Category Archives: Business

Sofitel Mumbai BKC Appoints Ayodhya Tiwari as Director of Revenue

Sofitel Mumbai BKC is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ayodhya Tiwari as the Director of Revenue, bringing with him over thirteen years of dedicated experience across some of India’s most respected luxury and upscale hospitality brands. Known for his strategic depth, analytical expertise and consistent revenue-driven achievements, he has built an impressive career in Revenue Management, Reservations and Distribution, with a strong foundation in commercial operations and market optimisation. 

Over the course of his career, he has worked with brands such as Novotel, Hyatt Regency, Pride Plaza, and The Leela, contributing to multiple landmark properties and high-performing portfolios. In his recent role, he led revenue strategy for multi-property operations, achieving record occupancy levels and consistent RevPAR growth. Across his previous assignments, he has strengthened digital performance, enhanced market positioning, and successfully supported openings and transitions establishing a track record of sound commercial judgement and revenue-first thinking.

In his new role at Sofitel Mumbai BKC;

he will be responsible for leading the hotel’s revenue strategy with a forward-thinking approach that integrates data-driven insights, dynamic pricing, and a refined distribution outlook. He will play a pivotal role in strengthening market share, enhancing commercial performance across all business segments, and contributing to the hotel’s ambitious growth objectives. His ability to anticipate trends, optimise multi-segment demand and drive profitable business mix will be instrumental in further elevating Sofitel Mumbai BKC’s leadership in Mumbai’s luxury hospitality landscape. 

A collaborative leader known for his sharp business acumen, strong interpersonal skills and solutions-oriented mindset, he brings with him a commitment to building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of excellence. His experience across diverse markets and his ability to adapt to rapidly shifting industry landscapes have shaped him into a results-oriented professional with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement. 

Speaking about his appointment, Ayodhya Tiwari shared;

“I am honoured to join Sofitel Mumbai BKC and look forward to deepening my understanding of the hotel’s distinctive positioning and operational strengths. In my role as Director of Revenue, I am committed to advancing the property’s commercial performance by driving strategic revenue initiatives, strengthening promotional effectiveness, and optimising business mix across segments. I look forward to working closely with the team to deliver meaningful and sustainable results.” 

Tradelink International Strengthens India’s Fertilizer Supply Chain, Records 4.5M Tons Traded

Abhishek Wadekar, Founder Chairman Tradelink International Private Limited

“An India-based company growing in the global market. Tradelink International began trading in early 2019 and has become a significant fertilizer trading company, having sold over 4.5 million metric tons of fertilizer raw materials and finished products in the Indian marketplace in the last six years.

Zaggle Allots Convertible Warrants to RAN Ventures (Promoter Group) and Bennett Coleman & Company Limited

Mumbai, Dec 18: Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited (“Zaggle”), India’s leading spend management and SaaS-led FinTech company, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the allotment of 1,058,201 convertible warrants on a preferential basis, pursuant to shareholder approval obtained at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on October 31, 2025, and in-principle approvals received from the stock exchanges. The capital infusion by the Promoter Group and BCCL, which was announced in October 2025, has been undertaken in line with the company’s strategic growth plans.

The warrants have been issued at an issue price of INR 567 per warrant, in accordance with the provisions of the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018. Of the total warrants allotted:

• 3,52,734 warrants have been allotted to RAN Ventures Private Limited, part of the promoter group
• 7,05,467 warrants have been allotted to Bennett Coleman and Company Limited (BCCL), a non-promoter investor

This dual reinforcement of internal conviction and external validation firmly positions Zaggle for its next phase of growth. The Promoters’ infusion stands as a clear testament to their belief in the company’s intrinsic worth. They have reiterated their view that even at this valuation, Zaggle remains significantly undervalued and expressed intent to further increase their stake, a move that strengthens long-term shareholder alignment and underscores their confidence in Zaggle’s future trajectory.

