Author: Neel Achary

Mr Sohil Bhargava appointed Director – Operations at THE Park Hotels’ upcoming hotel

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Sohil Bhargava, Director – Operations for the upcoming hotel, added, “It is an honour to be part of THE Park Hotels and take on the responsibility of leading operational preparations for the upcoming hotel. I look forward to working with the team closely to create differentiated experiences, deliver excellence and bring the Anything But Ordinary™ spirit to a new market.”

IRHPL Pioneers Travel Retail at Vizag’s New Bhogapuram International Airport with 16-Store Launch

Sept 2: India Retails & Hospitality Private Limited (IRHPL), a leading name in India’s airport retail and hospitality industry, today announced the launch of 16 stores in its first week of operations at Bhogapuram International Airport — officially Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport — the gateway serving Visakhapatnam and North Andhra Pradesh. Two more partner brand stores are set to follow in the coming week. The rollout is also another step in IRHPL’s journey towards its 100th store nationally, with the count now at 96.

Bhogapuram International Airport was developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) to serve the Visakhapatnam metropolitan region, replacing the city’s existing civil-enclave airport. Built to handle 6 million passengers a year in its first phase, with room to scale up in later phases, the airport has a 3,800-metre runway, a dedicated cargo terminal bring a sharp rise in passenger traffic, tourism and business travel to the region, one of the reasons IRHPL moved in early and at scale.

At this airport, IRHPL has done something that most airport retail operators talk about but rarely execute well: it has curated a retail journey rather than simply filled a concourse. The portfolio runs on two tracks that are designed to work together. The first is built around IRHPL’s own concept brands, each created for a specific kind of traveller need. Artport brings handmade art, jewellery and home décor; Sthanika (Newest own concept brand) celebrates the rich craft heritage of Andhra Pradesh through textiles, traditional handicrafts, food, art and artisan-made products; four Neo Travel outlets cover travel essentials; Mishthaan offers Indian sweets; Lumière carries luxury eyewear; The Olfactive focuses on fragrances; and Toycraft serves younger travellers with toys and games. The second track brings in established partner brands, including W, Da Milano, Accessorize London, Sarvani Sweets, Bombay Shaving Company, Cookieman, Lavie and Almond House, spanning fashion, accessories, grooming and confectionery. Together, the two tracks create something a single-brand or single-category retail approach cannot: a layered, varied experience where a traveller moving through the terminal encounters something genuinely different at each point. That is the philosophy behind IRHPL’s retail model, and Bhogapuram is one of its clearest expressions.

“As pioneers in Indian travel retail, we have always believed that a great airport retail experience is built through curation, not just presence. At IRHPL, our dual-enginemodel, where our own concept brands sit alongside some of the finest partner brands in the country, is what makes that experience distinctive. Bhogapuram is one of the clearest expressions of that philosophy, and it reflects the standard we hold ourselves to across every terminal we operate in,” said Naresh Sharma, CEO, IRHPL Group of Companies. 

The Bhogapuram launch underscores IRHPL’s position as a successful name in the Indian travel retail segment, building its own retail formats in-house while partnering with leading national and international brands to cover a wide range of traveller needs. It also gives the company an early, large-scale foothold in one of India’s fastest-growing airport markets.

GAP Contemporary presents The Still Life of Sentiments

A Home woven with stories, staccatos, framed works, furniture, and fervour

Curated by Priyanshi S Preview: 10 September 2026, 6:00 PM onwards On view: 11 September – 10 October 2026 Venue: GAP Contemporary, F-213B, Old M.B. Road, Lado Sarai, New Delhi – 110030

The exhibition is open to all from 11 September to 10 October 2026, Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM at GAP Contemporary, F-213B, Old M.B. Road, Lado Sarai, New Delhi – 110030.

