MAM
Citizen launches Kareena Kapoor inspired collection; to expand retail presence
MUMBAI: Citizen has roped in Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor for the launch of Kareena Diamond Collection and Kareena Fashion Collection of watches.
Citizen also plans to expand its retail presence in India, increasing the number of retail outlets to 100 from 37 and have a presence in more than 500 MBO’s by end of this year.
Speaking on the company’s plans Citizen Watches (I) Pvt. Ltd managing director Hideaki Nakazaki said, “We currently have 37 First Citizens (Citizen’s Exclusive Showrooms) and more than 300 Citizen Corners (Multi-Brand outlets) across the country. As a part of our retail expansion, we plan to extend the number of First Citizen’s to 100 by end of 2008 and to have presence in more than 500 MBO’s by end of this year. Our next immediate First Citizen launches will in cities like Varanasi, Hyderabad, Agra and Lucknow amongst many others.”
Forever Diamonds is an exclusive diamond collection with a stylish and ethnic look and priced in the range of Rs. 7290 – Rs. 24,680. While The Kareena Fashion Collection is a range of chic and futuristic watches for the teenage girl moving into womanhood and will be available in various designs and styles with gold finish, bracelet styles, metallic, solid coloured and lush leather straps. This collection will be priced between Rs. 4,690 to Rs, 13,500.
Citizen entered India in 1998 with the Eco – Drive light powered watches and since then, it has grown from unit sales of 100,000 and sales value of Rs. 220 million in 2003-2004, to an estimated 240,000 and Rs. 600 million in 2006-2007, a 172 per cent value growth in the last three years. They plan to invest heavily to ensure an annual growth rate of 30 – 40 per cent, in the forthcoming years.
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.
