MAM
Zydus reports 4.9 per cent sales growth in Q2
MUMBAI: Zydus Wellness Ltd reported a growth of 9.3 per cent in gross sales for the second quarter ending 30 September 2020. The total income from top line sales was reported at Rs 3,420 million, up by 4.9 per cent (y-o-y).
PBT before exceptional items was down by 63.1 per cent to Rs 74 million (y-o-y). However, the same was up by 27 per cent before GST budgetary support that ceased for Sitarganj plant from January 2020 onwards.
During the quarter gone by, key brands namely, Sugar Free, Everyuth Scrub and Everyuth Peel Off, Glucon D and Nycil continued to hold strong positions in their respective categories.
The company continued to grow the categories and increase market share of its brands with new offerings and expanding its reach through e-commerce channels and building brand advocacy during the quarter.
Glucon-D ImmunoVolt was launched to tap the heightened need of Immunity products for kids. The product is fortified with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc to boost immunity. Complan was launched in an economical and handy 75 gram sachet priced at Rs 30 per pack. Sugar Free has seen brisk sales in the e-commerce channel and has grown at more than 100 per cent versus the corresponding quarter last year on this channel. The quarter also witnessed the launch of Everyuth Aloe Vera & Cucumber Gel in face moisturizers segment.
During the quarter, the wellness brand completed preferential issue and QIP issue of equity shares by raising Rs 3,499 million and Rs 6,500 million respectively from the above issuance, the proceeds of which will be used towards redemption of non-convertible debentures. As a part of a strategic initiative to pare down the debt, the company bought back its own non-convertible debentures of Rs 11,050 million which will help the company reduce the debt burden and deleverage the balance sheet. In the process of buying back its own non-convertible debentures of Rs 11,050 million, the company has paid a one-time debenture redemption premium of Rs 980 million which is recorded as an exceptional item in the financials for the quarter.
The completion of buy back of non-convertible debentures will result in lower interest cost and shall have a positive impact on the earning per share (EPS) of the company over a period of time.
Digital
OpenAI names Sanghyun Lee Apac global affairs head
Ex-Google policy leader to steer AI governance and partnerships in region
MUMBAI: OpenAI has appointed Sanghyun Lee as head of Asia Pacific global affairs, bringing in a seasoned policy hand as it deepens engagement across one of the fastest-evolving AI markets.
Based in Singapore, Lee will lead public policy engagement, government relations and strategic partnerships across key Asia Pacific markets, including India, Japan, Korea, Australia and Southeast Asia. His role will centre on shaping how AI is governed and adopted responsibly across the region.
Lee joins OpenAI after nearly nine years at Google, where he held multiple leadership roles in government affairs and public policy. Most recently, he served as global head of key markets for platforms and devices, overseeing regulatory strategy across major markets including the US, EU and Asia.
Reflecting on his transition, Lee described his time at Google as formative. “After nearly nine years at Google, I am closing a chapter that has meant a great deal to me. These were defining years. We navigated regulatory scrutiny, fast-moving policy debates, and moments that demanded calm judgment and steady teamwork,” he said.
At OpenAI, Lee will focus on aligning innovation with policy frameworks, a balancing act that is becoming increasingly critical as AI adoption accelerates worldwide. Lee said, “When a technology is as powerful as AI, progress is not only about innovation. It is also about how thoughtfully we engage with governments, institutions, and communities to help ensure its benefits are shared broadly and responsibly.”
Lee brings more than two decades of experience spanning technology, investments and public policy. His career includes leadership roles at Airbnb, where he worked on regulatory frameworks in Asia, and academic positions at Yonsei University. He is also an alumnus of MIT Sloan School of Management and has contributed to research on AI governance and digital policy.
His appointment comes as OpenAI looks to strengthen its institutional presence globally, with Asia Pacific expected to play a central role in shaping the future of AI regulation and adoption.
As governments and companies race to define the rules of AI, OpenAI’s latest hire signals a clear intent to stay ahead of the policy curve while building trust in a rapidly transforming digital landscape.
