Tag: Reliance Industries

  • FILA 2025 honours leaders, sparks dialogue on India’s business future

    FILA 2025 honours leaders, sparks dialogue on India’s business future

    MUMBAI: Leadership, vision, and resilience take centre stage as Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2025 gears up for its grand 14th edition on 28 February 2025. With a power-packed lineup of industry trailblazers, economic thinkers, and visionary entrepreneurs, the event promises insights, inspiration, and accolades for those shaping India’s business landscape.

    The journey to this prestigious evening began in December 2024, when a distinguished jury—chaired by Marico’s founder and chairman Harsh Mariwala—began the task of identifying the best in leadership, innovation, and impact. The panel featured financial and business heavyweights such as Federal Bank MD & CEO KVS Manian, Bain Capital’s India chairman Amit Chandra, and Boat Lifestyle’s chairman Vivek Gambhir, among others.

    This year’s FILA 2025 will not only honour leaders but also spark dynamic discussions on India’s evolving business landscape. Key highlights include a panel discussion on India’s Growth Story in a Volatile Environment, featuring KVS Manian, Rajesh Jejurikar, and Madan Sabnavis, exploring economic resilience and future opportunities. Tata Power CEO Praveer Sinha will take the stage for a fireside chat on India’s energy transition, shedding light on the sector’s transformation.

    Adding a touch of glamour and business acumen, movie actor and entrepreneur Katrina Kaif will share insights on ‘Going Beyond Endorsements—Building Your Brand,’ offering a glimpse into her journey from actor to business leader.  

    Supported by partners including Federal Bank, Kia, Rajasthan Tourism, and Reliance Industries, FILA 2025 is set to honour leaders who not only drive business success but also shape India’s future.

  • How Nita Ambani is quietly developing India’s M&E, sports and arts domains

    How Nita Ambani is quietly developing India’s M&E, sports and arts domains

    MUMBAI: JioStar India chairperson Nita Ambani says she can’t wait for the merger between Viacom18 and Disney and Reliance Industries to overall take Indian culture and entertainment to the world.

    Speaking to Haslinda Amin on her show Latitude under Bloomberg News, Nita Ambani highlighted: “We have to wait for the magic to happen to take Indian entertainment to the world through our streaming services as we look at putting India on the world map through this merger,” she said.

    Nita was otherwise pretty kicked about the fact that she had been given the mantle to head the media side of the Reliance business.  “It’s a new chapter. It’s a new beginning. And I am ready to take on new challenges and am very excited,” she told Amin.

    She confessed to the news host that even though she fell in love with cricket, she was not fully conversant with the intricacies of the sport. “I started reading about cricket,” she revealed. “I started talking to any cricketer that would have a conversation with me. It took me sometime to pick up and talk to all the boys of cricket. I spoke to Sachin, who is known as the god of cricket and I would ask him such embarrassing questions.But today it feels good, my son Akash is leading the Mumbai Indians cricket team. But what fills my heart  with joy Is the Women’s Premier League .”

    Nita disclosed that Indian girls go through so much to get to where they are. “Right from seeking permission from their parents who are not willing to let them follow their dreams,” she explained. Financial issues, Once you are injured you have lost your career.It takes them hours to reach their training centre. They have no sporting  gear, sometimes no shoes, when they tell you these stories, they are truly inspirational. We feel a shift in parents opinion towards sports, that they can have a career,”

    “It’s a dream of 1.4 billion to see the Olympics in India,” said Nita. “ I believe once sport takes over the transformation will be seen not only In the lives of the youth but also on the economy of our country. India is one of the biggest centres for digital usage. The Tokyo Olympics had the highest amount of digital engagement from India and one third of the viewership of the Olympic channel comes from India, India as a sporting market is huge,” she spelt out.

