Brands
Mahesh Samat steps down from The Walt Disney Company after 9 years
Veteran executive closes four-decade career spanning Disney, J&J and Epic
MUMBAI: Mahesh Samat has stepped down from The Walt Disney Company, bringing the curtain down on a career that has spanned four decades across FMCG, healthcare, media and entertainment.
In a personal note marking the milestone, Samat said, “After 40 years, I’m calling it a day,” reflecting on a journey that saw him build brands, launch businesses and lead teams across multiple geographies.
Samat spent over nine years at Disney in senior leadership roles, most recently serving as global head of publishing and branded retail. Prior to that, he held positions including EVP, consumer, games and publishing for APAC, and managing director for India, playing a key role in expanding the company’s regional footprint.
Before rejoining Disney in 2016, he founded and led Epic Television Networks, where he helped shape a distinct content-led television brand in India.
His earlier career included leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, where he served as managing director for Southern Europe in vision care and vice-president for Asia-Pacific, underscoring his cross-sector experience.
An alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, Samat’s career has been marked by a mix of corporate leadership and entrepreneurial ventures across markets including India, Singapore, the UK and Europe.
Reflecting on his journey, Samat emphasised that beyond titles and milestones, it was the people and relationships that defined his career. As he signs off, his exit marks the close of a long and varied innings in India’s corporate and media landscape.
Brands
Prataap Snacks posts Rs 1.14 crore Q4 profit, EBITDA up 319 per cent
Yellow Diamond maker posts turnaround with Rs 1.14 crore profit, 10 per cent dividend proposed
NEW DELHI: Prataap Snacks Limited has staged a sharp turnaround in the fourth quarter of FY26, reporting a 319 per cent surge in operating EBITDA and a return to profitability after a challenging previous year.
The Indore-based company, known for brands such as Yellow Diamond and Avadh, posted income from operations of Rs 420.18 crore for Q4 FY26, marking a 5 per cent year-on-year rise. Operating EBITDA climbed to Rs 20.59 crore, while margins stood at 4.9 per cent.
Most notably, the company reported a profit after tax of Rs 1.14 crore for the quarter, reversing a loss of Rs 11.94 crore in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share improved to Rs 0.48 from a negative Rs 5.00 earlier, signalling a steady recovery in performance.
For the full financial year, consolidated income rose 1 per cent to Rs 1,724.65 crore. Annual operating EBITDA grew 68 per cent to Rs 81.81 crore, while the company posted a net profit of Rs 9.72 crore, compared to a loss of Rs 34.27 crore in FY25.
Reflecting this improved performance, the board has recommended a dividend of 10 per cent, equivalent to Rs 0.50 per share on a face value of Rs 5.
Prataap Snacks Limited managing director Amit Kumat said the recovery was driven by sharper execution and data-led decision-making, including the use of Sales Force Automation analytics. The company also expanded its distribution network to over 5,000 distributors and strengthened its presence on quick commerce platforms.
Looking ahead, the company expects double-digit revenue growth in FY27, though it remains cautious about inflationary pressures on key inputs such as packaging materials and edible oil. Management plans to offset these through tighter cost controls and calibrated pricing strategies.
With profitability back on track and operations stabilising, Prataap Snacks appears to be regaining its footing in an increasingly competitive packaged foods market.
