Guardian CEO Shares Plans for Advisor Channel After Desjardins Deal Closes
Guardian Capital Group completed a $1.67 billion take‑private transaction with Desjardins, becoming part of Desjardins Global Asset Management. CEO George Mavroudis, now also president of Desjardins’ asset‑management arm, outlined a plan to accelerate growth in the advisor channel, emphasizing long‑term product development and flexible delivery vehicles. The firm will broaden alternative‑asset offerings, tapping Desjardins’ private‑infrastructure and insurance expertise while staying disciplined about liquidity. Advisors can expect continued high‑touch service and expanded access to portfolio‑manager resources.
The Global Economy’s Many Chokepoints
The article warns that the global economy’s drive for efficiency has created fragile single points of failure, exemplified by Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly one‑fifth of world oil and a quarter of fertilizer. This...
Advent to Sell Hair Care Brand Olaplex to Henkel for $1.4bn
Advent International is selling its hair‑care brand Olaplex to German conglomerate Henkel for $1.4 billion, ending Olaplex’s Nasdaq listing and Advent’s ownership. The deal values Olaplex at roughly $1.4 billion, reflecting its strong consumer base and premium pricing. Henkel will integrate Olaplex’s...
CFOs On the Move: Week Ending March 27
A wave of CFO appointments swept multiple industries this week, with Kieran Kelliher joining the Dallas Mavericks, Lee Quackenbush moving to indoor‑farming operator Cox Farms, and Brittany Cerwin promoted at Middleby. Nu Skin named Chelsea Lantz interim CFO, while Phyllis...
Content Beats Design, Says CRO Pro
The founder of Syntra, an agency, says content and copy play a big role in ecommerce conversions, if not the biggest. The post Content Beats Design, Says CRO Pro appeared first on Practical Ecommerce.
Average UK Petrol Price Hits 150p for First Time Since 2024; Trump’s Latest Iran Extension Fails to Calm Oil Market...
UK average petrol price reached 150.11 pence per litre (≈£1.50/$1.88), with diesel at 177.68 pence (≈£1.78/$2.22), the highest levels since May 2024. The surge, tied to the Iran‑Israel conflict and rising crude, is inflating motorists’ travel costs and feeding broader inflation worries. At...
Embrace Progress Says Sephora As ChatGPT Pilot Expands Across U.S.
Sephora has launched a U.S. pilot that embeds a dedicated beauty‑advisor experience inside the ChatGPT app, allowing shoppers to ask natural‑language questions and receive personalized product recommendations. The service taps into customers’ Beauty Insider loyalty data to tailor advice on...
Chinese Market Regulator Tells Firms to Focus on Healthy Competition Overseas
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation urged major exporters such as BYD and CATL to adopt healthier, fair‑competition practices as they expand abroad. The regulator highlighted the need to curb “involution‑style” competition that squeezes margins and forces costly overseas moves....
BYD’s Profit Slump Shows China’s EV Downturn Is Far From Over
Chinese EV giant BYD reported its third consecutive quarter of disappointing earnings, confirming a deepening profit slump. Chairman Wang Chuanfu warned that the Chinese electric‑vehicle market faces further pain as competition intensifies. He described the sector as entering a "knockout...
Resource Capacity Planning and Modernized Time Reporting
Under PDUFA VI, BsUFA II and GDUFA II, the FDA has launched a Resource Capacity Planning (RCP) capability and modernized time‑reporting to better match staffing with the growing volume and complexity of drug and biologic submissions. The RCP system quantifies needed resources, while...
Google Sets 2029 Deadline for Quantum-Safe Cryptography
Google announced it will complete a post‑quantum cryptography (PQC) migration across its products and services by the end of 2029. The timeline aligns with NIST’s 2024 PQC standards, which the company is already using for internal rollouts. Google’s roadmap emphasizes...
Lenders Backed Big Manhattan Office Towers in February
Lenders poured over $2.5 billion into Manhattan’s top‑tier office assets in February, with Brookfield and Olayan each securing $800 million refinancings and Vornado obtaining a $525 million loan. The deals featured higher‑interest rates near 5.9 percent but were backed by strong occupancy and fresh...
