MAM
I will take a break and then decide on options available: Pratap Bose
MUMBAI: After working for six years with DDB Mudra, the chief operating officer, Pratap Bose, is taking a summer holiday!
The news of him quitting the agency broke yesterday. However, not many were surprised with it as the reason of him putting down his papers was known. The group CEO and MD Madhukar Kamath has been given a four year extension at the agency and it is this reason why Bose resigned. Bose was expected to take over from Kamath, post his expected retirement.
Without indulging more on the subject Bose says, “It was a quick decision for me given the circumstances. But it has been glorious six years with the agency and I’m looking for the next chapter in my life and career.”
Bose has already been approached by other agencies, but he hasn’t taken any decision yet. “I might take a break for a while and then decide on the options.”
His last day in the agency is 11 April but will be available for handover or any work, if needed.
No one will be replacing him in the agency and people reporting to him will now be directly reporting to Kamath.
Prior to joining Mudra, Bose was with Ogilvy & Mather for 17 years; in 2006, he was named (youngest) CEO of the agency.
A chartered accountant by qualification, Bose has also worked across markets – national and international.
Last year, he was appointed as the president of the Ad Club and will continue to spearhead it.
Brands
Nestlé India posts 14.9 per cent sales growth, profit rises in FY26
FMCG major sweetens returns with dividend as strong domestic demand leads
NEW DELHI: Nestlé India has reported a strong financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, with sales and profits rising steadily on the back of robust domestic demand.
The company posted total income of Rs 231,949.5 million for FY26, up from Rs 202,645.5 million in the previous year, marking a growth of 14.9 per cent. Domestic sales remained the key driver, increasing 14.6 per cent to Rs 221,187.0 million, while exports contributed Rs 9,527.6 million to the overall tally.
The final quarter of the financial year added extra momentum, with total sales rising 23.4 per cent compared to the same period last year. This helped lift the company’s annual profit to Rs 35,446.0 million, up from Rs 33,145.0 million in FY25.
Shareholders are set to benefit as the board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 5.00 per equity share. This comes on top of the interim dividend of Rs 7.00 per share paid in February 2026. The record date for the final dividend has been fixed as 10 July 2026, subject to shareholder approval at the 67th Annual General Meeting scheduled for 3 July 2026. If approved, the payout will begin from 30 July 2026.
During the year, the company’s paid-up equity share capital doubled to Rs 1,928.3 million following a 1:1 bonus share issue, strengthening its capital base. The results were also supported by a Rs 1,207.8 million credit from exceptional items, including a Rs 2,023.2 million writeback from resolved income tax litigation, partially offset by restructuring costs and expenses related to new labour codes.
On the cost front, material costs rose to 44.8 per cent of sales for the full year, compared to 43.6 per cent in the previous year, reflecting ongoing input cost pressures. Despite this, the company maintained solid profitability, with EBITDA coming in at Rs 53,060.6 million.
Overall, Nestlé India’s performance underscores its ability to balance growth and margins in a challenging environment. With steady demand, disciplined cost management and consistent shareholder returns, the company appears well placed to carry its momentum into the next financial year.