BCCL has consistently partnered with some of India’s fastest-growing enterprises, accelerating brand equity through media-first investments that build trust, drive customer acquisition and establish category leadership.

Management Commentary

Commenting on the development, Dr. Raj P. Narayanam, Founder & Executive Chairman, Zaggle, said,

“The allotment of warrants reflects the continued confidence of our stakeholders in Zaggle’s long-term strategy, governance standards, and growth trajectory. The proceeds from the preferential issue will further strengthen our capital base and support our strategic growth initiatives, while remaining fully aligned with regulatory requirements and shareholder interests. Together, these investments provide a strong foundation of stability and credibility, while also accelerating our execution, positioning Zaggle for sustained long-term success.”

The Zaggle Advantage lies in the dual reinforcement of promoter-led conviction and brand-led validation. This dual milestone not only strengthens governance and alignment but also accelerates market reach, empowering Zaggle to continue its mission of delivering intelligent, AI-led spend management solutions to enterprises across India.

The Galleria Mall Lights Up Bengaluru with a Magical Christmas Celebration

Bengaluru, Dec 18: Brookfield Properties, a leading global developer and operator of high-quality real estate assets, kicked off the holiday season with a spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 9 at the Galleria Mall, its premium lifestyle retail destination located at Yelahanka. The community members and a few special invitees gathered for an evening full of festive cheering, live music, and engaging activities where they enjoyed a curated high-tea experience by Nasi & Mee, followed by the eagerly awaited countdown to the Christmas Tree lighting.

The stunning illumination turned the mall atrium into a glowing festive scene, accompanied by cheerful Christmas carols. The festivities continued with an interactive Christmas Cookie Decoration workshop with Vea by Leo’s Gold & Diamonds. Participants decorated Christmas themed cookies at individual stations and took home their creations along with festive goodie bags filled with holiday keepsakes and exclusive mall vouchers. A post-event gathering for the special invitees was held at Jollygunj. The celebration reflects Brookfield Properties’ placemaking philosophy, which focuses on creating vibrant, community-centric spaces where people can connect and engage. 

This event marks the start of ‘A Very London Christmas’ at The Galleria Mall. A series of festive performances, workshops, parades, and holiday attractions are planned throughout December.

The Minimalist Backs Regional Influencers as the Next Driver of Brand Growth

Mumbai,  Dec 17: As brands rethink how they connect with audiences in an increasingly fragmented digital ecosystem, The Minimalist- an integrated creative agency with offices in Mumbai and Delhi- has been building region-first culture-led creator strategies for consumer brands across India.. This approach, the agency says, is already driving stronger engagement, higher stickiness and better platform performance across YouTube and Meta.

According to the data derived by the Minimalist’s recent hyperlocal campaigns, the sharpest performance gains on YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels today are coming from creators who speak one city, one language and one lived truth, rather than generic pan-India messaging.

“One-size-fits-all influencer marketing worked when discovery was new. Today, it feels predictable and easy to scroll past,” says Sahil Vaidya, co-founder of The Minimalist.  He adds, “Audiences now reward familiarity, cultural relevance and creators who genuinely reflect their everyday lives.”

Moving Beyond Broadcast-Style Influencer Marketing;

The Minimalist has seen this shift play out across multiple digital campaigns, including a monsoon-led campaign for CEAT executed with regional influencers across Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi that garnered over 1.3M average views and 2.4% engagement, outperforming pan-India creator benchmarks by prioritising cultural relevance over scale.

That cultural resonance was most visible during Eveready’s Durga Puja campaign in Kolkata, where collaborating with city based creators led to authentic connection and stronger audience appeal.

“These weren’t translated ideas. They were locally imagined ones, and that’s what stuck” the agency noted.

On Instagram and other Meta platforms, The Minimalist has observed that performance is increasingly tied to quality of engagement over scale an advantage regional creators consistently deliver.

