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Tag: Kumar Mangalam Birla

  • Birlas and Galeries Lafayette dazzle Mumbai night

    Birlas and Galeries Lafayette dazzle Mumbai night

    MUMBAI: When Paris met Mumbai, it wasn’t on a runway but at a rooftop under the stars. The Birla family, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Neerja Birla, Ananya Birla, and Aryaman Birla, hosted a glittering private soirée with Galeries Lafayette, turning an ordinary evening into a masterclass in culture, couture, and conversation.

    The night unfolded like a love letter to Parisian charm with a Mumbai heartbeat. Guests journeyed floor by floor through immersive spaces, each telling a different story of elegance.

    At La Beauté on the lower ground, beauty and wine mingled to the sound of a live cello. The Ground Floor’s La Coupole shimmered with over 800 designer bags, champagne bubbles, and decadent desserts, indulgence at its most refined. On the first floor, L’Atelier transformed into an art-meets-fashion haven, while L’Édition Femme on the second floor glowed with violin notes, couture, and champagne.

    Style took a suave turn at L’Édition Homme, where whiskey flowed and a live saxophone serenaded guests amid sharp tailoring and timeless sophistication. The energy rose at Flip Side, a denim-fuelled floor pulsing with tequila, laughter, and live guitar, proving that luxury can let its hair down too.

    The evening reached its crescendo at Turner Terrace, the rooftop finale. A breathtaking cross-cultural symphony united harpist Victor Espinola, sitar maestro Purbayan Chatterjee, Japanese violinist Suyaka Kurokichi, percussionist Satyajit Talwalkar, and drummer Shikhar Naad, a harmony of East and West under the night sky.

    The 130-year-old French maison provided the perfect backdrop for a guest list that sparkled as brightly as the chandeliers. Among those in attendance were Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Aditi Rao Hydari, Arjun Kapoor, Tamannaah Bhatia, Angad Bedi, Neha Dhupia, Armaan Malik, Anuv Jain, Shankar Mahadevan, Tarun Tahiliani, and Ahaan Shetty, all adding their own flair to the soirée’s splendour.

    An evening of Parisian poise and Mumbai magic, it was a night where art, fashion, and music converged, proving that when the Birlas host, luxury takes centre stage.
     

  • Galeries Lafayette lands in Mumbai with massive bet on Indian luxury

    Galeries Lafayette lands in Mumbai with massive bet on Indian luxury

    MUMBAI: Mumbai will get its first luxury department store next month when Galeries Lafayette throws open the doors of its 90,000 sq ft flagship in the heritage Turner Morrison and Voltas House buildings at Kala Ghoda. The move marks the French retailer’s biggest bet yet on India’s exploding luxury market, forecast to hit $85bn by 2030.

    The partnership between the 130-year-old Parisian institution and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), struck in 2022, brings more than 250 global luxury brands to five floors of meticulously restored colonial grandeur. London’s Virgile + Partners has designed the space to blend Parisian refinement with Mumbai’s architectural heritage.

    Aditya Birla group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla called it “a coming-of-age moment for Indian luxury retail.” He pointed to India’s fastest-growing affluent population and a new generation of globally exposed consumers hungry for high-end experiences. “For the first time, India will welcome a luxury department store, housed in landmark real estate, executed with precision, and infused with the elegance of Indian sensibilities,” he said.

    Galeries Lafayette group executive chairman Nicolas Houzé described the Mumbai opening as “a defining moment” that brings together French heritage with India’s energy and cultural richness. The partnership with the Aditya Birla group, he added, gives the project “a particularly strong foundation.”

    To mark the occasion, both chairmen sailed from the Gateway of India aboard a flotilla of yachts for a celebration on the Arabian Sea—a suitably theatrical arrival for a brand built on spectacle.

    Beyond the merchandise, the flagship offers personal styling, private lounges, concierge services and curated cultural programmes. ABFRL, managing director Ashish Dikshit said the store aims to create “cultural experiences” that go beyond retail. “We are setting new benchmarks in assortment, service and experience,” he said.

