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Keki Mistry joins Kedaara Capital as independent operating advisor
MUMBAI: Private equity firm Kedaara Capital has roped in one of the savviest, most respected and experienced minds in Indian financial services. The PE firm has announced the appointment of Keki Mistry as an independent operating advisor to its funds. A chartered accountant and a veteran of the banking & financial services sector, Mistry brings over four decades of expertise, having played a pivotal role in shaping some of India’s leading financial institutions.
Mistry began his career with AF Ferguson & Co before joining HDFC in 1981, where he rose through the ranks to become vice-chairman & CEO from 2010 to 2023. Under his leadership, HDFC transformed into India’s largest financial services conglomerate, founding key entities such as HDFC Bank., HDFC Asset Management Co, HDFC Life Insurance Co, and HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co.
Following HDFC’s merger with HDFC Bank in 2023, Mistry joined the board of HDFC Bank as a non-executive director. He also holds board positions with several prominent companies, including Tata Consultancy Services, Flipkart, and Torrent Power.
At Kedaara Capital, Mistry will act as a strategic advisor, offering insights into financial services and guiding investments in the sector. His unparalleled experience and leadership are expected to provide significant value to Kedaara’s portfolio.
The PE typically invests between $25-75 million in each investment, and it can invest a significantly larger amount (>$200 million) in select situations.
Kedaara Capital is run by three founders & managing partners Manish Kejriwal, Sunish Sharma and Nishant Sharma. It is reputed to be amongst the top private equity firms in India.
In addition to his professional achievements, Mistry is known for his love of cricket, theater, and golden era Hindi music. His contributions to the industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement award from the Financial Express and the Hall of Fame recognition from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
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Bajaj Consumer Care FY26 profit rises to Rs 193.7 crore
Revenue climbs to Rs 1,092 crore as profit grows 49 per cent YoY
MUMBAI: Hair today, growth tomorrow Bajaj Consumer Care Limited seems to have found its shine again, posting a sharp jump in profitability even as it doubled down on brand spends and expansion. The company reported a net profit of Rs 193.7 crore for FY26, marking a strong 49 per cent rise from Rs 130.1 crore in FY25. Revenue from operations also grew to Rs 1,092.2 crore, up from Rs 942.8 crore a year earlier, signalling steady demand momentum across its portfolio.
For the March quarter, profit stood at Rs 64.1 crore, compared to Rs 31.5 crore in the corresponding period last year, while revenue rose to Rs 308.3 crore from Rs 243.5 crore.
The performance came despite a notable increase in spending. Advertising and sales promotion expenses climbed to Rs 168.3 crore in FY26, up from Rs 137.8 crore in FY25, reflecting continued investment in brand building. Other expenses also rose to Rs 151.3 crore from Rs 134.2 crore, indicating a broader push towards growth.
Operating efficiency, however, held firm. Profit before tax increased to Rs 234.8 crore in FY26 from Rs 157.7 crore a year earlier, supported by disciplined cost management across materials and inventory.
On the balance sheet, the company’s total assets expanded to Rs 959.1 crore as of March 31, 2026, compared to Rs 931.9 crore a year earlier. Other equity rose to Rs 780.3 crore, reinforcing a stronger financial base.
Cash flow from operations saw a significant uptick, reaching Rs 196.9 crore in FY26, nearly three times the Rs 67.9 crore recorded in FY25, highlighting improved working capital management.
However, the year also saw aggressive capital allocation. The company spent Rs 190.2 crore on share buybacks, contributing to a net cash outflow of Rs 196.5 crore from financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents stood at Rs 6.8 crore at the end of the year, down from Rs 25.6 crore.
Even as investments in subsidiaries and assets continued, the numbers suggest a company balancing growth ambitions with shareholder returns keeping one eye on expansion and the other on efficiency.
With margins improving and revenue steadily climbing, Bajaj Consumer Care appears to be combing through the competition with renewed confidence.