“India isn’t one feed. It’s thousands of micro-cultures living side by side,” adds Sahil Vaidya. “The brands that win will be the ones that respect that reality and build presence within communities, not just impressions around them.”

The Minimalist works with a dynamic portfolio of consumer brands including Parle, Birla Estates, CEAT, Eveready, among others, delivering culture-first influencer and content campaigns that balance strategic rigour, platform understanding and creative instinct.

India’s Retail Boom to Attract USD 3.5 Bn in Next 3 Years, US Malls Crumble

Mumbai, Dec 17: As malls in western countries of the world brace for an existential crisis, global capital is pivoting toward a market that seems to defy every global retail trend – India. While the U.S. has witnessed a net closure of nearly 1,200 mall stores since 2020—with rising vacancies forcing almost 40% of empty malls to undergo rezoning or repurposing—India is experiencing a retail resurgence driven by strong consumer demand and growing institutional investor confidence.

Anuj Kejriwal, CEO – Retail Leasing and Industrial & Logistics, ANAROCK Group, says,

“Latest ANAROCK data shows that in next 3 years, Indian malls are set to see over USD 3.5 Bn of capital inflows. Meanwhile, 88+ foreign brands have entered the Indian retail market and are seeking to expand aggressively. Several more global brands are in the pipeline, seeking space in the severely restricted Grade-A assets currently available.”

As a sharp counterpoint to Western countries’ markets, India’s massive unmet demand from a young consumer base and limited organized retail competition, backed by supportive FDI policies, are exactly what foreign brands and investors now seek.

A major confidence driver is the extreme undersupply of quality retail space in the country. India’s per capita retail stock remains one of the lowest in the world – Tier 1 cities operate with just 4 to 6 sq. ft. per person, Tier 2 and 3 cities with 2 to 3 sq. ft., and Grade A mall space alone sits at barely 0.6 sq. ft. per capita. In contrast, the US averages close to 23 sq. ft. while China exceeds 6 sq. ft.

“This gap, combined with India’s per-capita income nearly doubling in the last decade, has created a demand–supply mismatch virtually unheard of in global retail,” says Kejriwal. “Grade-A malls are running near-full occupancy, reporting 95-100% occupancy with long waitlists for key zones. Rental growth has consistently surpassed pre-pandemic levels, and developers now find leasing cycles outpacing construction cycles – a rarity anywhere in the world.”

For investors seeking predictable, inflation-hedged cash flows, this imbalance is a compelling long-term opportunity.

Consumption Gravitates to Quality Malls

With its rare combination of demographic demand drivers, India’s consumption story is creating new headlines. The country is on track to become a USD 6 trillion consumption economy by 2030. Unlike their Western counterparts, Indian malls are lifestyle destinations anchored in entertainment, dining, and social experiences. Daily footfalls in major malls routinely exceed 20,000 on weekdays and surge beyond 40,000 on weekends. F&B and entertainment now account for 30–35% of footfalls, resulting in a resilient retail mix almost completely immune to the online retail disruptions that are defeating Western malls.

Sharpened Investor Appetite

India has over 600 operational malls, but less than 100 meet the institutional benchmarks that attract global funds – triggering aggressive competition for top-tier assets.

“With its 19 malls’ portfolio housing 1,000+ brands and generating INR 1,600 Cr in annual NOI, Blackstone’s Nexus Select Trust REIT listing in 2023 kick-started retail-led REITs in India,” adds Kejriwal. “It established the sector’s credentials as a transparent, scalable, and professionally managed asset class. By 2030, at least two more retail REITs are expected to enter the Indian market.”

E-commerce Not a Spoilsport

Among the most attractive dynamics for global investors is that Indian malls have not capitulated to e-commerce – they are, in fact, benefiting from it. India’s e-commerce penetration remains around 8%, far below the 20%-plus levels seen in China and the US. Brands here are increasingly going ‘phygital’, with offline stores now experience and trust-building centers while online platforms drive scale.