Gallery Art Positive is having an identity reform. After two decades as Gallery Art Positive, we are delighted, and actually ecstatic, to be reborn as GAP Contemporary. 
The gallery marks this new chapter with The Still Life of Sentiments, a new exhibition curated by Priyanshi S, which brings together contemporary art, furniture, objects, books and design within a deliberately domestic setting.

Rather than treating the gallery as a conventional white cube, the exhibition will transform the 5,000 sq. ft. space into a series of lived-in environments—a living room, a study and an anti-room—where artworks sit alongside furniture, greenery, lighting, books and objects. The intention is less to prescribe how art should be encountered and more to consider how art might actually exist in our lives: around us, among our things, and as part of the spaces we inhabit.

The exhibition brings together artists and design practices across disciplines and generations, creating an environment that is as much about contemporary living as it is about contemporary art.

Among the artists being shown are Bashobi Tiwari, Boito, Enii Living, Meghna Patpatia Singh, Poorvi Sultania, Pranshu Thakore, Protyush Paul, Suryan Saurabh, Urvi Sethna, and Vikalp Durga Mishra, among others.

The design component includes studios such as Hatsu, Objectry, Phantom Hands, This and That, Turn Black Official, Umber Furniture, Vahe and Vakr Studio, alongside object and lighting practices including Fig Living, Kathakaar Studio, Dhruv Agarwwal, and Clay Ventures.

The exhibition will also include a selection of books and other, more unexpected additions.

An exhibition that keeps changing

Like a lot of Priyanshi’s exhibitions, this one keeps morphing through its duration. At the heart of The Still Life of Sentiments is the concept of dynamism—where the exhibition keeps getting amended, pieces being added, deducted, altered throughout its duration. Some will leave because they have found new homes; others may simply make way for something else. As a result, the exhibition will not remain entirely static from opening to closing.

The format is intended to encourage audiences to return to the gallery, and always find something new to engage with. 

Curated by Priyanshi S

Priyanshi S is an art advisor, curator and writer whose practice engages with South Asian art, its history and culture. Her work is particularly concerned with making art more accessible and questioning the traditional barriers between art and its audiences, including those created by language.

She was the Curatorial Director of Pulp Society, New Delhi, and advises contemporary galleries and collections. Her recent curatorial projects include Taqiya Kalaam for Delhi Contemporary Art Week in 2025 and भीड़तंत्र x लोकतंत्र at Latitude 28 in 2023. She was also Curator and Director of the Amdavad Art-é-Summit 2022 and a reviewer for the 2022 Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship applications in Arts and Culture Management.

She has worked with contemporary and modern South Asian galleries on institutional acquisitions and international art fairs, with art foundations and on cultural projects including a collateral project at the 56th Venice Biennale. She has written extensively on contemporary art and art markets, contributing to Art Residencies of India (Studio 118, Mumbai, 2021) and SMART ARTIST (Artbuzz India, 2019), as well as GQ India, AD India, Vogue India and Take on Art, among others.

From Art Positive to GAP Contemporary

Founded by Anu Bajaj in 2005, Gallery Art Positive has spent more than two decades building a programme around contemporary art, while working with both established and emerging artists, collectors and cultural institutions. Its Lado Sarai space has also hosted talks, workshops and the flagship GAP Art Award, alongside its exhibition programme, and the art advisory practice.

In its 20th year, the gallery is rebirthing as GAP Contemporary.

The rebrand marks an evolution rather than a departure: a new identity for a gallery that has grown alongside the changing Indian art, and culture landscape, and the curiosity and colour of South Asian art across the globe. GAP Contemporary will continue its work with artists and collectors while expanding its engagement with art, design, culture, wellness and contemporary living.

The Still Life of Sentiments is the first exhibition in this new chapter.

Berger Paints’ Construction Chemicals Business Crosses ₹1,500 Crore Milestone

Business records over 25% CAGR in the last three years, significantly outpacing the broader waterproofing market

Sept 02: Berger Paints India Limited has crossed the ₹1,500 crore milestone in its construction chemicals business, including waterproofing, in FY26, reinforcing the company’s growing presence beyond its core paints portfolio.