Changes in the Channel: People Moves and Shakeups March 23 - March 27
During the week of March 23‑27, several channel vendors announced senior leadership changes aimed at strengthening AI‑driven security, scaling SaaS revenue, and expanding federal cloud compliance. 7AI named Israel Barak as chief information security officer to accelerate AI‑enabled SOC operations. JumpCloud,...
Kuda Cuts Jobs as Restructuring Hits Core Units, Hundreds Feared Affected
Kuda, the Nigerian digital bank, announced a company‑wide restructuring on March 25, terminating hundreds of contracts across core units, including 19 of its 40 marketing staff. The layoffs are framed as a strategic shift rather than a response to financial...
Lifetime Grand Prix Adds Pregnancy Policy for Athletes
The Life Time Grand Prix announced a new pregnancy policy for its athletes. The policy guarantees roster protection for competitors who withdraw due to pregnancy and secures a spot for them in the following season. It also allows wildcard entries...
Edward Hardy Promoted to Head of Editorial at Air Cargo Week
Edward Hardy has been promoted to Head of Editorial at Air Cargo Week, after joining as editor in May 2022. During his tenure, the publication expanded its editorial team, launched the GATEWAY magazine, and adopted a digital‑first strategy. Hardy will...
Boao and Qionghai Where Global Dialogue Meets Free Trade
From March 24‑27, Boao’s Dongyu Island Cultural Park hosted the “Boao: Where the World Meets, Qionghai: Where Free Trade Thrives” city exhibition, the first showcase since Hainan Free Trade Port’s island‑wide customs launch. The event highlighted Qionghai’s role as a...
List of Employee Central & Employee Central Payroll Guide Updates for the 1H 2026 Release
SAP SuccessFactors announced a series of updates to the Employee Central and Employee Central Payroll user assistance guides for the first half of 2026. The revisions focus on streamlined navigation, clearer terminology, and expanded coverage of new compliance features introduced...
Gold, Silver Prices Crash up to 27% in a Month Amid US-Iran War: Is the Bull Run in Bullion Market...
Gold has slumped 16% and silver 27% over the past month, despite heightened US‑Iran tensions. The drop stems from liquidity squeezes and waning expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, which have lifted the dollar and real yields. Analysts note the...
Nippon Cargo Airlines and ANA Cargo to Merge Sales and Warehousing
ANA Holdings is consolidating the sales and warehousing functions of its recent acquisition, Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), with its ANA Cargo unit starting 1 April. The move creates a single global sales point and merges domestic warehouses at Chubu Centrair and...
Bringing SaaS to a Wellness Business
Wellhub, formerly Gympass, secured $85 million Series F financing in 2023, valuing the corporate wellness platform at $2.4 billion and earning unicorn status. The company now serves nearly 40,000 corporate clients and, after partnering with Anytime Fitness, operates the largest U.S. fitness network...
Google Adds Seasonal Creative Theming to PMax Asset Groups
Google has introduced Asset Group Theming within Performance Max, allowing advertisers to apply seasonal motifs to existing asset groups without rebuilding them. The feature clones a high‑performing group, adds themed image backgrounds, and suggests matching headlines and descriptions while preserving...
Freightos’ Job Cuts May Have Been Inevitable as Profitability Push Intensifies
Freightos announced a global workforce reduction of up to 15%, affecting roughly 50‑60 roles, as part of a cost‑optimisation plan aimed at reaching adjusted EBITDA breakeven by the end of 2026. The company expects $1.3 million in restructuring expenses but anticipates...
He Fled Apartheid South Africa at 26—Then Built a $13 Billion Fortune 500 Company. Here Are His Rules
Stanley Bergman, a South African refugee, led Henry Schein from a $225 million regional dental supplier to a $13.2 billion Fortune 500 distributor over 36 years. He emphasized hiring for character, fostering diverse opinions, and aligning the business with social values. Under his...
Small Businesses Say Tariffs Still Hurting a Year After ‘Liberation Day’
One year after President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs took effect, small‑business owners report ongoing pain from $140 billion in duties ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. Refunds for those tariffs remain unpaid, while the administration has substituted new duties under sections...