    The store opens early next month at 16 G. Vaidya Road, Kala Ghoda. If India’s luxury trajectory holds, it won’t be the last of its kind. Mumbai’s moneyed set, it seems, is ready to shop like Parisians—without leaving home.

  • BT Mindrush 2025 honours top CEOs and business icons in Mumbai

    BT Mindrush 2025 honours top CEOs and business icons in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: India’s top executives and business pioneers gathered at BT Mindrush 2025 on 22 March in Mumbai, where Business Today unveiled its prestigious India’s Best CEOs Awards 2025. The event honoured remarkable figures shaping the corporate landscape while offering insights into strategies for navigating global economic shifts.

    Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, was named Business Icon of the Year, while minister of external affairs S. Jaishankar, received the Impact Icon of the Year award. The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Marico Ltd. chairman Harsh Mariwala and Thermax former chairperson Anu Aga for their enduring contributions.

    Among the other honourees, Narayana health chairman Devi Prasad Shetty was recognised as the Most Trusted Leader, while Eternal founder & CEO Deepinder Goyal received the Resilient CEO award. Tata Power CEO & MD Praveer Sinha was honoured as the Green Growth Visionary, and Physics Wallah founder & CEO Alakh Pandey earned the Startup of the Year title. Sun Pharma CMD Dilip Shanghvi was acknowledged for Services Vanguard, whereas TVS Motor MD Sudarshan Venu won for Manufacturing & Retail Excellence. MOFSL group MD & CEO Motilal Oswal was named among The Wealth Makers, while Mankind Pharma chairman Ramesh Juneja was recognised as The Deal Maker. Interglobe Aviation CEO Pieter Elbers was awarded the Glocal CEO title, and Jindal Stainless MD Abhyuday Jindal was honoured as an Urban Visionary. Solar Industries MD & CEO Manish Satyanarayan Nuwal was named among the Pillars of Progress, while KPIT Technologies’ Kishor Patil and Persistent Systems’ Sandeep Kalra received Tech Titans awards. Additionally, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders former CMD Sanjeev Singhal was recognised as the Bharat PSU Icon.

    The theme, Vucanomics 2025: Thriving in Turmoil – Turning Global Disruptions into Growth, steered discussions on leveraging technology and capital to transform uncertainties into opportunities.

    Birla, said, “Each overseas acquisition must be driven by clear strategic rationale securing raw materials, strengthening value chain resilience, or accessing higher-margin markets with lower volatility.” He added, “India is firmly on course to achieve developed-country status by 2047.”

    Union minister Nitin Gadkari, the event’s chief guest, announced that a national tolling policy would be introduced before 1 April, ensuring “reasonable concessions to commuters” and unveiling 36 new green express highways. Jaishankar, awarded Impact Icon of the Year, highlighted India’s balanced approach in global diplomacy, remarking, “From Russia and Ukraine to Israel and Iran and from the BRICS to the QUAD India engages across divides with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’”

    Financial markets and policy stability were also key discussion points. Motilal Oswal urged cautious optimism in equities, while SEBI chair Tuhin Kanta Pandey assured, “Taxation has been rationalised; let’s not unsettle that certainty.” NSE MD Ashish Chauhan noted a shift in market dynamics, saying, “Domestic investors are increasingly becoming a stabilising force even as foreign flows ebb and flow.”

    The event culminated in the unveiling of Business Today’s special annual issue, honouring India’s finest executives. The issue was launched by Union ministers Gadkari and Jaishankar, Birla, and India Today group chairman Aroon Purie.

    With 18 eminent speakers across 13 sessions, BT Mindrush 2025 hosted over 200 CXOs from corporate India. The event was supported by Pwc (Presenting Partner), Diageo (Celebration Partner), Polymatech (Semiconductor Partner), Becquer Solar Studio (New Energy Partner), Logitech (Collaboration Partner), GAIL (Energy Partner), Sofitel Mumbai BKC (Hospitality Partner), and Laqshya Media Group and Omark Media Around Life (Outdoor Partners).

