MAM
Publicis employee slaps lawsuit on gender bias
MUMBAI: In a curious case, Monique da Silva Moore, global healthcare director in the Boston office of the Publicis Groupe SA, has sued the company for $100 million saying that the French advertising company discriminates against women in pay and promotions.
“A Publicis woman‘s place is in the back of the line, far removed from senior management positions, almost all of which are reserved for the men,” Moore’s complaint observes.
The case, filed in the US District Court in Manhattan, seeks class-action status. Women make up 70 per cent of the company‘s public relations staff but hold only about 15 per cent of leadership positions, the lawsuit adds.
The lawsuit says MSLGroup was in the midst of a reorganisation when Moore took her maternity leave. She says she was led to believe she had a position in her office in Boston, but that upon her return she was ordered to move immediately to New York without reimbursement for relocation expenses, forcing her to accept termination.
In her lawsuit, Moore seeks damages of at least $100 million and is the latest of many accusing companies of systematically favouring men over women in the workplace.
“We generally do not comment on pending litigation, but we can say that the fact that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission dismissed Ms da Silva‘s charge reflects the lack of merit to her claims,” a spokeswoman for MSLGroup said.
Da Silva Moore worked for MSLGroup from 1999 through January 2010, when she says she was unfairly terminated after a four-month maternity leave. She earlier worked for the company from 1991 to 1993, the lawsuit says.
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.