Many leading D2C brands report that offline conversions are 2-3 times higher than online. In India, physical retail has retained its relevance in a digital age.

Peerless Value Proposition for Global Investors

Indian Grade-A malls typically deliver 14-18% IRRs, almost twice the yields seen in many Western markets. Rental escalation cycles, consumption growth-linked revenue-sharing arrangements, and consistently low vacancies signal stability and upside for global capital seeking both yield and long-term growth.

“This renders India unique among the world’s leading retail markets,” Kejriwal sums up. “In the US and Europe, malls are contending with oversupply, declining footfalls, online cannibalization – and the looming specter of repurposing into other formats. In contrast, the Indian retail market has limited quality supply, rising incomes, heavy footfalls, and rapid brand expansion. In the first half of 2025, retail leasing in India rose almost 70% Y-o-Y, and new mall supply grew by over 160%.”

PropertyPistol Launches Dubai Desk to Strengthen Global Realty Services

PropertyPistol launches Dedicated Dubai Desk, Expands Team to Drive International Real Estate Expertise

PropertyPistol, one of India’s leading tech-enabled real estate platforms, has announced the launch of its Dubai Desk, supported by new strategic hires focusing on advisory, documentation, mortgage facilitation, and customer experience. This expansion strengthens the company’s ambition to create a data-driven, globally integrated real estate advisory platform catering to investors across India and the GCC.

The Dubai Desk has been established as a high-governance investment gateway at a moment when Dubai’s property market is fortified by strong fundamentals. As outlined in the Dubai Desk investment guide, Dubai recorded double-digit price appreciation across units and villas, with demand concentrated in high-velocity districts such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and emerging freehold corridors. With rising rental yields, limited ready inventory, and robust expat-driven absorption, the timing for structured cross-border participation is materially favourable.

The new on-ground team brings deep market insights, regulatory knowledge, and transactional expertise, enabling PropertyPistol to advise first-time international buyers, experienced investors, and portfolio managers with confidence. These hires bolster execution across the entire investment journey — from bespoke consulting and RERA-compliant paperwork to mortgage guidance, virtual and in-person site visits, and sustained post-sale support — reflecting the 360-degree approach of the Dubai Desk.

Commenting on the strategic move, Ashish Narain Agarwal, Founder & Managing Director, PropertyPistol, noted,

“Dubai has transitioned into a structured, performance-led investment ecosystem, where demand is shaped by regulated transparency, sustained population inflows, and the long-term economic vision embedded in the Dubai Desk’s agenda. Our Dubai Desk, reinforced by new expert hires, is designed to bring institutional clarity to cross-border transactions, ensuring investors navigate the market with data-backed confidence and operational ease.”

Backed by 750+ professionals, 400+ developer partners, and a cumulative transaction value of over ₹25,000 crores, PropertyPistol’s expansion into Dubai aligns with its broader strategy to build a scalable, multi-market advisory engine. Its alliances with leading developers, including Emaar, Damac, Nakheel, Azizi, and Danube, further strengthen its ability to curate verified, high-potential inventory for global investors.

The Dubai Desk will work closely with PropertyPistol’s offices across India and the GCC markets—including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Qatar—providing support for investors regardless of location.

Nature-Integrated, Custom-Crafted Homes Transform North Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Dec 17: Once a quiet stretch beyond the city’s bustle, North Bengaluru is now at the heart of its transformation. With airport-led infrastructure, improved connectivity, and large-scale development driving growth, the region has emerged as one of Bengaluru’s most desirable residential and investment destinations.

At the forefront of this transformation is Total Environment, where a design-first approach and custom-crafted homes come together in communities that embody the brand’s signature integration of architecture with nature. The brand’s portfolio in this region spans a wide spectrum of offerings—handcrafted villas and apartments, as well as plotted developments—catering to homebuyers seeking individuality, a sense of calm, and inspired living. From After the Rain in Yelahanka and In That Quiet Earth off Hennur Road, to Down by the Water in Jakkur, Over the Rainbow near Nandi Hills, and Tangled Up in Green along Doddaballapura Main Road, each project reflects a people-centered design philosophy.

