MAM
Bhupathi, Fuller team up to launch XIX Globosport
MUMBAI: Tennis doubles player Mahesh Bhupathi‘s Globosport and media entrepreneur Simon Fuller‘s XIX Entertainment have launched a new venture named XIX Globosport to capitalise on the two partners strengths in media, entertainment and tennis.
The new partnership has been created to extend relationships and create new opportunities in developing markets around the world, with the burgeoning sports and entertainment opportunities in India and the Middle East in particular providing an exciting backdrop to the enterprise.
In July last year, Globosport had divested 50 per cent stake in its brand-advisory business vertical to American talent management major Platinum Rye Entertainment.
The venture‘s first client will be tennis World No. 2 Andy Murray and the venture is expected to contract with the respected tennis agent and former ATP professional Ugo Colombini to provide on the ground tennis support and specialist resourcing for the player as he challenges for major honours during the 2013 ATP Calendar.
Fuller is best known for creating the ‘Idol‘ singing based reality show franchise which has become popular globally. XIX Entertainment has managed Murray since 2007 during which time he has become a national hero and a global sports star, enjoying breakthrough moments including winning Olympic Gold at London 2012 and a historic first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2012.
Murray said, “I believe a mix of Simon‘s experience and Mahesh‘s understanding of the sport will create the perfect team for my off court interests and will allow me to continue to dedicate myself and focus on my goals on the court.”
Bhupathi said, “The opportunities for us in these markets are now second to none, and being in partnership with a successful and pioneering individual like Simon is very exciting. He has a vision for this part of the world and we are excited that he has chosen to partner us.”
Fuller said, “Our business is built on strategic partnerships with key individuals in different parts of the world and I’m delighted to be working with Mahesh as we look to expand into the Indian sub continent and other developing markets.”
The new partnership will provide Murray with the global resource, media expertise and strategic skills of Fuller’s XIX Entertainment, and the credibility, drive and specialist tennis skills of Globosport. The new partnership will start with immediate effect.
MAM
Toyota appoints Kenta Kon as President & CEO
New leader to steer EV push and global innovation amid industry shift.
MUMBAI: Toyota just handed the keys to a new driver because when the road to electric mobility gets twisty, you need someone who knows how to accelerate without skidding. Toyota Motor Corporation has named Kenta Kon as its new president and chief executive officer, a key leadership transition as the Japanese giant doubles down on its transformation in the fast-evolving global automotive landscape.
Kon brings deep expertise in automotive innovation, business strategy, and operational leadership to the top job. His appointment signals Toyota’s intent to sharpen focus on accelerating electric mobility, strengthening worldwide operations, and pushing customer-centric breakthroughs in next-generation technologies.
The company is betting on Kon to guide it through the industry’s pivotal shift toward sustainability, digital integration, and smarter mobility solutions. Key priorities under his watch include ramping up electric and hybrid lineups, expanding global market reach, driving cutting-edge automotive R&D, tightening supply-chain efficiency, and scaling connected and intelligent vehicle ecosystems.
This move comes at a time when legacy automakers face intense pressure to balance heritage strengths with aggressive electrification timelines and software-defined vehicle demands. Toyota aims to reinforce its position as a leader in sustainable, reliable, and future-ready mobility while navigating competitive challenges from both traditional rivals and new-age EV players.
For a brand that’s long defined durability and innovation, Kon’s elevation isn’t just a title change, it’s Toyota flooring it toward the next lap, ready to turn today’s tech talk into tomorrow’s showroom reality.