Built over the last seven to eight years, the business has expanded across waterproofing, repair, tiling and allied construction applications, as demand for specialized construction chemicals gains momentum across new construction and repair. The business has recorded a CAGR of over 25% over the last three years, well ahead of the broader waterproofing market, which is estimated to grow at around 8–10%. The wider Indian construction chemicals market is also poised for strong growth, with rising infrastructure activity, renovation and reconstruction, and increasing adoption of specialized solutions driving demand. According to a June 2026 report by Mordor Intelligence, the market is estimated at US$2.53 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach US$4.47 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 12.06%.

Commenting on the milestone, Abhijit Roy, MD and CEO, Berger Paints India, said, “We see construction chemicals as a natural extension of our role in building and protecting the spaces that matter to consumers. Over the years, we have invested in understanding evolving construction needs, developing differentiated products and building greater awareness around the category. As the market continues to formalise and adoption deepens, our focus will be on scaling the business responsibly, strengthening our presence across geographies and creating solutions that address the needs of both construction professionals and consumers.”

The company’s construction chemicals portfolio is led by Home Shield, which houses its waterproofing solutions. Berger has focused on product development to address emerging needs, including Home Shield Waterproof Putty, which combines the application of putty to create a uniform wall surface with waterproofing functionality. Another addition is Roof Cool and Seal, which provides roof waterproofing along with a cooling benefit. Launched around two years ago, the product has a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of over 111%, enabling high solar reflectance and contributing to a cooling effect.

Berger has also expanded into tiling solutions, including tile adhesives, tile grouts and other adhesive products, strengthening its presence across the broader construction chemicals value chain.

The business has a pan-India presence, with particularly strong traction in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Going forward, Berger sees further opportunity to deepen penetration in existing markets, expand into newer geographies and build on its growth trajectory through continued product development across construction chemicals.

India’s Petrol, Diesel Demand Rises in August as Mobility and Economic Activity Support Fuel Consumption

New Delhi: India’s fuel consumption landscape showed a notable divergence in August, with petrol and diesel demand registering strong year-on-year growth even as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption continued to weaken. The increase in transport fuels points to sustained mobility, agricultural activity and freight movement, although the broader economic picture remains mixed.

According to provisional data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, petrol consumption rose 7.88 per cent year-on-year to 3.82 million tonnes (MT) in August 2026, compared with 3.54 MT in the corresponding month last year.

Diesel, the country’s largest-selling petroleum product, recorded a 6.46 per cent increase to around 7.00 MT, against 6.58 MT a year earlier. The growth assumes significance because diesel demand is closely linked to freight transportation, agriculture, construction and other productive activities across the economy.

The August numbers underline the continued resilience of India’s domestic fuel market despite higher energy costs and disruptions in global oil markets.

Mobility emerges as a key driver

The increase in petrol consumption reflects stronger road mobility across the country. A combination of vehicle usage, road travel and changing travel preferences contributed to higher demand during the month.

One factor supporting petrol consumption was relatively deficient rainfall in several regions, which allowed road movement to continue at a stronger pace. There was also evidence of travellers opting for road journeys for shorter distances rather than air travel.

The trend has been reinforced by healthy vehicle sales. India’s passenger vehicle market recorded strong dealer sales in August, with major automakers reporting year-on-year increases. This provides another channel through which rising vehicle ownership and usage can translate into higher petrol consumption.

For the broader economy, higher petrol consumption is therefore more than an energy statistic. It can reflect increased household mobility, personal transportation and activity in sectors dependent on road connectivity.

Diesel demand reflects agriculture, freight and industry

Diesel demand offers a somewhat different picture.

Unlike petrol, diesel remains deeply embedded in India’s commercial and productive economy. Trucks and other freight vehicles rely heavily on diesel, as do agricultural machinery, irrigation pumps and several industrial applications.

