This week’s edition tracks how leadership teams are rebuilding trust, sharpening structure, and rebalancing risk in fast-moving markets. You will see a major Indian bank install a new finance chief after an accounting lapse, a top luxury house reset its leadership to regain momentum, and the world’s largest asset manager expand its bench to support growth across private markets and data. We also cover a CEO appointment designed to position an active manager for its next phase, alongside warnings that the boom in semi-liquid products could outpace investor understanding.
Across these stories, the common thread is credibility with clarity. Boards are tightening controls, simplifying roles, and investing in leadership depth so that strategy can move quickly without sacrificing accountability. The lesson is straightforward. Transparent communication, disciplined execution, and fit-for-purpose governance help organizations convert plans into durable performance.
IndusInd Bank names Viral Damania as CFO to restore trust
IndusInd Bank appointed Viral Damania as chief financial officer effective September 22, 2025, following a 230 million dollar loss tied to accounting irregularities in internal derivative trades. The lapse prompted earlier departures by former CEO Sumant Kathpalia and deputy Arun Khurana, increasing pressure for stronger controls. Damania brings 27 years of banking experience, including senior finance roles at Bank of America in India and Citibank in North America. His mandate centers on stabilizing financial reporting, reinforcing internal governance, and rebuilding credibility with regulators and investors. Execution will hinge on clean disclosures, timely remediation, and visible oversight from the board audit committee.
Source: The Economic Times
Gucci appoints Francesca Bellettini as CEO under Kering reset
Kering replaced Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino with Francesca Bellettini as part of a broader leadership reset aimed at speeding decisions and restoring growth. Bellettini, previously a deputy CEO overseeing multiple brands, steps in as the group eliminates both deputy roles under new Kering CEO Luca de Meo to clarify accountability. The change follows sustained sales pressure at Gucci and investor calls for clearer execution. Priorities include tightening the brand plan, accelerating product cadence, and aligning regional go-to-market. The move signals a return to focused leadership with fewer layers at the top.
Source: Reuters
BlackRock expands executive bench to sharpen strategy
BlackRock added 20 leaders to its global executive committee and formalized a senior management committee to guide long-term strategy across private markets, infrastructure, data services, and product innovation. CFO Martin Small was elevated to co-chair the global operating committee alongside Rob Goldstein, placing both among potential successors to CEO Larry Fink. The reshuffle underscores a deeper emphasis on talent readiness and operating discipline as competitive pressures intensify in asset management. Leaders will focus on scalable platforms, distribution reach, and analytics that support client outcomes. The design aims to balance growth bets with governance that keeps execution on track.
Source: Financial Times
Lazard names Christopher Hogbin CEO for next growth phase
Lazard Asset Management selected Christopher Hogbin as CEO effective at the end of 2025, succeeding Evan Russo, who will become an advisor. Hogbin joins from AllianceBernstein with leadership experience across public and private markets, aligning with client demand for broader alternatives exposure. Lazard, which manages roughly 250 billion dollars, sees the appointment as a chance to sharpen positioning through product breadth and deeper client engagement. The mandate includes disciplined expansion, improved distribution, and investment in risk and data capabilities. Success will require balancing innovation with fiduciary rigor across regions.
Source: Financial News
Private market investors warn of mis-selling risks in Europe
Rapid growth in semi-liquid private market funds has raised concerns that some wealthy investors may not fully understand liquidity, valuation, and exit risks. Assets in the United Kingdom and Europe reportedly reached about 88 billion euros, roughly double levels from early 2024. Intermediaries have been accused of overselling or under-explaining lockups and timing constraints, prompting warnings from regulators and market observers. Reputational damage and investor losses could follow if transparency does not improve. Providers that align disclosures, suitability checks, and education with product design will be better positioned as the market matures.
Source: Financial Times
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