  • Business Today MindRush returns with top leaders decoding disruption at Vucanomics 2025 in Mumbai

    Business Today MindRush returns with top leaders decoding disruption at Vucanomics 2025 in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: Global disruptions, economic turbulence, and CEOs dancing through chaos—sounds like the perfect storm waiting to hit Mumbai! Hold onto your hats because Business Today’s MindRush 2025 is about to turbocharge the narrative. Gathering the sharpest minds and slickest suits, BT MindRush will speed into Mumbai on 22 March, transforming global upheaval into growth opportunities faster than you can say ‘Vucanomics’.

    Taking place at the swanky Sofitel in BKC, the 13 edition of this flagship event will see India’s corporate titans swapping survival tips and secret sauces for thriving amidst turmoil. “Vucanomics 2025: Thriving in Turmoil – Turning Global Disruptions into Growth” isn’t just catchy; it’s an entire blueprint for business brilliance.

    Headlining this leadership carnival will be luminaries like India’s road transport czar Nitin Gadkari; diplomatic heavyweight S. Jaishankar; and NSE India boss Ashish Chauhan. Throw in Kumar Mangalam Birla, Harsh Mariwala, Praveer Sinha, Kishor Patil, and PwC India’s Sanjeev Krishan, and you’ve got more star power than a Hindi cinema blockbuster.

    From fiery keynote speeches to razor-sharp panel discussions, BT MindRush will dish out lessons in leadership, innovation, and grabbing disruption by the horns. This year’s edition won’t be for the faint-hearted, promising ‘ample networking opportunities’—corporate speak for ‘bring your best elevator pitch or stay home.’

    The crème de la crème will also get their moment in the spotlight with the prestigious BT India’s Best CEOs Awards. These won’t be your run-of-the-mill trophies—winners will be selected through the intense BT-PwC India’s Best CEOs survey, honouring those who have turned volatility into victory.

  • Hindalco gets a bold makeover, bets big on engineered solutions

    Hindalco gets a bold makeover, bets big on engineered solutions

    MUMBAI:  Hindalco, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has rebranded itself with a sharp new identity, shedding its image as a mere materials supplier to become a full-fledged engineered solutions powerhouse. With a fresh logo and a new tagline—’Engineering Better Futures’—the company is making an aggressive play in electric mobility, renewable energy, semiconductors, and high-end electronics.

    The rebrand was unveiled by group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla before an audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and business partners.

    “Hindalco is no longer just a metals player—it’s a mini-conglomerate in itself, with 52 plants across 10 countries producing high-quality products that shape the global economy,” said Birla. “We are committing Rs 45,000 crore to aluminium, copper, and specialty alumina businesses to deliver both upstream and next-gen high-precision engineered products. Our new identity reflects our role as a catalyst for change, a problem solver, and a co-creator of industrial progress.”

    The new Hindalco logo features a bold, dynamic ‘H’—symbolising forward momentum and innovation. But this isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. The rebrand signals a shift towards high-performance materials and precision engineering, with a focus on sustainability, circularity, and cutting-edge applications.

     

    Kumar Mangalam Birla and Satish Pai

    Managing director Satish Pai called it a “pivotal moment” for Hindalco as it moves beyond being a metals manufacturer to an innovation-driven solutions provider. “Our investments in advanced materials, circular economy solutions, and state-of-the-art applications will redefine Indian manufacturing. The pillars of our transformation—sustainability, circularity, durability, and precision engineering—will ensure we create a lasting impact for generations,” said Pai.

    Hindalco is already shaking up industries with its engineered solutions:

    * Auto & EVs: Lighter, more efficient materials for electric vehicles, including battery enclosures that improve safety and extend range.
    * Packaging: A leader in aluminium can-body stock, pushing an 80 per cent recycled model for a truly circular economy.
    * Energy & storage: Partnering with battery makers to develop aluminium and copper materials for next-gen energy storage solutions.
    * Aerospace & defence: Supplying ultra-high-performance alloys for Isro’s Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, while developing specialised defence-grade materials.

