Brands
Skybags packs its bags with CSK as cricket gets a stylish carry-on
Youth brand enters sports with co-branded luggage as CSK’s official partner.
MUMBAI: When cricket fever meets travel style, even luggage gets a team jersey. Skybags has stepped onto the sporting field by launching its official licensed Chennai Super Kings merchandise, becoming the team’s official luggage partner for the 2026 season. The move marks Skybags’ strategic entry into sports marketing, beginning with cricket, often described as nothing short of a national obsession in India. The partnership will see Skybags retail an exclusive range of co-branded luggage and backpacks inspired by CSK’s iconic visual identity, blending team pride with practical design for today’s always-on-the-move consumers.
The association also strengthens the sports-focused ambitions of VIP Industries Limited, Skybags’ parent company, as it looks to engage younger audiences through high-energy platforms and fan-led cultural moments. Skybags will be integrated into CSK’s fan engagement activities throughout the 2026 season, while the official merchandise will continue to be sold even after the cricket league concludes.
Pricing has been positioned to appeal to a wide fan base. The co-branded luggage range will start at Rs 4,590, while backpacks will be available from Rs 1,999, making team colours accessible beyond the stadium.
VIP Industries Limited managing director and CEO Atul Jain said the partnership reflects a natural alignment. Cricket, he noted, is deeply woven into India’s cultural fabric, and CSK’s reputation for consistency, excellence and talent development mirrors Skybags’ own brand values. He added that this collaboration is intended as the first of several meaningful sporting associations for Skybags.
From the franchise’s side, Chennai Super Kings managing director KS Viswanathan said the partnership adds a new dimension to fan engagement. By extending CSK branding into everyday travel products, the collaboration gives supporters another way to express their loyalty beyond match days.
The Skybags x CSK range will be available across more than 500 retail outlets nationwide, all major e-commerce platforms, and through the CSK website, CSK app and the Skybags online store. As India pushes towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse, Skybags is betting that fandom does not stop at the boundary rope and that even a suitcase can carry team spirit.
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.
