MAM
Frederick Castro Joins Acme group as sr VP, head of corporate communications
MUMBAI: Senior corporate communications professional Frederick Castro has joined Acme group as senior vice president and head of corporate communications, leading the organisation’s brand marketing, investor relations, digital strategy, and corporate communications as part of its ambitious diversification agenda.
With over 20 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, and reputation management, Castro has worked across multiple sectors, driving impactful business narratives for leading Indian and global organisations.
Prior to his latest appointment, he served as vice president and group head of corporate communications at JSW Group for seven years, where he was instrumental in repositioning the conglomerate from a legacy steel company to a diversified business entity with interests across B2B, B2C, and technology ventures. His tenure saw the group’s expansion into consumer businesses, electric vehicles, sports, education, realty, e-commerce, and technology investments, while also leading JSW Infrastructure’s Rs 2,800 crore IPO campaign.
Before JSW Group, Castro was global head of corporate communications at Sun Pharmaceuticals, where he spearheaded communications and crisis management during the company’s $4 billion acquisition of Ranbaxy. He also played a pivotal role in Sun Pharma’s rebranding and reputation-building initiatives across 60 countries,
His professional journey spans roles in Reliance ADA Group, Go Airlines (Wadia Group), and Prism Johnson (Rajan Raheja Group), along with experience in public relations agencies such as Integral PR, Ketchum Sampark, and Hill+Knowlton Strategies. Over the years, he has successfully managed PR campaigns for globally renowned brands including ITC, Coca-Cola, Lafarge, Diageo, and Hitachi.
A specialist in reputation management, stakeholder perception, and digital advocacy, Castro has extensive expertise in financial communications, IPO campaigns, ESG initiatives, and workplace transformation strategies.
With his appointment at Acme group, Castro will play a key role in enhancing brand reputation and driving communication strategies as the company embarks on a new phase of business expansion.
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.