    And it’s not stopping there. Hindalco is building India’s first e-waste recycling plant at Birla Copper and has launched a 100MW renewable energy project in Odisha that combines wind, solar, and pumped hydro storage for round-the-clock power.

    Hindalco has been ranked the world’s most sustainable aluminium company in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for five consecutive years. Its focus on energy-efficient production, waste reduction, and green materials is in lockstep with India’s net-zero ambitions.

    “We invite our customers to demand more—not just materials, but co-designed, custom-engineered, next-generation products,” said Birla. “Together, we can power a more sustainable, more advanced, and more impactful future. ” 

    With its bold rebrand and an arsenal of game-changing solutions, Hindalco is making it clear: the future isn’t just being built—it’s being engineered.

  • Aditya Birla Group to launch its paints business under the brand name ‘Birla Opus’

    Aditya Birla Group to launch its paints business under the brand name ‘Birla Opus’

    Mumbai: Grasim Industries Ltd, a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, today unveiled the brand name of its paints business, ‘Birla Opus’. The market launch of Birla Opus is scheduled for Q4FY24. Grasim will offer a full suite of high-quality products in the decorative paints segment.

    Aditya Birla Group chairman  Kumar Mangalam Birla said, “Our foray into decorative paints is a strategic portfolio choice that enables us to tap into a high-growth market and expand our presence in the vibrant Indian consumer landscape. Our paint business will build on the power and trust associated with the Aditya Birla brand. The Company has over the last couple of years built a strong foundation to enable a successful business launch. We endeavour to become a profitable No. 2 player in the coming years and announcing our brand name is the first of many steps that will follow in this direction.”

    Ahead of the launch, Grasim has successfully piloted the first-of-its-kind painting services in key metros and introduced a range of imported wood finishes. A cutting-edge R&D facility has already been set up in Maharashtra.

    Grasim had previously committed an investment of Rs.10,000 crore towards setting up the paints business. The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plants located in Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, will have a total capacity of 1,332 million litres per annum (MLPA) and will serve demand centres across the country.

    The current estimated value of India’s decorative paints industry is  Rs 70,000 Crore. The paints industry is witnessing double-digit growth year-on-year driven by rising consumer aspirations and the government’s push towards ‘Housing for All’.

  • Kumar Mangalam Birla steps down as non-executive chairman of Voda Idea

    Kumar Mangalam Birla steps down as non-executive chairman of Voda Idea

    Mumbai: Kumar Mangalam Birla has stepped down as non-executive director and non-executive chairman of Vodafone Idea, the company said on Wednesday.

    “The board of directors of Vodafone Idea, at its meeting held today, have accepted the request of Kumar Mangalam Birla to step down as non-executive director and non-executive chairman of the board with effect from close of business hours on 4 August 2021,” Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL) said in a regulatory filing.

    The board has “unanimously” elected current non-executive director Himanshu Kapania as the non-executive chairman of the firm.

    Kapania is a telecom industry veteran with 25 years of experience, including significant board experience in telecom companies globally. He has also served on the Global GSMA Board for two years and was also chairman of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) for two years.

    “Further, based on recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the board has appointed Sushil Agarwal, a nominee of Aditya Birla Group, as an additional director (non-executive and non-independent) with effect from 4 August 2021,” VIL added.

  • Vodafone Idea CEO Balesh Sharma resigns, Ravinder Takkar to take over

    Vodafone Idea CEO Balesh Sharma resigns, Ravinder Takkar to take over

     The Board of Vodafone Idea Limited today announced that it has accepted Balesh Sharma’s request for personal reasons to step down as CEO of Vodafone Idea. Balesh will be taking up a new role with Vodafone Group, which will be announced in due course. Ravinder Takkar, currently Vodafone Group’s representative in India, will be appointed as his successor with immediate effect.

    Balesh has been the CEO of Vodafone Idea since the completion of the merger, and prior to that was Chief Operating Officer of Vodafone India. He has overseen the successful integration of Vodafone Idea – resulting in the estimated timescale to complete the integration falling from four to just two years. Balesh has driven the strategy of the combined business since its formation and he has also spearheaded the largest-ever equity raise in India.

