MAM
Ambuja Cement’s parent company rebranded as Holcim Group
New Delhi: Swiss building material major LafargeHolcim, which owns two leading Indian cement manufacturing companies – ACC Ltd and Ambuja Cement has been rebranded as Holcim Group.
The company unveiled a new brand identity with a plan to unite all its market brands. The Swiss major also stated that it committed to playing an essential role to accelerate the world’s transition to a net-zero and inclusive future.
Holcim chief executive officer Jan Jenisch said, “Today marks a milestone for our company in our transformation to become the global leader in innovative and sustainable solutions. Our world is changing in many ways, with population growth, urbanization, and the climate challenge. Our new Group identity sends a signal to the world that we are fully committed to building progress for people and the planet.”
Holcim Group has a presence in 70 markets and owns some brands like ACC, Aggregate Industries, Ambuja Cements, Firestone Building Products, Geocycle, Holcim, and Lafarge.
With its new identity launch, Holcim is reinforcing its focus on making cities greener and infrastructure smarter to improve living standards around the world, with the world’s broadest range of low carbon building materials.
Holcim Group India CEO and Ambuja Cements MD & CEO Neeraj Akhoury said: “This new chapter in our global transformation to become the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions is very relevant in India. Both Ambuja Cements and ACC have started their transformation journey to offer sustainable building materials and solutions in India.”
MAM
Shoppers Stop elevates Biju Kassim as GSS Beauty CEO
Move comes as GSS Beauty scales global brand partnerships in India.
MUMBAI: From store shelves to global shelves, the beauty game is getting a sharper makeover. Shoppers Stop has elevated Biju Kassim as managing director and chief executive officer of Global SS Beauty Brands Limited (GSSBB), signalling a stronger push into the premium beauty segment. The move builds on Kassim’s role in setting up GSSBB, a wholly owned subsidiary that has quickly positioned itself as a fast-growing distribution platform for global beauty brands in India. The unit has been central to Shoppers Stop’s ambition of expanding its footprint in the high-margin beauty and luxury categories.
Chairman Nirvik Singh noted that Kassim’s experience across the beauty ecosystem and his understanding of premium and luxury consumers would help steer the next phase of growth. The focus, he indicated, will be on sharpening the company’s beauty portfolio and scaling partnerships with international brands.
Kassim, for his part, steps into the role at a time when India’s premium beauty market is undergoing rapid evolution, driven by rising consumer aspirations and increased access to global labels. He highlighted that GSSBB will remain a key strategic pillar, with an emphasis on expanding brand partnerships, enhancing consumer experiences and driving growth across markets.
As global beauty brands continue to eye India as a high-growth destination, Shoppers Stop’s bet is clear: owning not just the shelf, but the entire beauty ecosystem behind it.
