Brands
William Grant & Sons brings in Pernod Ricard veteran to head India ops
MUMBAI: William Grant & Sons (WG & S) has snapped up spirits industry veteran Kartik Mohindra as managing director for India, eyeing a bigger slice of one of the world’s fastest-growing whisky markets. The former chief marketing officer and head of global business development at Pernod Ricard India takes charge on 30 September.
The move signals a sharp play by the Scottish distiller, best known for brands like Glenfiddich and Monkey Shoulder, as it doubles down on India’s premium spirits surge. Mohindra brings over 20 years of experience across alcohol, beverages and FMCG – a seasoned hand to scale up WG&S’ ambitions.
His appointment follows the elevation of outgoing India MD Sachin Mehta, who steps into the role of managing director for Canada – another priority market for the group.
“These appointments reflect our continued investment in key growth markets,” said WG&S chief commercial officer Doug Bagley. “We’re thrilled to have Kartik join us in India – a critical market where Sachin and the team have already laid strong foundations.”
As global booze giants race to tap rising affluence and shifting tastes in developing economies, India has emerged as a battleground for premium spirits – and WG&S is clearly in no mood to play catch-up.
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
