Brands
Darshan Mehta, luxury retail titan, passes on after sudden heart attack
MUMBAI: Darshan Mehta, the man who draped India in designer labels, has tragically died at 63, succumbing to a sudden heart attack. The former managing director & chief executive of Reliance Brands Ltd. (RBL), Mehta was a titan of the fashion and retail world, a true pioneer who shaped India’s luxury landscape.
For over 17 years, Mehta steered RBL, transforming it into a powerhouse that brought more than 90 global brands to India, from Valentino to Versace, Armani to Zegna. He had an eye for style and a flair for deals, bringing in those high end labels that, only he saw would thrive.
He’d only just stepped down from his executive role in November 2024, shifting into a mentor’s chair at the Reliance Group. But even in a non-executive capacity, he remained a key player, mentoring the new crop of executives and sniffing out new opportunities.
Before his Reliance reign, Mehta was president of Arvind Brands Ltd., where he was instrumental in crafting India’s early organised apparel retail scene.
Known for his sharp wit, strategic mind and an uncanny sense of the markets before any of the trends appeared, he truly was a legend of the Indian fashion scene.
Mehta’s legacy is immense. He was, in essence, the fashion professional who introduced India to high-end luxury, long before the country was ready for such things. A sad loss for India’s high-street.
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.