In August, diesel consumption benefited from continued economic activity as well as agricultural demand. The uneven monsoon played an important role in some regions, with farmers turning to diesel-powered irrigation equipment where rainfall was inadequate.

The combination of agricultural requirements, freight movement and manufacturing activity helped sustain diesel consumption despite the challenging global energy environment.

The increase also came on the back of a relatively lower base in August 2025, making year-on-year comparisons somewhat favourable. Nevertheless, the 6.46 per cent rise indicates that demand for diesel-powered mobility and economic activity remained substantial.

Strong GDP growth provides a supportive backdrop

The latest fuel data comes against the backdrop of stronger-than-expected economic growth.

India’s real GDP expanded 7.8 per cent year-on-year in the April-June 2026 quarter, beating market expectations of around 7.1 per cent. Growth was supported by investment, manufacturing and domestic consumption, although the pace moderated from the previous quarter’s revised 8.6 per cent.

Manufacturing output expanded 9.2 per cent in the April-June quarter, while consumer spending also remained relatively strong. These trends provide a supportive foundation for transportation and energy demand.

However, the August fuel numbers should not be interpreted as a standalone measure of economic strength. India’s manufacturing sector subsequently showed signs of moderation, with the August Purchasing Managers’ Index indicating the slowest factory growth in five years amid weaker domestic and international demand.

This suggests that while fuel consumption remained resilient, businesses and policymakers will need to watch whether the momentum can be sustained in the coming months.

Five-month fuel demand remains firmly in positive territory

The cumulative April-August numbers reinforce the picture of relatively strong transport-fuel demand.

During the first five months of the current fiscal year, petrol consumption increased 6.48 per cent to 18.94 MT, while diesel demand rose 4.29 per cent to 40.56 MT, according to provisional PPAC data.

The figures indicate that the increase is not confined to a single month. Petrol demand has benefited from growing vehicle usage and mobility, while diesel continues to be supported by India’s logistics, agricultural and commercial networks.

At the same time, the growth rates remain sensitive to the base effect, monsoon conditions, fuel prices and the pace of economic activity.

LPG tells a contrasting story

The most striking feature of India’s August petroleum consumption data is the sharp divergence between transport fuels and LPG.

LPG consumption fell 16.15 per cent year-on-year to 2.42 MT in August, compared with 2.89 MT a year earlier. For April-August, LPG consumption declined 15.89 per cent to 11.29 MT.

Industry executives have linked part of the decline to changing consumption patterns, including a shift towards piped natural gas among some households, restaurants and industrial and commercial users.

The decline also reflects the unusual conditions surrounding India’s LPG supply chain following disruptions in global energy markets and the country’s dependence on imported LPG.

The contrasting trends highlight how different segments of India’s energy economy are responding differently to changing prices, supply conditions and consumption patterns.

Aviation fuel shows tentative recovery

Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) consumption also returned to growth in August.

ATF demand increased 1.4 per cent to around 720,000 tonnes, compared with 710,000 tonnes a year earlier. However, cumulative ATF consumption for April-August remained marginally lower, declining 0.57 per cent to 3.68 MT.

The August increase could indicate some recovery in air traffic following earlier disruptions and elevated fuel costs.

Taken together, rising petrol, diesel and ATF demand suggests that mobility across different modes of transport remained relatively resilient during the month.

Global oil risks remain a key uncertainty

India’s fuel-demand outlook cannot be separated from developments in the international crude oil market.

The country imports the bulk of its crude oil requirements, leaving domestic energy costs vulnerable to global supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in international crude prices.

The ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in West Asia has added another layer of risk. Higher crude prices can eventually put pressure on India’s trade balance, inflation and fuel marketing margins, while also raising transportation costs for businesses and consumers.

This creates a delicate balance for the economy. Strong fuel demand is positive from the perspective of economic activity, but persistently high international oil prices can increase input costs and weaken purchasing power.

