MAM
Neo Cricket set to rebrand as Neo Prime
MUMBAI: As part of its strategy to focus on non-cricket sports, Neo Sports Broadcast has rebranded its cricket focussed channel to a premium all-sports channel.
Consequently, Neo Cricket will have its name changed to Neo Prime starting 3 June.
With reduced live cricket property and a surge in volume in multiple sports, NSB believes two all sports channel is the current need of the hour.
Neo Sports Broadcast COO Prasana Krishnan said, “Neo Prime is the prime feed of a premium all-sports channel. The channel will showcase HD ready sports content and will shortly launch its HD offering.”
The decision to rebrand Neo Cricket is twofold. One, the broadcaster doesn‘t have live cricket to run a dedicated cricket channel. Two, a lot of Neo Sports properties were overlapping creating scheduling conflicts.
“The network will shortly announce a slew of big ticket acquisitions and multiple all sports channels will ensure scheduling conflicts are addressed to maximise the network viewership,” Krishnan said.
As part of a long term strategy, Neo has been acquiring sporting events including Uefa Euro 2012, French Open, World Series Hockey, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Copa America and Rugby World Cup in addition to the existing bouquet of Asia Cup, German Bundesliga, Davis Cup, US PGA Tour, BWF Badminton Super Series, and Fed Cup.
Neo Cricket was born in the wake of the BCCI rights which now reside with Star India. Neo has adopted a strategy that would run with primarily other sports like football, hockey, tennis and badminton.
Also read: Neo Prime begins its journey as all sports channel
Brands
Safex Group appoints Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer
Former Standard Chartered executive to steer finance
NEW DELHI: Safex Chemicals has appointed Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for the next phase of expansion in specialty chemicals and global agrochemicals.
In her new role, Malhotra will lead the group’s financial strategy, capital architecture and governance framework as Safex scales operations across multiple verticals including branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing.
A chartered accountant and graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Malhotra brings more than two decades of experience in business finance, strategic planning, corporate banking and client management.
Before joining Safex, she served as executive director, financial markets at Standard Chartered, where she led teams across India and Sri Lanka and worked closely with large corporates, global subsidiaries and commercial banking clients. Her expertise includes capital structuring, treasury operations, risk management and financial markets led financing solutions.
Safex Group promoter director and joint managing director Piyush Jindal, said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company. “Safex stands at an inflection point as we build an integrated platform across branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing. Richa’s experience across global financial institutions will strengthen our financial discipline and help unlock value across the group,” he said.
Malhotra said she was looking forward to contributing to the company’s next chapter of growth. “Safex has built a strong reputation over 35 years with its focus on integrity, innovation and agricultural insight. I am excited to be part of the organisation as it expands its footprint in India and global markets,” she said.
The appointment comes as Safex continues to strengthen its financial foundations and scale operations internationally, positioning itself for future growth milestones.