    Ravinder Takkar, an experienced global executive, is currently a Board member of Vodafone Idea and Indus Towers, where he is responsible for all Vodafone Group interests in India, a role which he took on in 2017. Prior to his current role, Ravinder was the CEO of Vodafone Romania for three years and CEO of Vodafone Partner Markets in London. He has been with Vodafone Group since 1994 and brings a wealth of experience in telecom industry having worked in several leadership positions across Vodafone’s operating companies over the last 25 years.

    Ravinder has been involved in the Indian telecom industry since 2007 when Vodafone Group entered the Indian market. He has held a number of senior roles in Strategy and Business Development and he was CEO of the Enterprise business.

    Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Idea Limited, said, “I would like to thank Balesh for his leadership and the successful integration of the two businesses. Under Balesh's stewardship, Vodafone Idea has realised a significant proportion of the synergies in a much shorter timescale than originally estimated. I wish him every success in his next role. I am pleased to welcome Ravinder Takkar as our new MD & CEO. Ravinder is well versed with the Vodafone Idea business context and I am confident that he will successfully steer the company through the next phase of development and help unlock its full potential.”

  • Gas-O-Fast hands digital duties to Columbus India

    Gas-O-Fast hands digital duties to Columbus India

    MUMBAI: Columbus India, the data-driven digital marketing agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, has been appointed as the digital agency for Gas-O-Fast, a product of Mankind Pharma. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch and will be handled out of the agency’s Delhi office.

    As part of the new mandate, the assignment will involve using Columbus India’s expertise in the digital ecosystem for managing digital media, SEO (search engine optimisation), SMO (social media optimisation), website development and maintenance for Gas-O-Fast.

    Gas-O-Fast assistant general manager of marketing Joy Chatterjee says, “It gives us immense pleasure to partner with Columbus India as our digital social agency. This relationship will help Gas-O-Fast reach out to our potential users across the internet, thereby maximising our reach and keeping our focus on the healthy lifestyle of our customers.”

    Columbus India chief business officer Nitin Sabharwal adds, “Getting our first brand from Mankind Pharma is very exciting and we look forward to deploying our complete creative suite of services allowing us to deliver high social engagement for the brand.” 

    Columbus India CEO Anurag Gupta mentions, “It’s a start to our relationship with Mankind Pharma who have placed their faith in us for their brand Gas-O-Fast. We look forward to making this relationship into a multi-brand and multi-services engagement.”

  • Balesh Sharma becomes CEO of merged Vodafone-Idea entity

    Balesh Sharma becomes CEO of merged Vodafone-Idea entity

    MUMBAI: Vodafone Group and Aditya Birla Group have announced the proposed new leadership team of the merger between two major telecom operators of India – Vodafone India and Idea Cellular.

    Balesh Sharma who is currently the chief operating officer of Vodafone India will become the CEO of the merged entity. He joined Vodafone in 2003 and over the years, has held several senior management positions in India and internationally.

    Idea Cellular CEO Kumar Mangalam Birla will become the non-executive chairman of the merged Company.

    Sashi Shankar, who is currently the chief marketing officer at Idea, will be responsible for marketing and brand strategy for the consumer business. 

    Anil Tandon and Rajat Mukherjee, currently head of technology and head of corporate affairs of Idea will be full time advisers to the merged business in their respective areas of expertise, working closely with Vishant Vora and P Balaji, respectively.

    The appointments will come into effect after the merger is completed.

    Vodafone Group Plc and Idea Cellular announced the proposed leadership team of the combined business, which will come into effect after the merger has been completed. This is in line with the original merger announcement of March 20, 2017, which said that the management team of the combined business would be confirmed prior to closing. 

    This is in line with the original merger announcement of 20 March 2017, which said that the management team of the combined business would be confirmed prior to closing.

    The existing leadership teams of Idea Cellular and Vodafone India will continue to manage their separate businesses and be accountable for each company’s operational performance until the merger becomes effective. 

    It is only upon completion of the merger that the two businesses will cease to operate as distinct and competing entities.

    Also Read:

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