In Yelahanka, After the Rain is a 48-acre community of earth-sheltered villas. Each villa comes with a living green roof that restores nature and regulates indoor temperature. Tree-lined streets and quiet paths shape a calm landscape, while a clubhouse with an open-to-sky pool, gym, steam and sauna rooms, and children’s play areas completes the community.

Off Hennur Road, In That Quiet Earth is a 37-acre community featuring both apartment homes and villa homes with green roofs. Designed with private terrace gardens and large glass panels, the homes draw nature indoors. With over 30 acres developed for low-density living, the community includes a treetop walkway, landscaped streets, and a 50,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with curated amenities.

Near Nandi Hills, Over the Rainbow is an 8.8-acre enclave of earth-sheltered villas designed for natural light, ventilation, and panoramic views. Set along the existing hilly terrain in a stepped arrangement, the homes maintain the natural contours of the land and blend seamlessly into the landscape. Each villa opens out to gardens on both sides, with tree-lined driveways following the slope of the site to shape a calm, nature-centered living experience.

At Jakkur, Down by the Water is a 17.5-acre community set along the lake, offering calm, nature-centered living. The homes come with private terrace gardens that bring the outdoors into everyday life, supported by over 80% green cover, tree-lined paths, and thoughtfully landscaped streets that create a cooler, fresher microclimate. A lakeside walkway, central greens, and a clubhouse designed with an accessible green roof and curated amenities shape a setting where nature and modern architecture come together with ease.

Along Doddaballapura Main Road, Tangled Up in Green spans 110 acres planned around intimate clusters, cobblestone streets, and preserved native trees. A long green boulevard with retention ponds and a curated Tree Museum forms the heart of the community, while walking and cycling paths weave through the preserved eucalyptus grove.

“North Bengaluru represents the next phase of Bengaluru’s real estate evolution—where superior infrastructure, connectivity, and thoughtful planning converge to create long-term value,” said Kamal Sagar, Founder and Principal Architect, Total Environment. “These communities are in carefully chosen land parcels that celebrate nature while enjoying the benefits of a strategic location and a well-developed social infrastructure.”

With Kempegowda International Airport, Satellite Town Ring Road, and Devanahalli Business Park driving expansion, North Bengaluru is fast becoming a strategic hub for homebuyers and investors. Large land parcels and low-density layouts have enabled developers like Total Environment to create expansive, thoughtfully designed communities that prioritize well-being and quality of life. As discerning buyers seek space, privacy, and balance, North Bengaluru’s well-planned neighborhoods are setting the benchmark for the city’s future.

About Total Environment: Total Environment is the world’s largest developer of custom-designed homes and has delivered 1,600 homes and a total of over 5.5 million sq. ft. of residential and commercial space to date. With close to 4,000 custom-designed homes and a total of 14 million sq. ft. under construction, it recorded sales bookings of INR 3,007 Cr. [US $350 Mn] in CY2024.

Total Environment was founded in 1996 as a forward integration initiative by design firm Shibanee & Kamal Architects, with a strong sense of purpose to simply create homes that are authentic and designed for the people who would live in them. The company also backward integrated into the production of furniture, doors and windows, metalwork, and several other parts of its supply chain, and manages its properties for life.

NFO Alert: SUD Life launches the GIFT City – SUD Life GIFT Global Opportunity Maximizer Fund

Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (SUD Life) has announced the launch of the new fund ‘SUD Life GIFT Global Opportunity Maximizer Fund’ and SUD Life GIFT India Focused Fund in its life insurance plan SUD Life International Wealth Creator, offering policyholders and individuals access to global wealth creation opportunities through GIFT City.