    Nita Ambani then highlighted the role that women are going to play in the country going forward. As well as how art (rural and urban)  entertainment,  and culture are now being given a thrust as more and more foreign acts are performing at the excellent infrastructure that has been put in place at the cultural centre which has been named after her in Mumbai:

    Nita told Haslinda, that she began as a teacher. “India has a great history and if we take that legacy and nurture it, and it is cherished for generations to come, that would be our vision to shine the spotlight on India,” she said.

  • Reliance Industries joins forces with Oval Invincibles in The Hundred

    Reliance Industries joins forces with Oval Invincibles in The Hundred

    MUMBAI: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), the powerhouse behind Mumbai Indians (MI), has officially added another feather to its cap. Through its subsidiary, Rise Worldwide Ltd, RIL has successfully partnered with the Oval Invincibles, a London-based franchise competing in the England & Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) thrilling 100-ball competition, The Hundred.

    Just days after clinching yet another league title in south Africa, MI is set to bring its winning mentality to English cricket. The partnership unites MI’s winning DNA with the reigning men’s champions of The Hundred in 2023 and 2024 and the women’s champions of 2021 and 2022—making this a true meeting of champions.

    From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the historic Oval, MI continues to build its cricket empire. With successful franchises in India, south Africa, the UAE, and now England, the MI brand is cementing itself as a dominant force in world cricket. The move is not just about expansion—it’s about bringing MI’s aggressive, entertaining, and fearless brand of cricket to an even bigger audience.

    MI’s journey is one of continuous evolution, and The Hundred—with its fast-paced, dynamic gameplay—is the perfect new frontier. The tournament has already captured the imagination of fans worldwide, and with MI’s involvement, it’s set to get even bigger. The #OneFamily philosophy has been at the core of MI’s success, and the inclusion of the Oval Invincibles only strengthens this ethos.

    So, whether it’s Mumbai, Cape Town, Dubai, or London—MI’s blue and gold continues to shine brighter than ever.

  • Disney reports substantially better results in Q1 FY 2025

    Disney reports substantially better results in Q1 FY 2025

    MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company reported robust Q1 FY25 financial results, driven by growth in its entertainment and experiences divisions and a return to profitability in streaming operations. The company posted a 44 per cent  jump in adjusted earnings per share to $1.76, exceeding market expectations of $1.45. Revenue rose by five per cent  to $24.69 billion, fuelled by strategic price hikes across streaming services.

    The direct-to-consumer (D2C) segment, encompassing Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, delivered a $293 million operating profit, recovering from a $138 million loss in the same quarter last year. However, Disney+ saw a marginal decline in subscribers, slipping to 124.6 million from 125.3 million in Q4 FY24. Hulu reported a three  per cent  growth in its subscriber base, offsetting some losses.

    Despite the dip in Disney+ subscribers, D2C revenue increased by nine per cent, reflecting the effectiveness of pricing strategies. The company announced plans to launch ESPN as a stand-alone streaming service by fall 2025, with a focus on delivering comprehensive sports content and digital features.

    Disney’s entertainment division recorded double-digit operating income growth, supported by the success of key franchises. Box office revenue saw a rebound, thanks to blockbuster releases and a strong international performance. Upcoming releases are expected to sustain this momentum in the next quarter.

    The sports division reported an impressive operating income of $250 million, reversing a $100 million loss from the same period last year. The absence of major cricket events in Q1 and improved operating efficiencies contributed to this turnaround.

    The experiences, parks, and products segment remained a key growth driver, bolstered by strong demand for domestic and international parks. Revenue from this segment surged by double digits as travel and leisure activities continued to normalise post-pandemic.

    Disney finalised a $220 million merger of its Hulu + Live TV business with FuboTV, taking a 70% ownership stake in the combined entity. CEO Bob Iger confirmed the company’s commitment to further growth in digital entertainment and immersive experiences.

    Looking ahead, Disney forecasts high single-digit earnings per share growth for FY25 and double-digit operating income growth in the entertainment division. However, the stock dipped 2.4 per cent  following the report, influenced by concerns over Disney+ subscriber declines.

