Brands
Healthy snacking and RP Sanjiv Goneka group’s Shashwat Goenka
MUMBAI: The vice chairman of RP Sanjiv Goenka group Shashwat Goenka has revealed how his company-identified the market potential of makhana (fox nuts) before healthy snacking became mainstream in India.
Speaking at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 summit in Mumbai, Goenka discussed how his company has adapted traditional Indian snacks for health-conscious consumers. “Indians want the punch of flavour in their snacks, but they also want them to be healthy. That’s the balance we aim to perfect,” he said.
Goenka highlighted the company’s innovation in traditional snacks, noting their bhujias contain 45 per cent less saturated fat while maintaining authentic taste. He emphasised that taste remains paramount, stating, “If a product is not enjoyable, consumers will not come back to it.”
Addressing the evolution of consumer behaviour, Goenka pointed to the rise of quick commerce and increased consumer willingness to experiment with new products. He stressed the importance of maintaining consistent supply chains to meet this growing demand.
When discussing industry competition, Goenka cited rapid technological adaptation as crucial for success. He named Mukesh Ambani and Elon Musk as business leaders he admires for their vision.
The two-day summit, themed ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, brings together global thought leaders to discuss India’s role in addressing challenges from climate change to artificial intelligence.
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.
