Business

Hero MotoCorp has announced a key leadership change with the appointment of Sachin Agrawal as its new Chief Technology Officer, effective May 21, 2026. The move is part of the company’s broader strategic realignment to strengthen its technological capabilities in an increasingly competitive mobility landscape. Agrawal will succeed Vikram Kasbekar, who is stepping down from the CTO role but will continue to serve on the company’s board as Executive Director.

Ather Energy reported a significant improvement in financial performance for the January–March quarter, with net losses narrowing 57% year-on-year to Rs 100.23 crore. The Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler maker had posted a loss of Rs 234.36 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations surged 74% to Rs 1,174.66 crore, compared with Rs 676.8 crore in the corresponding quarter of FY25.

Ashok Leyland reported a 9% year-on-year increase in total sales for April 2026, reaching 14,646 units compared to 13,421 units in the same month last year. The performance was primarily supported by strong domestic demand, with local sales rising 14% to 14,242 units versus 12,509 units in April 2025. The figures indicate a steady recovery in India’s commercial vehicle sector, driven by improving freight movement, infrastructure activity, and replacement demand.

Bajaj Auto reported a robust 40% year-on-year increase in total sales for April, reaching 5,13,792 units compared to 3,65,810 units in the same period last year. The performance was driven by exceptional export growth, which surged 83% to 2,65,582 units, alongside steady domestic demand of 2,48,210 units. The strong operational momentum highlights the company’s expanding global footprint and resilient domestic positioning.

Air India is set for a crucial board meeting on May 7 in Mumbai as it grapples with mounting financial and operational challenges. The airline, owned by Tata Group, is projected to have incurred losses exceeding Rs. 22,000 crore in FY26, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The board, chaired by N Chandrasekaran, is expected to deliberate on cost-cutting measures, financial performance, and succession planning for CEO Campbell Wilson, who is set to step down later this year.

Nestlé India has adopted a cautious outlook for the new fiscal year, citing volatility in input costs driven by geopolitical tensions and uncertain monsoon conditions. Chairman and Managing Director Manish Tiwary emphasized that unpredictable global dynamics make short-term forecasting challenging. Despite these headwinds, the company remains committed to a volume-led growth strategy, focusing on expanding consumption and market penetration.

Punjab & Sind Bank has set an ambitious target to surpass Rs. 3 lakh crore in total business during the current financial year, driven by robust loan and deposit growth. The bank reported total business of Rs. 2.63 lakh crore in FY26, reflecting a 15 percent increase year-on-year. Managing Director and CEO Swarup Kumar Saha indicated expectations of 16–18 percent credit growth and 13–14 percent deposit expansion. The outlook underscores the bank’s growth momentum and strategic focus on scaling its balance sheet in a competitive banking environment.

Unilever is positioning itself to capitalize on supply chain disruptions and rising input costs that have strained smaller competitors in India and Southeast Asia. Chief Executive Officer Fernando Fernandez indicated that higher packaging costs, driven by elevated crude oil prices, have constrained local players, creating opportunities for volume expansion. The company reported record market share in laundry powders in India during Q1 FY26 and is strengthening its presence in liquid detergents.

Gautam Adani has announced a comprehensive internal transformation strategy for the Adani Group, focusing on faster decision-making, streamlined operations, and workforce development. Addressing employees on International Labour Day, Adani outlined a “three-layer model” aimed at flattening organizational hierarchies and enhancing execution speed. The plan also introduces a partnership-driven approach to vendor management and a renewed emphasis on skill development through initiatives like the proposed Adani Training Academy.

TVS Motor Company reported a 6 percent year-on-year increase in total two-wheeler sales for April 2026, reflecting stable demand in India’s mobility sector. The company recorded sales of 4,55,333 units compared to 4,30,150 units in April 2025. Domestic performance remained particularly strong, with an 8 percent rise to 3,48,545 units. The growth highlights resilient consumer demand, improving rural sentiment, and sustained recovery in discretionary spending.