    Meanwhile, moving on to its India operations. The mousehouse expects a $300 million equity loss from its Indian joint venture (JV), JioStar, in FY25 due to purchase accounting, according to CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston in the company’s Q1 FY25 earnings commentary. The JV, formed with Reliance Industries (RIL) and Bodhi Tree Systems, marked the merger of Star India, Disney+ Hotstar, and Reliance’s media assets.

    Disney, which holds a 37 per cent  stake in JioStar, deconsolidated Star India’s results from 14 November 2024. This quarter included just 1.5 months of Star India operations, compared to a full year in fiscal 2024. The company reported a $33 million equity loss from the JV in Q1, primarily linked to purchase accounting.

    The JV is projected to contribute $74 million to Disney’s entertainment operating income in FY25, down from $254 million last year, while the sports segment is expected to generate $9 million, recovering from a $636 million loss.

    Advertising revenue from Disney+ Hotstar in India fell sharply to $15 million in Q1 FY25, compared to $165 million the previous year. Despite this decline, direct-to-consumer (D2C) ad revenue outside India rose 16 per cent. Disney anticipates D2C operating income to increase by $875 million in FY25, partly due to an improved comparison against a $200 million adverse impact from Disney+ Hotstar in the previous year.

    Sports segment income improved to $250 million in Q1, recovering from a $100 million loss in Q1 FY24, which had aired the ICC Cricket World Cup.

    The company recognised a $143 million impairment charge and a $0.2 billion non-cash tax charge in Q1 FY25 as part of transaction-related restructuring. Cumulative foreign currency translation losses net of tax amounted to $0.8 billion.

    JioStar, valued at $8.5 billion, is 56 per cent  owned by RIL and seven per cent  by Bodhi Tree Systems. Disney’s move signals a strategic shift in its approach to the Indian market amid evolving media consumption patterns.

    The Walt Disney Company reported robust Q1 FY25 financial results, driven by growth in its entertainment and experiences divisions and a return to profitability in streaming operations. The company posted a 44 per cent  jump in adjusted earnings per share to $1.76, exceeding market expectations of $1.45. Revenue rose by five per cent  to $24.69 billion, fuelled by strategic price hikes across streaming services.

    The direct-to-consumer (D2C) segment, encompassing Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, delivered a $293 million operating profit, recovering from a $138 million loss in the same quarter last year. However, Disney+ saw a marginal decline in subscribers, slipping to 124.6 million from 125.3 million in Q4 FY24. Hulu reported a three  per cent  growth in its subscriber base, offsetting some losses.

    Despite the dip in Disney+ subscribers, D2C revenue increased by nine per cent, reflecting the effectiveness of pricing strategies. The company announced plans to launch ESPN as a stand-alone streaming service by fall 2025, with a focus on delivering comprehensive sports content and digital features.

    Disney’s entertainment division recorded double-digit operating income growth, supported by the success of key franchises. Box office revenue saw a rebound, thanks to blockbuster releases and a strong international performance. Upcoming releases are expected to sustain this momentum in the next quarter.

    The sports division reported an impressive operating income of $250 million, reversing a $100 million loss from the same period last year. The absence of major cricket events in Q1 and improved operating efficiencies contributed to this turnaround.

    The experiences, parks, and products segment remained a key growth driver, bolstered by strong demand for domestic and international parks. Revenue from this segment surged by double digits as travel and leisure activities continued to normalise post-pandemic.

    Disney finalised a $220 million merger of its Hulu + Live TV business with FuboTV, taking a 70% ownership stake in the combined entity. CEO Bob Iger confirmed the company’s commitment to further growth in digital entertainment and immersive experiences.

    Looking ahead, Disney forecasts high single-digit earnings per share growth for FY25 and double-digit operating income growth in the entertainment division. However, the stock dipped 2.4 per cent  following the report, influenced by concerns over Disney+ subscriber declines.

  • RIL delivers 3.7 per cent growth; solid Q3 gains amid mixed sector trends

    RIL delivers 3.7 per cent growth; solid Q3 gains amid mixed sector trends

    MUMBAI: Step aside, Indian cinema blockbusters—India’s corporate juggernaut, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has dropped its Q3 FY25 and nine-month financial results, and the plot twists are as gripping as any thriller.

    Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man with a jaw-dropping net worth of $101.9 billion, continues to steer this mammoth conglomerate with a flair that makes even the Ambani family’s $600 million wedding bash look like just another weekend splurge.

    But the numbers game is where the real drama unfolds.

    A behemoth company straddling sectors as diverse as petrochemicals, retail, telecom, and renewable energy, all while navigating rising costs, shifting consumer behaviours, and the ever-demanding shareholders. It’s a delicate high-wire act, with every quarter bringing a mix of triumphs and challenges that could put even the savviest financial analysts on edge.

    RIL has once again delivered a performance that is equal parts spectacle and strategy. With Q3 FY25 results showcasing both sharp gains and a few headwinds, the company continues to prove why it remains the unshakable titan of India’s corporate skyline.

    Will Reliance’s growing retail and telecom arms counterbalance the fluctuating fortunes of its oil-to-chemicals business? Are rising costs pinching the profits, or is this a strategic pause before another leap forward? Stay tuned as we break down the twists and turns of Reliance’s financial performance.

    Spoiler alert: it’s as gripping as a weekend binge-watch session—except this one comes with billions riding on the final scene.

    For the quarter ended 31 December 2024, RIL clocked consolidated revenue from operations of Rs 235,481 crore, a decent 3.7 per cent growth from Q3 FY24. Total income stood at Rs 240,357 crore, marking a steady rise. Net profit for the quarter came in at Rs 19,323 crore, slightly down from Rs 19,641 crore in Q3 FY24. Resilient? Yes. Spectacular? Maybe not. Is the glass half-full, or is it just heavy with operational costs?

    For the nine-month period, revenue from operations hit Rs 783,036 crore, a hair’s breadth below last year’s Rs 785,650 crore. But here’s the kicker: net profit surged to Rs 60,666 crore, riding high on stellar performances in retail and digital services. Looks like RIL’s strategy of diversification is paying dividends.

    The standalone core remains strong. RIL’s standalone revenue from operations for Q3 FY25 was Rs 134,054 crore, up from Rs 130,579 crore last year. Standalone net profit, however, dipped to Rs 7,713 crore from Rs 9,924 crore in Q3 FY24. For the nine months, standalone revenue reached Rs 405,559 crore, with net profit at Rs 30,351 crore. Steady as she goes, but where’s the spark? Does the core business need a shot of adrenaline?

    Segment Performance

    ●    Oil-to-Chemicals (O2C): RIL’s O2C business pulled in Rs 155,580 crore for Q3 FY25, contributing significantly to the topline. But wait, here’s the rub: EBITDA for the segment dropped 5.4 per cent  year-on-year to Rs 12,413 crore, thanks to higher feedstock prices. Can RIL recalibrate this cornerstone of its empire, or is it time to rethink its O2C game?

    ●    Retail: The retail arm—the show-stealer yet again—raked in Rs 83,040 crore, up 8.8 per cent  year-on-year. Segment EBITDA climbed to Rs 6,251 crore, driven by aggressive expansions and innovative consumer offerings. But the million-dollar question is: Can this momentum continue in an increasingly competitive retail arena?

    ●    Digital Services: Reliance Jio, the crown jewel of RIL’s digital portfolio, dazzled with revenues of Rs 38,055 crore and EBITDA of Rs 14,256 crore. Rising data consumption and subscriber additions fuelled the growth, but as competition heats up, will Jio’s dominance hold steady?

    ●    Oil and Gas: A surprising hero this quarter, the oil and gas segment posted revenue growth of 12 per cent  year-on-year to Rs 6,222 crore. EBITDA surged to Rs 5,290 crore, thanks to improved realisations and higher production. Is this a sign of sustained recovery for a segment once relegated to the shadows?

