Brands
HCLTech named among world’s most admired companies for 2026
NOIDA: HCLTech has scored a fresh global endorsement. The India-born technology giant has been named to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2026 list, a ranking that spotlights corporate heavyweights for management quality, innovation and staying power.
The citation recognises HCLTech’s steady performance, technology-led innovation and long-term value creation for clients, employees and stakeholders, as the race to harness AI reshapes corporate priorities.
“This recognition reflects the trust our people earn every day from clients and partners,” said C. Vijayakumar, chief executive officer and managing director at HCLTech. “It underscores the strength of our purpose—bringing together the best of technology and our people. As the technology landscape evolves, we remain focused on delivering meaningful, AI-driven outcomes while creating a positive impact for our clients, our people, our communities, and the planet.”
Fortune’s list is drawn from a survey of more than 3,000 executives, board members and analysts, who rate firms on nine yardsticks including quality of management, innovation, global competitiveness, talent attraction and social responsibility. HCLTech earned its place as a most admired company in IT services, buoyed by strong ratings from clients and industry partners.
“Fortune is proud to celebrate the companies on this year’s World’s Most Admired Companies list; they have set the bar for real innovation, resilient leadership and global impact,” said Alyson Shontell, editor in chief and chief content officer at Fortune. “As rapidly advancing technologies such as AI transform entire industries, these organisations stand out for their ability to evolve with purpose and foresight, consistently shaping the path forward for global business, and the future of how we work and lead.”
The numbers underline the scale. HCLTech employs more than 226,300 people across 60 countries, spanning AI, digital, engineering, cloud and software services, alongside a portfolio of technology products. It serves industries from financial services and manufacturing to life sciences, telecoms, retail and public services. Consolidated revenue for the 12 months
ending December 2025 reached $14.5bn.
In a market hungry for proof over promise, the accolade gives HCLTech a timely sheen—another badge in the bruising global contest to turn AI ambition into hard results.
Brands
Safex Group appoints Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer
Former Standard Chartered executive to steer finance
NEW DELHI: Safex Chemicals has appointed Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for the next phase of expansion in specialty chemicals and global agrochemicals.
In her new role, Malhotra will lead the group’s financial strategy, capital architecture and governance framework as Safex scales operations across multiple verticals including branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing.
A chartered accountant and graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Malhotra brings more than two decades of experience in business finance, strategic planning, corporate banking and client management.
Before joining Safex, she served as executive director, financial markets at Standard Chartered, where she led teams across India and Sri Lanka and worked closely with large corporates, global subsidiaries and commercial banking clients. Her expertise includes capital structuring, treasury operations, risk management and financial markets led financing solutions.
Safex Group promoter director and joint managing director Piyush Jindal, said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company. “Safex stands at an inflection point as we build an integrated platform across branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing. Richa’s experience across global financial institutions will strengthen our financial discipline and help unlock value across the group,” he said.
Malhotra said she was looking forward to contributing to the company’s next chapter of growth. “Safex has built a strong reputation over 35 years with its focus on integrity, innovation and agricultural insight. I am excited to be part of the organisation as it expands its footprint in India and global markets,” she said.
The appointment comes as Safex continues to strengthen its financial foundations and scale operations internationally, positioning itself for future growth milestones.
