Brands
Aditi Kothari Desai takes the reins at DSP Asset Managers
MUMBAI: Aditi Kothari Desai has been named chairperson of DSP Asset Managers, stepping into the top job from her father, Hemendra Kothari, who has led the firm since its inception in 1996. Aditi, the fifth-generation custodian of the Kothari family’s financial empire, is also the first woman to lead the firm.
With over 20 years of experience across investments, sales, marketing and digital transformation, Aditi started her career in investment banking at Merrill Lynch, New York. She joined DSP Asset Managers in 2002 and has since spearheaded the firm’s domestic growth strategy, founded its international business, and driven digital transformation. She also chairs DSP’s fintech arm, Compound Express.
A Wharton graduate with an MBA from Harvard, Aditi is determined to uphold DSP’s legacy. “I am honored to take on this responsibility and continue building on our AMC’s legacy. This transition is simply a continuation of the same long-term thinking and investor-first philosophy that has defined DSP’s journey for over 160 years, and I intend to continue our endeavor to make a difference to and elevate as many lives as we can. We are one of the few fully independent family-run firms among India’s top 10 asset managers, and our family continues to invest its own public fund capital into the very funds we manage which speaks to our deep conviction and accountability,” she elaborated.
Her father, Hemendra Kothari, a towering figure in India’s financial sector, is confident in her leadership. Said he: “It has been a privilege to lead DSP Asset Managers since its inception. While I am passing the baton to my dear daughter Aditi, I feel proud to see our family’s legacy continue with a visionary leader who embodies the values of reputation, integrity, and high standards that have guided us for generations. Our unwavering commitment to these principles has been the cornerstone of our success, and I am confident that Aditi will uphold these traditions while leading the firm into a new era of innovation, digitization and growth.”
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.
