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Firebomb thrown at Sam Altman’s home

A man has been arrested after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at the home of Sam Altman in San Francisco, sparking concerns about the safety of prominent tech leaders.

The incident happened early on April 10, when the device was thrown at the property’s entrance, causing a small fire near the gate. Emergency services responded quickly and managed to put out the flames before they could spread. No one inside the house was hurt.

Police said the suspect, a 20-year-old man, was tracked down and arrested within about an hour of the attack. Authorities later found him near the office of OpenAI, where he is believed to have made additional threats, including warnings about setting the building on fire.

Officials have not yet confirmed what motivated the attack. The investigation is ongoing, and police are looking into the suspect’s background and whether he acted alone.

In a statement, OpenAI said it is cooperating with law enforcement and thanked emergency responders for their quick action. The company also reassured employees that there is no immediate threat, though security has been tightened as a precaution.

The incident comes at a time when artificial intelligence companies are facing growing public attention and debate. Experts say tensions around the rapid development of AI technologies have increased in recent months, though it is still unclear if this played any role in the attack.

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Amazon CEO says chip business crosses $20 bn

Amazon is seeing rapid growth in its technology business, with CEO Andy Jassy revealing that its chip division has now crossed an annual revenue run rate of $20 billion.

The milestone reflects how quickly demand for artificial intelligence (AI) is rising. Companies across industries are increasingly relying on cloud services and advanced computing power, which has boosted Amazon’s custom chip and infrastructure business.

A major part of this growth is being driven by Amazon Web Services, the company’s cloud arm. Its AI-related offerings are gaining traction as businesses look to build and run AI models more efficiently.

Amazon is also focusing on developing its own chips to reduce costs and improve performance. These in-house chips are designed to handle complex AI workloads and are becoming a key part of the company’s long-term strategy.

To support this expansion, Amazon plans to continue investing heavily in data centres and technology infrastructure. While the scale of spending is significant, the company maintains that it is necessary to keep up with growing demand and stay competitive in the AI space.

The announcement signals Amazon’s intent to strengthen its position against other global tech companies investing in similar technologies. It also highlights a shift in the company’s business model, with AI and cloud services playing a bigger role than ever before.

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Policybazaar CEO Tarun Mathur resigns

Policybazaar is going through a leadership change, as its CEO Tarun Mathur has stepped down after spending nearly 18 years with the company. Taking his place is Sajja Praveen Chowdary, a long-time member of the organisation.

Mathur officially left his role on April 7, 2026, citing personal reasons. Over the years, he has been closely involved in building Policybazaar into one of India’s most popular platforms for buying insurance online. His exit marks the end of a long and important chapter for the company.

Chowdary’s appointment as CEO has been approved by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), making the transition official. He is not new to the business and has been part of the parent company, PB Fintech, since 2011.

Before becoming CEO, Chowdary led the “Policybazaar for Business” division, which focuses on insurance solutions for companies and small businesses. He brings over 17 years of experience and has worked across different areas like product development, technology, and business strategy.

Since he already understands the company well, the leadership change is expected to be smooth. The transition had also been planned in advance, with Mathur’s exit linked to the approval of his successor.

Policybazaar remains a major player in India’s growing digital insurance space, helping millions of users compare and buy policies online. With Chowdary now at the helm, the company is expected to continue focusing on growth and improving its services for both individual customers and businesses.

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Beacon Group names Dr Rajesh Patel as CEO

Beacon Group has appointed Dr Rajesh Patel as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening its leadership team and accelerating growth.

Dr Patel brings more than three decades of experience in the healthcare and diagnostics industry. Over his career, he has worked across key areas such as business development, sales, marketing, and strategic planning. He is widely recognised for driving operational improvements and expanding businesses within the diagnostics sector.

In his new role, Dr Patel will oversee operations across the group’s key entities, including Beacon Diagnostics, Vector Biotek, and Biogeny Diagnostics. His focus will be on aligning strategies across these companies, improving coordination, and ensuring efficient execution of business plans.

The company said Dr Patel will play a crucial role in shaping its long-term vision. His responsibilities include driving expansion into new markets, strengthening organisational capabilities, and enhancing overall service quality. He is also expected to lead efforts to build stronger relationships with customers and partners across the healthcare ecosystem.

Beacon Group is looking to expand its footprint in the in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) segment, a fast-growing area in India’s healthcare industry. The company aims to cater to a wide range of clients, including large laboratory chains, hospitals, and independent labs, while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and quality.