What the August numbers mean for India’s economy

The latest fuel-consumption figures offer a useful real-time indicator of activity on the ground.

Petrol demand points towards continued personal mobility and vehicle usage. Diesel consumption reflects the movement of goods, agricultural operations and commercial activity. ATF demand provides a window into air travel, while LPG consumption captures changing household and commercial energy patterns.

The August data therefore paints a nuanced picture rather than a simple story of uniformly accelerating growth.

India’s economy entered the second half of 2026 with strong GDP momentum and healthy vehicle demand, but manufacturing indicators have begun to show signs of moderation. At the same time, global oil-market risks remain elevated.

For now, however, the resilience of petrol and diesel consumption suggests that India’s transport and productive economy continues to generate substantial demand for conventional fuels.

The key question for the months ahead will be whether this fuel-demand momentum can withstand higher energy costs, global uncertainty and softer manufacturing conditions.

If road mobility, freight movement, agricultural activity and domestic consumption remain firm, petrol and diesel demand could continue to provide an important real-time signal of India’s underlying economic resilience.

Indian Equities Slide at Open as Rising Crude and Geopolitical Risks Trigger Sell-Off

Mumbai, September 2, 2026: Indian benchmark equity indices came under heavy selling pressure in early trade on Wednesday, with investors turning cautious amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and a sharp rise in crude oil prices.

At 9:47 a.m., the Nifty 50 was trading at 23,830.90, down 225.75 points, or 0.94 per cent, from its previous close. The BSE Sensex stood at 76,299.85, lower by 640.04 points, or 0.83 per cent.

The weak opening reflected a broader deterioration in global risk sentiment as escalating geopolitical tensions raised concerns over energy supplies and the possibility of prolonged disruption in the international oil market.

The surge in crude oil prices has emerged as one of the principal concerns for investors. Any sustained increase in energy costs could have wider implications for inflation, corporate margins and India’s external balances, given the country’s dependence on imported crude.

Higher oil prices can increase costs across transportation, aviation, chemicals and other energy-intensive industries. They can also put pressure on the rupee by increasing the country’s import bill.

For equity investors, the concern is not merely the immediate increase in crude prices but whether geopolitical tensions could keep energy prices elevated for an extended period.

The domestic sell-off mirrored weakness across international markets. Investors globally have been reassessing risk exposure as geopolitical developments add uncertainty to the outlook for economic growth, inflation and monetary policy.

The rise in oil prices has also revived concerns that renewed inflationary pressure could complicate the path of interest-rate cuts in major economies. Higher global bond yields and a stronger dollar can further reduce the attractiveness of emerging-market assets.

This combination of geopolitical uncertainty, expensive crude and tighter global financial conditions has encouraged investors to adopt a defensive stance.

The broad market weakness is expected to keep investors focused on sectors with high sensitivity to crude prices and global financial conditions.

Oil-consuming industries could face margin pressure if input costs remain elevated, while companies with strong pricing power and relatively lower exposure to energy costs may prove more resilient.

At the same time, oil and gas companies could attract attention as crude prices move higher, although the overall market direction remains dependent on the duration and intensity of the geopolitical shock.

Currency movements are another important factor for Indian equities. A weaker rupee alongside higher crude prices could increase imported inflationary pressures and complicate the broader macroeconomic outlook.

Foreign institutional flows will also remain on investors’ radar. Persistent overseas selling can amplify market declines during periods of heightened global risk aversion, while continued support from domestic institutional investors could help limit the downside.

With the Nifty now trading below the 24,000 mark, market participants are likely to closely monitor whether the index can stabilise at lower levels or whether selling pressure intensifies during the session.

The immediate focus will remain on developments in global crude oil markets, geopolitical events, movements in the US dollar and bond yields, and foreign investor activity.

For India, the impact of the current market shock will ultimately depend on how long crude prices remain elevated. A short-lived spike could be absorbed by the economy and markets, but a prolonged oil-price surge could create greater pressure on inflation, the rupee, corporate profitability and investor sentiment.

