News Broadcasting
R Chandrasekhar appointed new COO of Essel Propack
MUMBAI: Essel Propack recently announced the appointment of R Chandrasekhar as its chief operating officer (COO). Chandrasekhar would be taking over this portfolio with immediate effect.
In his new role, Chandrasekhar will be in-charge of all the daily operational issues and thus, will share with work load with the company’s vice chairman and MD Ashok Goel. This will free the top management to pursue growth of business in line with the business plan.
During a career spanning 21 years, Chandrasekhar has been associated with organisations such as Hindustan petroleum, TOMCO, Tata Strategical Management Group and Lupin Group of Industries. He has had thorough exposure to diverse functions such as Manufacturing, Marketing, Audit, Finance, Project Management, Capital Markets, Supply Chain Management and Information Technology.
Chandrasekhar joined Essel Propack in 1994 as General Manager (Finance) and was later promoted as Vice President (Finance) in 1997. His constant endeavour to excel has led to his steady growth in the company when in December 1999, he was appointed as Director (Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management & Information Technology) and was responsible for the operations of the plants in India and Nepal, says a company release.
Chandrasekhar is a member of the Executive Committee of the company from 1994 and was involved in all strategic decisions for globalising the operations of the company. The period 1994 to 2000 saw the company start overseas operations in Germany, China, Egypt and Nepal. After the merger with Propack in, Chandrasekhar was appointed as the company’s CFO. He is also a member of the Company’s Global Leadership Team.
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