Welcoming the appointment, the company’s leadership expressed confidence that Dr Patel’s experience and strategic approach will help guide Beacon Group through its next phase of growth. His leadership is expected to support the company’s ambition of becoming a major player in the diagnostics market.

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Tata Sons reviews Chandrasekaran’s leadership

The future of Natarajan Chandrasekaran as chairman of Tata Sons is under review ahead of a crucial board meeting scheduled for June. The decision on his reappointment has been postponed earlier this year amid concerns over strategy, governance, and the performance of several group companies.

The issue first surfaced during a February board meeting, when the proposal to extend Chandrasekaran’s five-year term was deferred. Key members of the Tata Trusts, including Noel Tata, raised questions about the group’s decision-making, capital allocation, and the effectiveness of Chandrasekaran’s leadership in delivering results. Under Tata Sons’ rules, any extension requires the support of the majority of the Trusts’ nominees on the board — currently Noel Tata and Venu Srinivasan. Without their approval, the reappointment cannot proceed.

One major factor prompting the review is the perceived need for a more updated business strategy. Some trustees consider Chandrasekaran’s 2025 plan outdated, particularly in light of widening losses in the group’s newer ventures. Companies such as Air India, Tata Digital, Tata Electronics, and Tejas Networks are reportedly expected to post combined losses of up to ₹29,000 crore this financial year.

In response, Chandrasekaran is expected to present a revised strategy focusing on profitability, clearer timelines for returns, and stronger execution plans for loss-making units. The Trusts are also seeking more transparency on how capital is deployed across high-risk ventures and the measures in place to ensure financial discipline.

This leadership review highlights the significant influence the Tata Trusts wield in the group’s governance. Recent tensions, including internal disputes and high-profile resignations, have added urgency to the evaluation.

Also Read: Oracle names Hilary Maxson as new CFO

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Oracle names Hilary Maxson as new CFO

Oracle has appointed Hilary Maxson as its new Chief Financial Officer, a move that comes just days after the company announced layoffs affecting thousands of employees. Maxson’s hiring is part of Oracle’s ongoing push into artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure, areas the company sees as key to its future growth.

Maxson joins Oracle from Schneider Electric, where she served as Group CFO, bringing a wealth of experience in finance, global operations, and large-scale infrastructure projects. She has also held senior roles at AES Corporation earlier in her career, making her well-versed in managing complex financial and operational challenges. At Oracle, she will oversee the company’s worldwide finance operations and report directly to senior leadership.

She replaces Doug Kehring, who will transition into a different operational role within the company. Maxson’s appointment is effective immediately, signaling Oracle’s urgency in strengthening its finance leadership during a period of strategic transformation.

Her compensation package has drawn attention: Maxson will receive a base salary of $950,000, with potential performance bonuses up to $2.5 million. In addition, she has been granted stock options valued at around $26 million, aligning her interests with Oracle’s long-term growth.

The timing of her appointment, coming just after Oracle’s major workforce reductions, has sparked discussions in the industry. Analysts note that while the layoffs are aimed at controlling costs, the company is simultaneously investing in leadership to navigate ambitious AI and cloud expansion plans.

Oracle is currently prioritizing growth in AI and cloud services, planning significant investments in technology and infrastructure. By bringing in an experienced CFO, the company aims to maintain financial discipline, optimize resource allocation, and support high-value projects that could shape its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

For Maxson, the new role represents both a challenge and an opportunity: steering Oracle’s finances during a time of workforce cuts and expansion simultaneously.

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Jamie Dimon flags Iran war risk to inflation

Jamie Dimon, the chief of JPMorgan Chase, has raised concerns that rising tensions involving Iran could have a direct impact on the global economy. In his latest annual letter to shareholders, he warned that a wider conflict could push inflation higher and keep interest rates elevated for longer.

Dimon explained that wars in key regions, especially in the Middle East, can disrupt the supply of oil and other important commodities. When supply is affected, prices tend to rise and that increase is often passed on to everyday goods and services. This can make life more expensive for people and businesses around the world.

He also pointed out that if inflation stays high, central banks such as the Federal Reserve may have no choice but to keep interest rates high. While higher rates are used to control inflation, they also make loans more expensive, which can slow spending and economic growth.