    This quarter saw RIL’s ambitious demerger of Viacom18’s media and cinema businesses into Star India, backed by a hefty Rs 11,500 crore investment. Bold? Absolutely. But will this manoeuvre bring blockbuster results or leave the balance sheet bruised?

    The company’s continued push into green energy and retail expansion highlights its long-term vision. Renewable energy projects underscore RIL’s commitment to sustainability, though the hefty upfront costs may weigh on short-term results. Meanwhile, its retail arm’s logistics and operational costs are rising—is it time for some belt-tightening?

    And let’s not forget O2C’s margins. With feedstock prices acting like an unruly stock ticker, RIL’s ability to navigate these headwinds will be crucial. Will precise execution and bold strategies be enough to keep this segment buoyant?

    What lies ahead?

    Reliance Industries’ Q3 FY25 results showcase a company balancing on the edge of consolidation and expansion. With robust performances in retail and digital services, RIL’s adaptability shines through. Yet, rising costs and narrowing margins in its flagship O2C segment call for sharp focus.

    Will the investments in green energy and entertainment usher in the next wave of growth, or will rising costs hold the company back? And as India’s digital transformation accelerates, can Jio keep its throne?

    For now, RIL’s saga of bold bets and calculated moves makes for an unmissable watch. Stay tuned as this corporate behemoth’s next chapter unfolds.

  • Nitin Bhandari appointed VP & general manager, India & south Asia beverages at PepsiCo

    Nitin Bhandari appointed VP & general manager, India & south Asia beverages at PepsiCo

    MUMBAI:  Nitin Bhandari has taken on the role of vice-president & general manager, India & south Asia beverages at PepsiCo. Based in Gurugram, Haryana, Bhandari will oversee the company’s beverages business in the region, focusing on unlocking growth opportunities and delivering value to consumers, communities, and stakeholders.

    He replaces George Kovoor senior vice-president & GM India beverage who has chosen to retire come 31 March 2025. 

    In his 19-year tenure at PepsiCo, Bhandari has held diverse leadership roles across India, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Most recently, he served as VP & chief growth officer for PepsiCo India, spearheading transformative strategies for its foods and beverages business in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Prior to this, he was general manager for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore, managing both beverages and foods.

    Bhandari’s career highlights include launching e-commerce initiatives in Asia, turning around PepsiCo’s Thailand foods business, and leading the marketing strategy for iconic brands like Mountain Dew in India. His achievements have earned him accolades such as the PepsiCo Chairman’s Award in 2015.

    All that experience will be put to the test  in the coming summer as Reliance Industries which has resuscitated the Campa-Cola brand and has proved a price warrior renews its assault on the Indian soft drink market, possibly with a few new variants as well as deepening its distribution. At the same time, the Jubilant Bhartia group is pumping in Rs 12,500 crore in Coca-Cola Co’s main Indian bottler Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages and acquiring a 40 per cent stake.

    An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indore, Bhandari expressed gratitude to PepsiCo leaders Eugene Willemsen and Jagrut Kotecha for this opportunity and acknowledged George Kovoor’s contributions in building a strong foundation for the business over the past three years.
     

  • Textile maker RSWM hires Rajeev Gupta as CEO

    Textile maker RSWM hires Rajeev Gupta as CEO

    MUMBAI: Textile yarn and fabric maker RSWM, the flagship company of LNJ Bhilwara group, has brought in former Sintex (Reliance Industries) chief executive officer (CEO)  Rajeev Gupta as CEO.

    Gupta has about 30 years’ experience working across textile, paper and consulting for the textile industry. Amongst the organisations he has left his imprint upon include: Trident group (18 years – textiles and paper), Blue Apple Tradelinks (six years- consulting), Sutlej Textiles (two years) and Reliance Industries (almost three years- textiles) .

    Gupta, a qualified cost accountant, also holds an MBA in management, and has completed has done his entrepreneurship and leadership programme from the Indian School of Business.

