MAM
Goldiee Group appoints Lokesh Arora as head of marketing & communications
MUMBAI: Goldiee group has appointed Lokesh Arora as the head of marketing and communications, marking an exciting new chapter in his career within the spices and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. With over 25 years of experience in the event, exhibition, and media production industries, Lokesh brings a wealth of expertise that is set to drive a significant impact in his new role.
In a recent LinkedIn post, Lokesh shared his enthusiasm for this new journey, stating, “Can’t believe it’s already been five months since I joined Goldiee Group! The last few months have been a whirlwind of learning, strategizing, and diving into some exciting projects. Updating my profile honestly took a back seat while I focused on settling in and making an impact. But now feels like the perfect time to share this milestone. Excited to connect and grow with all of you as I continue this amazing journey!”
Before joining Goldiee Group, Lokesh served as portfolio director at Franchise India, where he refined his skills in marketing management and strategy. He previously held the role of senior vice president at Images group, managing food and FMCG events and publications, significantly contributing to platforms like Progressive Grocer India and the India Food Forum. His career also includes a position as regional head at World Wide Media (Times of India Group), focusing on business development for prominent magazines and events.
Lokesh holds a post graduate diploma in management (PGDM) from the All India Management Association (AIMA), providing him with the strategic insight needed for effective marketing and communications.
Brands
Domino’s Q1 profit falls 6.6 per cent, announces $1 billion buyback
Sales rise 3.4 per cent as pizza giant balances growth and shareholder returns
NEW YORK: Domino’s reported a mixed start to 2026, with first-quarter net income slipping even as global sales and store expansion held steady. The company also announced a fresh $1 billion share buyback, underlining its continued focus on shareholder returns.
Global retail sales rose 3.4 per cent on a constant-currency basis to $4.74 billion. The US remained a key growth engine, with same-store sales inching up 0.9 per cent, supported by a 1.5 per cent rise at company-owned outlets.
International markets, however, painted a more uneven picture. While Domino’s added 161 net new stores overseas during the quarter, international same-store sales declined 0.4 per cent. Overall revenues still climbed 3.5 per cent to $1.15 billion, driven by higher supply chain revenues and a 2.6 per cent increase in food basket pricing for franchisees.
On the profitability front, net income fell 6.6 per cent to $139.8 million, compared to $149.7 million a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share dropped to $4.13 from $4.33. The decline was largely attributed to a $30 million unfavourable swing in unrealised gains linked to its investment in DPC Dash Ltd.
Despite this, operational performance showed resilience. Income from operations rose 9.6 per cent to $230.4 million, supported in part by a $7.8 million pre-tax gain from the sale of a corporate aircraft.
Domino’s footprint continued to expand, with the company ending the quarter at 22,322 stores across more than 90 markets. In the US, digital orders remained dominant, accounting for over 85 per cent of retail sales in 2025.
The company also maintained its dividend payout, declaring $1.99 per share, payable on 30 June 2026. After repurchasing $75.1 million worth of stock during the quarter, the new authorisation lifts the total available for buybacks to $1.29 billion.
Domino’s chief executive officer Russell Weiner said the company’s scale and store-level economics position it well to capture further market share in 2026, even as competition intensifies.
As Domino’s leans into expansion and capital returns, the latest results show a business managing short-term pressures while keeping its long-term growth strategy firmly in play.