Another concern is the impact on global supply chains. Dimon noted that ongoing conflict could affect major shipping routes and trade flows, adding more pressure to an already uncertain economic environment. Markets, he suggested, may not be fully prepared for how long these effects could last.

Despite these risks, Dimon said the US economy is still holding up for now. However, he cautioned that much of this strength has been supported by government spending, and that support may not continue at the same level in the future.

He also warned that persistent inflation and high interest rates could affect financial markets, including stocks and bonds, making the outlook more unpredictable for investors.

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Air India CEO Campbell Wilson steps down

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has stepped down from his role, marking a significant leadership change at the Tata Group-owned airline as it continues its turnaround journey.

Wilson, who took over in 2022 following Air India’s return to the Tata Group, resigned before completing his term. According to reports, he will remain in the position for a short transition period until a successor is appointed.

His departure comes at a time when Air India is facing multiple challenges, including financial losses, operational disruptions, and supply constraints. The airline has also been dealing with delays in aircraft deliveries and rising costs, which have slowed its recovery plans.

During his tenure, Wilson led several key initiatives aimed at reviving the airline. These included restructuring operations, improving service quality, and placing large aircraft orders to modernise the fleet. Air India also worked on integrating its various businesses and strengthening its global network.

Despite these efforts, the turnaround has been complex and gradual, with external factors such as geopolitical tensions and airspace restrictions adding pressure on operations.

The Tata Group is now expected to begin the search for a new CEO to lead the next phase of Air India’s transformation. The focus will likely remain on improving efficiency, stabilising finances, and enhancing the customer experience.

Wilson’s exit comes at a crucial time for the airline, as it continues to rebuild its position in a highly competitive aviation market. The upcoming leadership transition is expected to play a key role in shaping Air India’s future direction.

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HSBC hires Alfonso Gomez to head Swiss private bank

HSBC has named Alfonso Gomez as the new CEO of its Swiss private banking business, bringing in an experienced industry leader to strengthen its operations in a key global wealth centre.

Gomez will assume the role on April 27, 2026, and will also serve as HSBC’s country head for Switzerland. He will take over from interim CEO Daniel Calado, who had stepped in temporarily and will now return to his role as Chief Financial Officer.

With more than 30 years of experience in banking, Gomez joins HSBC from Spanish lender BBVA. He spent over a decade as CEO of BBVA Switzerland, where he built strong expertise in private banking and wealth management. His long career also includes roles across corporate banking and international markets.

Based in Geneva, Gomez will report to HSBC’s global head of private banking. His appointment is seen as part of the bank’s effort to strengthen its leadership and expand its wealth management business, particularly among high-net-worth clients.

Switzerland plays a key role in HSBC’s global strategy, serving as a major hub for private banking. The country attracts wealthy clients from across regions, making it a competitive and important market for international banks.

HSBC is increasingly focusing on growing its wealth segment, and bringing in an experienced executive like Gomez is expected to support that goal. His knowledge of both local and global markets is likely to help the bank improve its offerings and client reach.

Gomez is also familiar with the Swiss financial ecosystem. He has been involved in industry groups, including serving on the board of the Association of Foreign Banks in Switzerland.

The appointment comes at a time when global banks are stepping up efforts to capture a larger share of the wealth management market. Strong leadership is seen as critical in navigating competition and meeting the evolving needs of clients.

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Michiko Kato to lead Toyota’s Woven Capital

Toyota has appointed Michiko Kato to key leadership roles, marking an important moment for the company. She is now the chief investment officer (CIO) of Woven Capital and the CEO of Toyota Invention Partners, becoming the first woman to lead a Toyota-owned subsidiary.

Kato has been with Woven Capital since it started in 2020 and has helped build its investment portfolio. In her new role, she will guide the company’s investment strategy and focus on finding new opportunities in areas like artificial intelligence, mobility, and advanced technology.

Woven Capital is Toyota’s investment arm that supports startups working on future technologies, including smart cities and automation. The company plays a key role in Toyota’s plan to move beyond traditional car manufacturing into new tech-driven areas.

Before joining Woven Capital, Kato worked with global organisations such as Morgan Stanley and the International Finance Corporation. She also served as chief financial officer at a Japanese AI startup, giving her strong experience in both finance and technology.

Along with Kato’s appointment, Mia Panzer has been named chief operating officer (COO) of Woven Capital. She will handle operations and support the company’s growth as it expands its investments.

These changes come as Woven Capital begins a new phase with an $800 million fund aimed at investing in growing technology companies.

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