MAM
Nick US boosts merchandising activity for ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’
MUMBAI: US kids‘ broadcaster Nickelodeon has launched a new SpongeBob SquarePants Hot Wheels collection featuring six die-cast vehicles inspired by SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends.
Each 1:64 scale vehicle features SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Plankton or Squidward graphics, specially designed in their likeness. Retailing for $3.49 each, SpongeBob, Plankton and Squidward‘s fun-sized vehicles are available now with the remaining rolling out at stores across the US later this summer.
Nickelodeon consumer products senior VP Global Toys and consumer electronics Manuel Torres said, “We are so happy to have SpongeBob SquarePants join the Hot Wheels family. We continue to push the boundaries of imagination with SpongeBob, and these new cars bring the show‘s characters to life in such a unique way; they are sure to provide hours of action-packed adventure for fans everywhere.”
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Primus Partners appoints Akasa Air co-founder Neelu Khatri as independent director
Veteran aviation and defence professional joins as independent director
NEW DELHI: Primus Partners has appointed Neelu Khatri, a founding member of Akasa Air, as an independent director, strengthening the consulting firm’s board as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
Khatri brings more than three decades of experience across defence, aviation, aerospace technology and consulting. She was part of the core team that helped build Akasa Air from concept to launch, contributing to what has been widely described as one of the fastest airline scale ups in recent aviation history.
At Primus Partners, she will provide strategic guidance on corporate governance and help steer the firm’s long term growth plans. Her experience of building a start up into a full scale organisation is expected to support the consulting firm as it expands its footprint.
Primus Partners co-founder and chairperson Davinder Sandhu, said the appointment brings valuable expertise to the board. “Neelu’s journey across defence, aviation and consulting brings a rare blend of operational insight and strategic thinking. Her experience in rapidly scaling Akasa Air will be invaluable as we continue to grow while maintaining a strong focus on corporate governance,” he said.
Primus Partners, an India headquartered management consulting and solutions firm, has emphasised governance and board oversight since its early days. The company has also taken an unconventional approach by inviting its Gen Z employees to attend board meetings so that younger perspectives can contribute to discussions.
Speaking on her appointment, Khatri said the consulting sector is entering a transformative period shaped by emerging technologies. “The industry is evolving rapidly with the rise of AI. This is an exciting moment for an Indian origin consulting firm like Primus Partners to expand its product offerings and strengthen its presence globally,” she said.
She added that as the firm pursues ambitious expansion plans, her focus will be on ensuring strong governance frameworks and effective risk management as the organisation scales.
