MAM
E&Y elevates Farokh Balsara to M&E Practice leader EMEIA region
MUMBAI: The research, audit and consulting major Ernst & Young (E&Y) has promoted Farokh Balsara to the Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry leader for Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA) region.
Based in Mumbai, Balsara has been E&Y‘s M&E Practice leader in India for over a decade. In his new role, Balsara will now drive the sector program throughout Europe, Middle East India and Africa. He is the first partner from India to lead a sector at an EMEIA-wide level.
EMEIA area comprises 12 sub-areas – Africa; Belgium and The Netherlands; Commonwealth and Independent States; Central and South-East Europe; Algeria, France and Luxembourg; Financial Services Office; Germany, Switzerland and Austria; India; Mediterranean; Middle East and North Africa; Nordics; UK & Ireland.
E&Y accounts, industries and business development leader – EMEIA Julie Tiegland said, “Over the last several years, he (Balsara) has built what is undoubtedly India‘s leading M&E Practice among all professional services firm, advising both Indian and multinational M&E companies.”
“The appointment is also reflective of the growing importance of the Indian M&E sector on the global landscape and also of the strength of Ernst & Young‘s media and entertainment practice in India. As the M&E sector increasingly converges across boundaries, Farokh‘s knowledge and experience will be deeply valued by our clients across the EMEIA area. M&E is a priority sector for our firm globally and we are seeking to significantly strengthen our M&E market presence across the EMEIA region,” Tiegland added.
Balsara said, “I am looking forward to taking on my new responsibilities as Ernst & Young‘s EMEIA leader for M&E Practice. E&Y is the market leader in working with the M&E industry and we would continue to strengthen our market leadership position. We have a strong M&E industry practice in France, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, India and the Nordics and with the challenging business environment, our endeavor would be for our clients to benefit from cross coordination of ideas and best practices between developed and emerging markets. In my new role, I am looking forward to working with a strong EMEIA-wide team of professionals to significantly ramp up our Transactions and Advisory practice for M&E and growing the business through the provision of fresh, innovative services to our clients.”
Balsara has over 25 years of experience and has extensively advised several large Indian M&E companies in risk management and in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of key processes.
He is also experienced in performing a variety of market reviews and feasibility studies, and developing entry strategies for multinational M&E companies desiring to establish a business presence in India. In the past, he has also specialised in providing a range of Transaction Support Services (due diligence reviews, Valuation, M&A support, etc.) to multinationals, strategic investors and private equity funds across sector categories including television, films, new media, radio and music, advertising and marketing and print.
E&Y‘s key M&E clients in EMEIA include Bertelsmann, Pearson, Lagardere, Publicis, Technicolor, Reed Elsevier, Vivendi and Axel Springer amongst others.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
