MAM
Manish Sharma steps down as Panasonic chairman
MUMBAI: After 17 years of electrifying leadership, Manish Sharma is pulling the plug on his Panasonic journey. The long-time industry stalwart has stepped down as chairman of Panasonic Life Solutions India and South Asia, marking the end of an era for the brand’s India operations.
Sharma, who began his Panasonic innings in 2008, rose through the ranks with trademark precision, from managing director to president & CEO of Panasonic India, and eventually chairman in 2021. Over nearly two decades, he steered the company’s expansion across B2C, B2B and B2G segments, driving strategy, innovation and growth in India and beyond.
Under his watch, Panasonic strengthened its foothold across consumer electronics, electrical construction materials, and smart home solutions. Known for his steady hand and future-focused mindset, Sharma helped transform the brand into a more agile, digital-ready enterprise.
Before joining Panasonic, he built his expertise at Samsung, Haier and LG Electronics, where he honed his technical and leadership acumen, from R&D and operations to marketing and product development. His career trajectory reads like a blueprint for India’s consumer electronics evolution over the past three decades.
Sharma’s departure marks the close of a significant chapter for Panasonic’s India operations, where he played a key role in driving growth and innovation.
As he steps away from the boardroom, Sharma leaves behind a legacy defined by innovation, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence, qualities that have kept Panasonic’s light shining bright in India’s dynamic market.
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.
