MAM
VivaConnect appoints Bharatesh Salian as Chief Strategy Officer
MUMBAI: The voice & missed call company, VivaConnect, has appointed Bharatesh Salian as the chief strategy officer. He will define and execute strategic initiatives for brands, media houses and agencies to deliver a unified-interactive experience across all screens and touchpoints.
Salian comes with a strong technology background and in-depth understanding of brands and consumer behaviour. He brings on board, 14 years of experience in mobile, digital and social media marketing space. Prior to joining VivaConnect, he was with Mogae Media Group as strategic planning & business development director. His former stint as a general manager- digital and mobility services at Omnicom Media Group owned OMD and PHD, had him heading the mobile strategy and project implementation for large FMCG’s like Hindustan Unilever Limited, Johnson & Johnson.
With his strong conviction about mobile offering the highest reach, he executed campaigns for notable brands using Telecom Platform on a 10-digit mobile number (Long Code). Other major projects include introduction of “Web Click to Call” concept in a Brand Campaign for Pepsi in 2009 and Missed Call Activity in a Brand Activation for Tide Plus.
He has been a recipient of ‘Innovative Leader Award’ at Indira International Innovation Summit, January 2013.
Speaking on the appointment, managing director Vikram Raichura said, “I am delighted to welcome Bharatesh to the team VivaConnect. With his treasure-box of experience across brands and agencies, I am confident that it will further enable us to deliver greater value to our clients apart from giving them a competitive advantage. I wish him all the luck for his career-journey with VivaConnect.”
Brands
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.
