MAM
IMG acquires CSI sports
MUMBAI: Global sports marketing major IMG today announced it has acquired rival CSI Sports group of companies from CSI Sports’ management team. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
CSI’s portfolio of clients includes English football’s governing body, the Football Association, and Football League (including the Carling Cup) as well as the England and Wales Cricket Board; Cricket Australia; New Zealand Cricket; Cricket South Africa; and Zimbabwe Cricket. Previously, CSI Sports was part of Octagon Worldwide, a wholly owned subsidiary of Interpublic Group.
IMG, which is owned by the Interpublic Group, said “there would be a simple integration process – CSI’s management team will continue to look after the interests of their clients, who will also benefit from IMG Media’s unparalleled global distribution network and extensive sales and marketing expertise.”
Chris Guinness, the former President of Octagon CSI and a former IMG employee, will also return to IMG.
Michel Masquelier, executive vice president and IMG Media’s head of acquisition & sales worldwide, said: “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of CSI Sports given its client portfolio which represents an excellent fit with IMG Media, complementing perfectly our own existing properties.
This acquisition will enable us to remain on target to fulfil our strategic growth plans. I am also particularly delighted to welcome back Chris Guinness, an old time friend of mine. We look forward to working with Chris and his team who will assist us in the development of new business.”
Chris Guinness said: “Having successfully completed the management buyout of CSI Sports from Interpublic Group, the challenge was how to build upon the company’s sound financial platform and excellent client portfolio to ensure future growth. The complementary nature of the two companies’ businesses and the global financial and distribution strength of IMG Media make it an ideal strategic fit for CSI Sports.”
Brands
Dabur elevates Mohit Malhotra to global CEO, appoints Herjit Bhalla as India business CEO
Bhalla will report to Malhotra in his capacity as global CEO
GHAZIABAD: Dabur’s board of directors has approved a senior leadership restructuring, elevating Mohit Malhotra to the role of whole-time director and global chief executive officer with immediate effect.
In a regulatory filing on Tuesday, the company said Malhotra, who currently serves as whole-time director and chief executive officer, has been redesignated as global CEO from 17 February, 2026.
Separately, the board has approved the appointment of Herjit S Bhalla as chief executive officer – India business, placing him in the category of senior management personnel. His appointment will take effect from 15 April, 2026.
Bhalla will report to Malhotra in his capacity as global CEO.
Aged 49, Bhalla brings more than 25 years of commercial and general management experience across multiple geographies. He began his career at Unilever, where he spent 16 years in sales and marketing roles, including a stint as marketing director in Moscow between 2009 and 2012.
He later served as chief operating officer at Metro Cash & Carry, where he was also a member of the executive board. In 2018, Bhalla joined The Hershey Company as managing director for India and has since held global roles, including vice-president positions overseeing India, AEMEA, Canada and global customers.
