MAM
Rasna founder Areez Pirojshaw Khambatta dies at 85
Mumbai: Rasna Group founder & chairman Areez Khambatta Benevolent Trust and Rasna Foundation chairman Areez Khambatta Benevolent Trust and Rasna Foundation Areez Pirojshaw Khambatta passed away on Saturday, a statement from the group said.
Khambatta, who was also the former chairman of the World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthostis (WAPIZ), past president of Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat, and vice president of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India, passed away at the age of 85.
Khambatta has contributed immensely to Indian industry, business, and most importantly, societal development through social service as the commandant of Ahmedabad Home Guards & Civil Defense for 20 years. His efforts in entrepreneurship development and societal services have been recognised with a lot of awards, to name a few: He was awarded the Home Guard and Civil Defense Medals as well as the Paschimi Star, Samarseva, and Sangram Medals. He was also honoured with the National Citizen’s Award for outstanding contribution in the field of commerce by the former president, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. The finance ministry awarded Khambatta the Samman Patra for his contribution to the national exchequer as the highest tax payer in Gujarat. He was felicitated by the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat and was chosen as the first “Outstanding Parsi of Ahmedabad.”
Khambatta’s “Rasna” brand today quenches the thirst of millions of Indians at an affordable price of hardly Re 1.00 with fruits, vitamins, and nutrients. Also, through his industrious efforts, thousands of jobs are generated directly and indirectly across India, and with his developing fruit-based products, millions of farmers have gotten better value for their crops across the country.
Rasna is a true example of the “Make In India” brand, available in millions of homes in India and across 60 countries around the world, and has always been a market leader in a segment dominated by MNCs.
Under his chairmanship and guidance, the Trust and Foundations have been involved in various projects to do with health care, education, scholarship, etc., from which thousands of people have benefited.
Khambatta leaves behind a legacy for his wife Persis, children Piruz, Delna, Ruzan, and daughter-in-law Binaisha, and grandchildren Arzeen, Arzad, Avan, Areez, Firoza, and Arnavaz to follow.
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.