    “With a wealth of experience in the textile industry and a proven track record of leadership,  Gupta brings a fresh perspective and unparalleled expertise to the Bhilwara family. An inspiring figure in India’s textile landscape, his  vision and strategic acumen are set to strengthen RSWM’s legacy while driving innovation and growth. We are excited to embark on this journey under his guidance, as we continue to lead with purpose and sustainability,” said RSWM in a post on linkedin. .

  • Mukesh Ambani appoints Ira Bindra as group president, people & talent

    Mukesh Ambani appoints Ira Bindra as group president, people & talent

    MUMBAI: In the vast ocean of corporate titans, even the youngest sharks have the power to disrupt the tides.

    Such is the case at Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), where Mukesh Ambani, the captain of India’s largest private sector ship, has made a bold and transformative move. Ira Bindra, a seasoned global HR leader, has been appointed as group president, people & talent—a decision brimming with promise and significance. With this strategic appointment, Ambani signals a renewed focus on people, culture, and leadership in a company that shapes global narratives. It’s a moment of overwhelming excitement, as Bindra steps into a role that could redefine the future of one of the world’s most influential conglomerates.

    This appointment is a rare instance where Ambani himself announced a senior leadership hire, reflecting its strategic importance.

    Bindra, a 47-year-old HR leader with over two decades of global experience, will oversee talent development, leadership initiatives, and cultural transformation across the organisation. She is the first non-family woman and the youngest professional to join RIL’s Executive Committee.

    “Ira Bindra joins us from Medtronic, USA, where she was head of human resources and vice president – global regions,” Ambani stated in an internal communication. “She will work with me, Isha, Akash, Anant, and the executive committee to drive transformation across our company for people, culture, and leadership.”

    Bindra will collaborate with RIL’s business and HR leaders to elevate the company’s human resource practices to world-class standards. Her role includes fostering inclusive leadership and aligning HR strategies with RIL’s ambitious growth objectives.

    An alumna of Delhi’s Lady Shri Ram College (1998) and Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands (1999), Bindra’s illustrious career spans leadership roles at GE Capital, GE India, GE Healthcare, GE Oil & Gas, and Medtronic. She has worked across diverse sectors, including med-tech, financial services, and global industrial enterprises, in regions such as India, the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

    Ambani emphasised Bindra’s expertise, stating, “Her experience spans designing new operating models, creating business lines, and executing significant divestitures—contributing to improved performance and outcomes.”

    Bindra has expressed enthusiasm for her new role, sharing in a LinkedIn post: “I look forward to this new and exciting chapter that will bring new learnings and leverage my prior experiences to propel the next chapter of growth and transformation for Reliance, in partnership with the leaders and teams at Reliance” 

  • Uday Shankar and his band of three merry men

    Uday Shankar and his band of three merry men

    MUMBAI; They could have gone in for a single CEO like Disney Star India – or Star India before that – had done in the past.

    But with the magical Uday Shankar on top as the vice-chairperson to guide and direct strategy, the trio of Disney, Reliance Industries, and Bodhi Tree systems decided to go in for a troika of CEOs for the joint venture.  Kevin Vaz to lead  entertainment across platforms, Kiran Mani to head the combined digital organisation and the affable but effective Sanjog Gupta to spearhead the combined sports initiatives.

    A press release issued by Reliance Industries announced that the expectation is that the three will lead the new firm into a new era of ambition and disruption. “Together, they will leverage their unique strengths to cultivate a bold transformative vision that challenges the status quo and sets new standards in the industry,” it adds.

    Ambani is known to be a man in a hurry and willing to take risks. Leadership in every sector his group is involved in is all he asks. He is willing to give it time, but his watch runs differently, faster than every other entrepreneur in the business.

    Uday Shankar is built in the same vein. He has built a reputation of being on business steroids. Number one or nothing has always been his credo. Being the best in whatever he takes up. He is known to have taken tremendous risks, some say gambles, and on almost all occasions he has come out on top. The  team below him will have to keep pace.

