MAM
Ashwani Singla elected to the global executive council of IPRN
Mumbai: Ashwani Singla, Founding Managing Partner of Astrum, India’s first specialist reputation management advisory that uses science to understand and shape public opinion ethically has been unanimously elected to a five-member global executive council (GEC) and assumes the role of the regional chair for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region at IPRNs AGM held in Puerto Rico recently. International Public Relations Network (IPRN), is the world’s largest and most well-established network of independent public relations firms, with its members present in over 100 major cities in 30 countries across five continents.
This appointment stands as a clear testament to Ashwani’s standing as a science-based public relations, public affairs and crisis communications expert in India and the region. Prior to founding Astrum, he served as the Asia MD at PSB Research and CEO of Genesis Burson Marsteller and a member of the Asia Pacific Board of Burson-Marsteller (now known as BCW). He was deeply involved with establishing the India Chapter of IABC founding the PRCAI and organised the first global conference of ICCO held in India in 2006 that has been the benchmark for subsequent conferences. His continued involvement on the advisory boards of various companies further underscores his diverse expertise.
IPRN president Rodrigo Viana de Freitas said, “The APAC region hosts some of the fastest growing economies in the world and I am delighted to welcome Ashwani, one of the tallest professionals across the region on the GEC. I look forward to working with him to grow the network and strengthen collaboration amongst members to grow their business.”
Thanking the members and the President for their vote of confidence, Astrum Reputation Advisory founding managing partner Ashwani Singla said, “Clients are looking for bespoke solutions, data-driven intellectual rigour delivered with personal attention, a hallmark of IPRN membership of independent firms led by seasoned professionals. Greater collaboration amongst members drives our collective success and I look forward to working with our president and my GEC colleagues to deliver on this tremendous responsibility bestowed upon me.”
After Puerto Rico In 2023, the next AGM for IPRN is scheduled for November 2024 in Dubai, a testament to the vibrant regional economy and the network’s objectives of fostering global collaboration with deep local insights. Representing other continents in the global executive
Council are Philippe Beck (Europe), Carina Almeida (South America), Grant Wright (North America), and Nicole Capper (South Africa).
Brands
Siguler Guff invests $40m in Trimex Foods to fuel India expansion
Private equity bet backs global dining brands as India’s appetite grows
MUMBAI: Siguler Guff has committed $40 million to Trimex Foods Private Limited, marking the company’s first institutional fundraise and signalling fresh momentum in India’s fast-evolving food services sector.
Trimex, which brings global names such as Chili’s Grill & Bar, PAUL and Cinnabon to Indian diners, plans to use the capital to expand its footprint across the country and add new international brands to its portfolio.
Founded in 2010, the company operates more than 50 outlets across 13 cities, employing nearly 1,900 people. It has carved out a niche as a reliable partner for global restaurant chains looking to tap into India’s growing appetite for organised dining experiences.
Siguler Guff, which manages over $18 billion in assets, is betting on that appetite only getting bigger. “India’s food services sector is undergoing a structural shift as consumers increasingly gravitate toward globally recognised dining experiences,” said Siguler Guff partner and co-portfolio manager Shaun Khubchandani.
He added that Trimex’s 15-year track record offers a scalable platform with strong execution and customer loyalty, making it well-placed to grow further with the right backing.
For Trimex, the partnership is as much about expertise as it is about capital. A company spokesperson said the firm is looking to build on its reputation for consistent, high-quality dining while tapping into Siguler Guff’s global network to accelerate growth.
The investment also reflects a broader trend of private equity firms doubling down on India’s consumer story, particularly in sectors where rising incomes and urban lifestyles are reshaping spending habits.
Ernst & Young acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Trimex for the deal.
With fresh capital on the table and global brands waiting in the wings, Trimex now appears ready to turn up the heat in India’s increasingly competitive dining landscape.
