Kumar Mangalam Birla has become the chairman of Century Textiles and Industries Ltd, filling up the vacuum created by the death of his grandfather Basant Kumar Birla earlier this month.

Kumar was the vice-chairman of the company from 2015 and was widely expected to take up the reign of Mumbai-based Century.

In a separate development, Rajashree Birla, mother of Kumar Birla, was elevated as the chairperson of synthetic yarn maker Century Enka. She was the vice-chairperson of the company, where B.K. Birla was the chairman.

The elevations come a day after Manjushree Khaitan became the chairman of Kesoram Industries Ltd. Corporate watchers say the board level changes give a clear picture to the succession plan that BK Birla had initiated in his late years.

In a statement, Kumar Mangalam Birla said, 'It is an honour for me to chair a company that was so ably led by my legendary grandfather. His exemplary standards of ethics and his values will serve as an inspiration to us as we carry forward his legacy. “

From a single plant textile mill in 1951, the company has evolved to become a diversified conglomerate under the leadership of B.K. Birla. Century Textiles is now into cement, paper and real estate.

In a separate statement, Rajashree Birla said: “I am indeed honoured and privileged to be named chairperson of a company that has been led by an iconic leader like B.K.Birla. He has been a guide and a mentor for me and I look forward to carrying forth his legacy and help create value for all stakeholders.'

B.K.Birla started Century Enka as a nylon yarn project in 1965 with foreign collaborators. He has been on the board of the Pune-based company since inception in 1965 and has spearheaded the company's growth strategy for more than five decades.

Rajashree Birla serves on the boards of several companies in India and overseas such as Grasim, Hindalco and UltraTech. Furthermore, she is the chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development.