'Ripple of Fear' Over Iran War Hits Consumer Confidence
GfK's March Consumer Confidence Barometer shows UK confidence falling to minus 21, the lowest in months. The drop coincides with a 0.4% decline in February retail sales and rising energy costs, as Brent crude jumped 50% to $110 per barrel. Higher...
Retailers Will Cut Entry-Level Roles as Minimum Wage Changes Bite, RSM Warns
UK retailers are bracing for the April 2026 minimum wage increase by planning to cut nearly a third of entry‑level positions, according to RSM UK research. While 29% intend to reduce these roles, 48% say they will favor hiring more...
In a More Automated World, How Do CFOs Think About Succession Planning? CFO Peer Audit
CFOs are rethinking succession planning as automation erodes traditional entry‑level finance roles. They cite rotation programs, cross‑training, mentorship, and formal talent reviews to keep junior staff engaged and develop future leaders. Process documentation and AI‑enhanced decision‑making are used to preserve...
Unanet and Xpedeon Expand Partnership to North America, Targeting CRM–ERP Disconnect in Construction
Unanet and Xpedeon have extended their UK‑origin partnership into North America, merging Unanet’s construction‑focused CRM with Xpedeon’s ERP suite. The combined solution promises a single platform that links opportunity management, project execution, and invoicing for builders. By eliminating siloed systems,...
Emami Names Dhruv Aggarwal as Chief Growth Officer
Emami Limited appointed former Bain partner Dhruv Aggarwal as chief growth officer, effective 25 March 2026, to sharpen its FMCG growth strategy. Aggarwal brings two decades of consulting, turnaround and global experience across India, the US, UK and Germany. In parallel, Sunfeast...
Nokia Plans Workforce Reduction; Begins India Restructuring
Finnish telecom giant Nokia announced a global restructuring that could eliminate up to 14,000 positions, roughly 20% of its 74,000‑strong workforce. In India, where more than 17,000 staff are employed, the cuts are expected to affect multiple functions as the...
How to Build a Thriving Company Culture that Inspires and Engages
The article explains how intentional company culture fuels productivity, talent attraction, and brand reputation. It cites research showing happy employees can be up to 13% more productive and outlines practical steps—like open communication, recognition, team‑building, inspiring workspaces, and work‑life balance—to...
‘Start Yesterday’: Time Sensitive Succession Planning in Construction
Construction firms are urged to begin succession planning up to ten years before a transition, as delays can erode value and options. Experts stress that audited financial statements spanning five to ten years, a strong balance sheet, and consistent cash...
Deal Roundup: Advent Helps Shield AI to $12.7bn Valuation, Lone Star Completes AGI Buyout From Audax, Greenbriar Equity
Advent International led Shield AI’s Series G round, lifting the aerospace and defence technology firm’s valuation to $12.7 billion. The capital infusion supports the company’s push to scale autonomous, AI‑driven drone platforms for military customers. In the same roundup, Lone Star...
FGS Reps Brown-Forman as It Talks Merger
Brown‑Forman, represented by FGS Global, announced it is in merger discussions with French liquor giant Pernod Ricard. Both companies describe the potential deal as a merger of equals that would create a global spirits leader with a balanced geographic footprint. Pernod Ricard...
How to Make Unlimited Paid Time Off Work for Your Startup
Unlimited paid time off (PTO) is gaining traction among Asian startups as a talent‑attraction tool, shifting focus from hours logged to results delivered. While the perk promises higher loyalty and productivity, startups often face unclear usage expectations, perceived inequities, and...
Fullerton Fund Management, 65 Equity Partners to Manage Second Anchor Fund Tranche
Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry and Temasek have appointed Fullerton Fund Management and 65 Equity Partners to manage the second tranche of the Anchor Fund, a S$1.5 billion ($1.1 billion) pool launched to anchor high‑quality listings. Fullerton will serve as a...
Lufthansa Claims End to Strike Chaos—But Questions Remain for Eurowings and German Rail Travel
Lufthansa announced a 26‑month collective‑bargaining agreement covering over 20,000 ground employees, delivering a 4.6 % wage increase and job‑security provisions. The deal, reached without strikes, aims to stabilize operations at its German hubs and rebuild the carrier’s tarnished reputation. However, pilots,...