SUD Life Global Opportunity Maximizer Fund, fund provides diversified exposure across international markets and asset classes. While its core allocation is centred on equities, fund managers will have the flexibility to invest in commodities, enabling participation in both cyclical and structural growth trends. By tapping into developed and emerging economies, the fund aims to capture opportunities across themes and sectors to give back better dollar-denominated returns.

“This product is tailored for individuals with higher-risk appetite who are looking for dynamic diversification across geographies, asset classes, and sectors,” said Ram Kamal Samanta, Chief Investment Officer, SUD Life.

SUD Life Global Opportunity Maximizer Fund that’s available under SUD Life International Wealth Creator Plan, offers NRIs, PIOs, OCIs and Resident Indians (RIs) globally diversified wealth building opportunities, besides comprehensive protection solution.

This plan enables policyholders to invest in various specialised international funds – SUD Life GIFT Global Opportunity Maximizer Fund, SUD Life GIFT India Focused Fund, SUD Life GIFT US Equity Fund, SUD Life GIFT Global Equity Fund, SUD Life GIFT US Treasuries Fund, SUD Life GIFT EM Treasury Fund, and the SUD Life GIFT Commodities Fund – each designed to match evolving financial goals and risk profiles.

Gates Foundation Names Archna Vyas as India Country Director

New Delhi, Dec 17:- The Gates Foundation today announced the appointment of Archna Vyas as its Country Director for India. In this role, Archna will lead the foundation’s work in close collaboration with the central and state governments, philanthropists, civil society, academia, and the private sector to advance the foundation’s priorities in India, aligned with the Government of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat.

The foundation has worked in India since 2003, in collaboration with the Indian government and other partners on various issues, from healthcare and sanitation to gender equality, agricultural development, digital public infrastructure, education, and financial empowerment. In the last two decades, India has made significant progress in improving the health and economic progress of its citizens, lifting millions out of poverty. India’s domestically driven model of innovation and progress demonstrates to the world how transformative and sustainable change can uplift millions.

Prior to this appointment, Archna served as the Global Director for the foundation’s Global Policy and Advocacy division, leading work across Growth, Opportunity and Empowerment. She brings extensive experience in both country-level and global engagements  driving strategic policy efforts, cultivating high-impact partnerships, and shaping external communications across key development priorities, including digital public infrastructure, agricultural development, sanitation, nutrition, global education, and women’s economic empowerment. Archna joined the foundation in 2014 and worked across the foundation’s health and poverty alleviation portfolio to drive impact across the country.

Before joining the foundation, Archna had led communications and digital marketing across South and Southeast Asia and supported the MENA markets for Reckitt and held senior positions in lead marketing and advertising organizations. She holds a master’s degree in physics from the University of Delhi and a postgraduate diploma in business administration from Institute of Management Technology.

Archna Vyas commented on her new role, “India is our most significant country partnership, and her domestically driven model of innovation and progress shows how sustainable, transformative change can uplift millions. The strength of India’s talent and intellect, spanning world-class research, science, and technology, has made the country a global engine of R&D and innovation. Solutions pioneered here are already shaping development outcomes far beyond India’s borders. I look forward to working closely with governments, communities, philanthropists, and our partners to support the Government of India’s vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047, and to help bring India’s insights and innovations to the world”.

“Archna brings a deep understanding of India’s development and innovation landscape and a demonstrated record of building partnerships that deliver impactful results. As the first woman to lead the India Office, we are delighted to have her at the helm at such a pivotal moment in India’s growth and global leadership journey. Her appointment comes as India’s dynamic innovation ecosystem continues to generate solutions with global relevance, deepening a partnership with the Gates Foundation that has grown over more than two decades.” said Ankur Vora, Chief Strategy Officer, Gates Foundation.

Archna succeeds Hari Menon, who has led the foundation’s India Country Office since 2019 and will transition to a global leadership role from January 2026.