    Kevin Vaz is a steady, consistent performer, who has stuck by Star for almost a score of years. An astute sales person, he has learnt to run a mean entertainment driven organisation. First, heading English language channels, then regional language ones, kids and infotainment ones. Finally, Hindi entertainment offerings  – the entire gamut before going on to settle at Viacom18 as CEO. With a strong second and third rung of creatives and programming heads leading the shows and series, he will not have too many a challenge from any of the others in the same space.

    Kiran Mani first cut his teeth in advertising working on Unilever brands. Then he spent eight years in IBM in marketing and channel sales in India. He hopped onto Microsoft  where once again he led marketing, strategy and operations. He then turned entrepreneur with an ad tech platform for which he found a buyer in two years. After a short stint at advising the National University of Singapore on its MBA programme, he dived into Google where he stayed for a baker’s dozen years, shuffling between India, the Bay area and Japan and Asia Pacific, finally settling down as general manager of android and Google Play for Asia Pacific and Japan when he was scouted and picked up to head Viacom18 Media. He burned the mid-night oil and weekends advising and angel investing in startups taking bets on emerging platforms and technologies while rapidly shooting up the corporate ladders. 

    Credentials like that are not easy to find, and he is the executive upon whom a lot rests as the world of entertainment consumption continues to transition from cable and linear TV to wireless streaming, handheld devices like mobile phones and tablets and connected TVs. And of course generative AI and machine learning. The area is teeming with competition with global biggies like Prime Video, Disney+ and Netflix and Google’s YouTube. What will hold him in good stead his deep attachment to meditation, mindfulness, and yoga which he has being practising for more than a dozen years.

    The bearded Sanjog Gupta is known to be a backroom executive, reticent, a quiet thinking leader who is more comfortable and does well in meeting rooms with his team and clients. With deep relationships across sports federations – both globally and locally, rights owners, athletes and sportsmen, a close and sharp eye on sports technology that vows the consumer, he has stayed ahead of all broadcast sports executives in the country and even in Asia. His challenge will be to keep the top line and bottom line healthy in an era of  skyrocketing licensing fees for sports like cricket. This apart, the Ambani family has taken upon itself to encourage other sports in the country, especially in the Olympic and Asian Games arena. Sanjog will have to find a way to train Indian viewers to start enjoying  and staying hooked to these sports as India vies to stage the Olympics within its shores in the next decade.   

    To know more about the other leadership teams please click here. https://www.jiostar.com/leadership/

  • Reliance Jio’s 2025 IPO poised to shatter Indian market records

    Reliance Jio’s 2025 IPO poised to shatter Indian market records

    Mumbai: In a move set to redefine India’s financial landscape, Reliance Jio Infocomm, the telecommunications arm of Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), plans to launch its initial public offering (IPO) in 2025. Analysts project the company’s valuation to exceed $100 billion, positioning it as potentially the largest IPO in India’s history.

    Reliance Jio has rapidly ascended to become India’s leading telecom operator, boasting 479 million subscribers. This growth underscores its robust business model and revenue streams, making it a prime candidate for public listing. A Reuters report highlights that RIL has “firmed up plans to launch the Reliance Jio IPO in 2025,” reflecting the company’s confidence in its market position.

    In July, Global brokerage firm Jefferies estimated Jio’s IPO valuation at $112 billion, suggesting a 7-15 per cent upside for RIL’s share price. While the telecom arm gears up for its market debut, Reliance Retail’s IPO is expected to follow at a later date. The company aims to address internal operational challenges before proceeding with the retail unit’s public offering. This strategic sequencing ensures that each segment is optimally positioned for investor engagement.

    The anticipated IPO aligns with Ambani’s 2019 announcement to list both Reliance Jio and Reliance Retail within five years. The forthcoming public offering is poised to attract significant investor interest, given Jio’s market dominance and growth trajectory.

    As the Indian IPO market experiences a surge, with 270 companies raising $12.58 billion by October 2024, Jio’s entry is set to be a landmark event. The company’s strategic initiatives and market leadership position it to make a substantial impact on the financial markets.