Rewiring the Caribbean for a Digital Future
Caribbean governments are targeting digital infrastructure to diversify economies, with the Inter‑American Development Bank estimating a potential 12% GDP boost from improved connectivity. Mobile internet remains uneven, and analysts say roughly $1 billion is needed to achieve 5G parity by 2030,...
Decusoft Advances the AI-Powered Future of Compensation Management with Compose Insights and Predictive Compensation
Decusoft introduced two AI‑driven features—Compose Insights and Predictive Compensation—within its Compose platform, moving compensation management from reactive administration to proactive strategy. Compose Insights leverages generative conversational AI, allowing HR and finance leaders to ask plain‑language questions and receive instant, data‑driven...
Inflation Rises Y-O-Y in Pahang, Terengganu Across Housing, Utilities, and Essentials in February 2026
Malaysia's Department of Statistics reported that Pahang's consumer price index rose to 2.1% year‑on‑year in February 2026, while Terengganu's inflation climbed to 1.6% year‑on‑year in January 2026. Both states saw price pressures in housing, utilities, and self‑care services, with Pahang...
Getting Out in 4 Minutes: Audit Finds San Diego FD Response Delays After 2019 Dispatch Change
A city audit found San Diego Fire‑Rescue has missed its 6‑minute‑30‑second response‑time target for three consecutive fiscal years, largely due to a 2019 dispatch protocol that delays crew turnout. The new triage system requires firefighters to wait until a call...
SoftBank Secures US$40 Billion Loan to Boost OpenAI Investments
SoftBank Group announced a $40 billion unsecured bridge loan to fund its OpenAI stake and broader corporate needs. The loan, arranged with JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Mizuho, Sumitomo Mitsui and MUFG, matures in March 2027. This financing follows a prior $30 billion commitment...
Early 2026 Secondaries Activity Suggests Ongoing Opportunity in Asset Class: Elm Capital
Elm Capital reports that early‑2026 secondary market activity remains robust as limited partners and general partners turn to secondary transactions for liquidity. The trend reflects a challenging distributions environment, prompting investors to sell or buy portfolio stakes to manage cash...
Google Ads Expanding Loyalty Program
Google Ads and Merchant Center are rolling out new Loyalty program capabilities that embed member perks directly into product listings. The update adds highlighted pricing and shipping benefits, extends loyalty annotations to local inventory and regional Shopping ads, and launches...
Compliance Complexity Is Outpacing HR Systems, Report Finds
HR leaders are confronting a dual compliance crisis as regulatory demands, AI‑driven obligations, and shifting employee expectations surge. At the same time, many organizations rely on fragmented HR platforms, broken workflows, and unclear ownership, creating a "compliance infrastructure gap." The...
Costa Coffee Embarks on Tour of the UK with Giant Iced Matcha Cup
British coffee chain Costa Coffee has kicked off a nationwide promotional tour featuring a giant, walk‑around iced matcha cup. The oversized prop, created by creative agency Circle Agency, will travel to major UK cities over the next several weeks to...
FCA Fines Dinosaur Merchant Bank for Deficient Reporting of Suspicious Trading in Its CFD Business
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has imposed a £338,000 fine—about $429,000—on Dinosaur Merchant Bank Limited for failing to implement effective systems to detect and report suspicious contracts‑for‑difference (CFD) trading. Between June and October 2024, the bank’s new order platform processed...
Budweiser 0.0 Joins Five IPL Teams in Debut Move
Budweiser 0.0 has signed partnership deals with five Indian Premier League franchises—Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals—marking its first IPL involvement. The agreement will deliver city‑specific fan activations and limited‑edition merchandise tied to each team. This...
CMS Innovation Center: Obligations and Model Testing Progress
The CMS Innovation Center has obligated $11.4 billion from 2011 through 2024 to test 70 health‑care delivery and payment models, with 24 still active as of January 2025. Annual obligations peaked at $1.3 billion in FY 2015 and dropped nearly 40 percent to $789 million in...