MAM
Global Music Junction appoints Akash Kumar Upadhyay as AVP
Mumbai: Global Music Junction has announced the appointment of Akash Kumar Upadhyay as associate vice president. This strategic move comes on the heels of a major expansion in Warner Music Group’s partnership with JetSynthesys and Global Music Junction, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital music engagement.
Upadhyay renowned for his extensive experience and innovative approach within the music industry, joins Global Music Junction at an exciting time. His appointment is set to amplify the company’s efforts to forge new paths in digital music and entertainment, leveraging his deep expertise to drive the company’s strategic vision forward. Upadhyay will directly report to Global Music Junction’s CEO Rajkumar.
Global Music Junction’s recent expansion with Warner Music Group underscores its commitment to innovative music solutions. The collaboration, which includes JetSynthesys, aligns with the trend of integrating global music networks to create more connected platforms. This partnership is expected to strengthen Global Music Junction’s ability to connect artists with fans worldwide.
As associate vice president, Akash Kumar Upadhyay will shape the company’s strategies, focusing on market expansion and leveraging new technologies. He will lead initiatives that bridge artists and audiences, optimise digital experiences, and drive growth in key markets.
Upadhyay’s background in leadership and industry experience makes him well-suited to support Global Music Junction’s goals. His expertise will be key in navigating the evolving music landscape, especially in utilizing digital platforms and technologies.
Kumar’s appointment reflects the company’s focus on innovation, aiming to strengthen its position in the global music industry and advance initiatives that engage artists and fans.
As Global Music Junction embarks on this new chapter with Sulabh Kumar at the helm, the industry watches with anticipation. His vision and leadership are expected to usher in a new era of growth and innovation, positioning Global Music Junction as a key player in the future of global music and entertainment.
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Brands
Kwality Wall’s reports standalone losses following strategic HUL demerger
Ice cream major faces Rs 64 crore Ebitda loss amid commodity inflation and muted Q3 sales
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited (KWIL) has released its first set of financial results as a standalone entity, revealing a challenging start to its independent journey. Following its successful demerger from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on 1st December 2025 and its subsequent listing on 16th February 2026, the company is navigating a transition period marked by structural changes and high input costs.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2025, the company reported revenue of Rs 222 crores. Despite the revenue base, the bottom line was impacted by several factors, resulting in an Ebitda loss of Rs 64.2 crores. When calculated on a Pre-IND AS 116 basis, the Ebitda loss stood at Rs 83.8 crores.
Organic Sales Growth (OSG) declined by 6.5 per cent year-on-year during the quarter. Volume growth, however, saw a marginal increase of 1.2 per cent. The company reported a gross margin of 41.5 per cent. Additionally, exceptional expenses amounting to Rs 94 crores were recorded, primarily linked to non-recurring costs during the transition phase.
Performance across portfolios and channels was mixed. Within the impulse portfolio, brands such as Magnum and Cornetto recorded mid-single digit volume growth, indicating steady demand in on-the-go consumption. However, the in-home portfolio, which includes take-home packs, experienced muted consumption. The company is planning a relaunch of this category with improved offerings ahead of the 2026 season.
Quick commerce (Q-Com) continued to emerge as a strong growth driver, delivering robust double-digit growth during the quarter. Meanwhile, the company also expanded its physical distribution network by increasing the number of company-owned cabinets across markets.
Margin pressure during the quarter was driven by a combination of one-off factors and broader cost inflation. Gross margins were impacted by around 600 basis points due to trade investments made for stock liquidation. Additionally, cocoa price inflation contributed to another 400 basis points of pressure on margins.
Deputy managing director Chitrank Goel attributed the muted performance partly to prolonged monsoons and transitional challenges linked to the GST framework. Operating expenses also increased as the company invested in establishing its standalone supply chain, operational systems and corporate infrastructure following the demerger.
Looking ahead, the management remains focused on a volume-driven growth strategy. To restore profitability, the company has initiated a cost productivity programme aimed at reducing non-consumer-facing costs. It is also working on building regional manufacturing networks to optimise logistics expenses and improve operational efficiency.
The commodity outlook for the near term remains mixed. Dairy prices are expected to remain firm due to tight supply conditions and rising fodder costs. Sugar prices may also move higher following increases in the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). While cocoa prices have moderated recently, currency depreciation has offset some of the potential cost relief for the company.
