; we solve problems,” says Singh. “And we don’t believe in a price war. We’re premium for a reason. Our clients recognize that these solutions not only deliver long-term value but also enhance their reputation by aligning with industry-leading standards and practices.”
In short, PPS positions itself like a healthcare partner. “You don’t go to the cheapest healthcare provider; you go to the one you trust. That’s how you should approach building hotels and resorts too,” he adds.
Built on Deep Expertise
The PPS team, according to Singh, is no ordinary group of salespeople. It’s a core team that includes architects, engineers, and application specialists. Singh’s prior experience in leading consumer businesses and hospitality brands makes him uniquely suited to lead such a hybrid team.
Moreover, Pidilite operates a Dr. Fixit Institute to train and certify applicators across India. This builds a talent pool of skilled professionals called Career Waterproofers, ensuring quality application even in non-metro locations.
“It’s not just about material science anymore,” Singh says. “It’s about delivery excellence and accountability.”
End-to-End Services
What truly sets PPS apart is its one-window model. Clients get:
- Technical specifications tailored to segment-specific needs
- Estimation and bill-of-quantity support
- Access to certified applicators or in-house execution arm – Nina Percept (Pidilite’s fully owned subsidiary)
- Warranty, site audits, and post-handover support
“Every surface in a hotel is different,” Singh explains. “Lobby floors need seamless aesthetic finishes. Bathrooms need chemical-resistant grouts. Roofs need Low Energy Consumption (LEC) systems. PPS ensures each of those gets the best-fit solution.”
Hospitality First, But Not Just Hospitality
While PPS has found quick adoption in hospitality, its value proposition extends to hospitals, educational institutions, commercial buildings, and residential high-rises.
“Hospitality was a natural entry point for us,” Singh admits. “But once people experience our approach, they want us across all asset classes.”
PPS solutions are already in use across several luxury and premium hotel brands in India and Sri Lanka, including the ITC Colombo. Singh does not disclose other names but hints that “most five-star hotels in India having used at least one of our solutions.”
A Green Edge
As India pushes for green certifications, PPS is already future-ready. Solutions like LEC and WalAce comply with the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). Green terraces, vertical gardens, and passive measures are part of its portfolio.
“We start at the design stage,” Singh says. “Because that’s when you can really move the needle on sustained energy performance.”
Looking Ahead
PPS is currently focused on India, but expansion is underway. Local Pidilite teams in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Middle East are already taking the PPS philosophy global. Africa is another strong growth market.
“We’ll adapt the model as we go, but the fundamentals remain the same: Partnership, performance, and accountability,” Singh emphasizes.
Full Stack of Service & Care
In an industry where construction chemicals were often treated as commodity inputs, Kavinder Singh is building a cultural shift. With PPS, Pidilite is not just selling adhesives, grouts, or waterproofing materials — it’s providing infrastructure resilience for the long haul.
“What we’re offering is a full-stack solution with hospitality-grade service. That’s a completely new mindset in this space. And the market is responding,” Singh concludes.
With hospitality booming and infrastructure demands growing more complex, Pidilite Professional Solutions may well be setting the standard for how India builds — durably, beautifully, and profitably.