For now, geopolitical uncertainty and the oil-price surge have pushed Indian equities firmly into risk-off territory, with investors expected to remain cautious until greater clarity emerges on the global energy and economic outlook.

Raincheck Earth Appoints Sanjit Phukan as Head of Marketing

New Delhi, Sept 02: Raincheck Earth, the company behind the internationally acclaimed Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin, has appointed Sanjit Phukan as its Head of Marketing, marking a significant step in the brand’s next phase of growth, both in India and globally.

Sanjit joins Raincheck Earth from Jameson, where he most recently served as Director – Marketing Communication, playing a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s cultural relevance and accelerating its growth in India. During his tenure, he conceptualised and led Jameson Connects India, a platform that brought together music, art, culture, and community through meaningful collaborations, partnerships, and original brand experiences.

With over 21 years of experience across sales, communications, digital transformation, and brand marketing, Sanjit has built an impressive career with some of the world’s most recognised consumer brands. Before Jameson, he spent over a decade with Nestlé, contributing to the growth of iconic brands including Maggi, Nescafé, Milkmaid, and KitKat. He also worked with Nestlé’s Global Digital Team in Switzerland before returning to India to lead the company’s digital transformation ecosystem.

His move to Raincheck Earth is as much a professional decision as it is a personal one. Born and raised in Northeast India, Sanjit shares a deep connection with the region and its stories. Joining Cherrapunji allows him to help build a brand that celebrates the landscape, culture, and craftsmanship of the Northeast while taking it to audiences around the world.

Speaking on the appointment, Mayukh Hazarika, Founder & CEO, Raincheck Earth, said:

“Sanjit understands something that’s difficult to teach, how brands become part of culture. Throughout his career, he’s consistently built communities, conversations, and experiences that people genuinely connect with. As Cherrapunji enters its next chapter, we’re excited to have someone who not only brings world-class marketing expertise but also shares a deep personal connection with the Northeast and everything this brand stands for.”

On joining Raincheck Earth, Sanjit Phukan said:

“I’ve spent much of my career building brands with incredible scale, but what drew me to Raincheck Earth was something different. Cherrapunji is building from a place with a powerful story, extraordinary ingredients, and a point of view that’s deeply authentic. Coming from the Northeast, this feels personal. It’s an opportunity to help build a globally respected brand while representing a region I’ve always been proud to call home.”

Beyond marketing, Sanjit is also a professional musician, having toured extensively with his band, and a published author. These creative pursuits continue to shape the way he approaches storytelling, culture, and brand building, qualities that align closely with Raincheck Earth’s vision of creating products rooted in place, purpose, and craftsmanship.

As Raincheck Earth continues to expand its global footprint following recent international recognition, including the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026, Sanjit’s appointment reinforces the company’s commitment to building culturally relevant, design-led brands from Northeast India for the world.

Peggy Lillis Foundation to Host 17th Annual Changing the Odds Gala in Support of C. Difficile Advocacy and Awareness

BROOKLYN, NY (September 2, 2026) – The Peggy Lillis Foundation (PLF), the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of and combating Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), will host its 17th Annual Changing the Odds Gala on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 26 Bridge in Brooklyn, NY. The Foundation’s signature fundraising event will unite patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to advancing education, advocacy, and policy efforts that improve outcomes for those affected by C. diff—a serious bacterial infection that sickens nearly half a million Americans and contributes to nearly 30,000 deaths each year. 

“The fragmentation of our healthcare system is a key factor in C. diff infection proliferating. Patients seeing doctors at multiple systems; the disconnect between in-patient and outpatient care; the underinvestment in infection prevention; and the lack of input from patients in everything from drug to guideline development allows C. diff infections to proliferate,” said Christian John Lillis, Co-Founder and CEO of the Peggy Lillis Foundation. “That’s why I’m so pleased that this year we’re honoring people who represent the whole fight against C. diff. Dr. Alexander Khoruts of the University of Minnesota, a physician-scientist; Peter Westerhaus of Achieving Cures Together, a philanthropist;  Bobby Warren, director of the DiRTE Lab at Duke, an environmental hygiene researcher; and Carol Raye, a patient who survived recurrent C. diff and has become a national leader in providing peer support. Along with PLF, our honorees touch every aspect of the fight against C. diff.”

Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, a full dinner, casino games, raffles, and dancing while celebrating the individuals whose leadership, innovation, and support are advancing the fight against C. diff, with the presentation of the Foundation’s annual awards.

Recurrent C. diff survivor and longtime Peggy Lillis Foundation advocate Carol Raye is being honored with this year’s Advocate Award. After developing a severe C. diff infection in 2011, Carol endured months of illness, isolation, and failed treatments before receiving a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT). Through her recovery, she has become one of the Foundation’s most dedicated volunteers, serving as Chair of the Peer Support Network and helping countless patients navigate their own C. diff journeys through education, lobbying efforts, mentorship, and advocacy.

“In the middle of the pandemic shutdown, I found the 2020 Peggy Lillis Foundation’s virtual Summit and immediately volunteered. I have become lifetime friends with other PLF advocates and some of the patients that I have mentored,” said Carol Raye. “Attending the annual Summit and Lobby Day has become a joyful annual family reunion! I am deeply honored to be this year’s advocacy award recipient.” 

The Leadership Award will be presented to Alexander Khoruts, MD, and Pete J. Westerhaus in recognition of their accomplishments in advancing microbiome science and improving outcomes for patients affected by C. diff. Dr. Khoruts is a nationally recognized gastroenterologist, microbiome researcher, and pioneer in microbiota therapeutics. As Professor of Medicine and Director of the Microbiota Therapeutics Program at the University of Minnesota, he has led groundbreaking research that helped establish fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a transformative treatment for recurrent C. diff. 

“I am immensely honored to be recognized by the Peggy Lillis Foundation. The award is especially meaningful because this Foundation was established in memory of a patient who died of fulminant C. difficile infection, the most lethal form of this disease and a condition that I am especially focusing my clinical and research efforts at this time,” said Dr. Khoruts.

Peter Westerhaus is the founder of Achieving Cures Together (ACT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating medical research and advancing treatments in the field of the human microbiome. Through ACT, he has championed collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders to help bring innovative microbiome therapies to patients in need.

“Having personally suffered through multiple C. diff infections, I know firsthand the devastating impact this horrific superbug can have on patients and their families. The Peggy Lillis Foundation has been a powerful voice in raising awareness and advocating for those affected by C. diff, and I’m deeply honored to be recognized by such an outstanding organization,” said Peter Westerhaus.

Bobby Warren, MPS, will receive this year’s Innovator Award. Warren is a researcher in antimicrobial stewardship, healthcare epidemiology, and infection prevention at Duke University, where he serves as Lab Director of the Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention’s Disinfection, Resistance and Transmission Epidemiology (DiRTE) Lab. Through his research on environmental contamination, disinfection strategies, and the prevention of healthcare-associated infections, including C. diff, Warren is advancing innovative approaches to improve patient safety and reduce the spread of infectious diseases. 

“Receiving the Peggy Lillis Foundation’s Innovator Award is a tremendous honor. I’ve always believed that some of the biggest opportunities to prevent healthcare-associated infections come from better understanding how pathogens move through and persist in the healthcare environment—and then figuring out what we can actually do about it,” said Warren. “What makes this recognition especially meaningful is PLF’s commitment to turning science and advocacy into action that improves patient safety. I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized by an organization that shares that same drive to challenge how we think about infection prevention and find better ways to protect patients.”

For tickets and more information about this year’s gala, visit  https://cdiff.org/event/changing-the-odds-2026/