Fortaris Capital Advisors Welcomes Todd Dennis as their new Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer

Fortaris Capital Advisors is proud to announce the appointment of Todd Dennis, former Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, as Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer.

With over two decades of distinguished service in federal law enforcement and oversight, Mr. Dennis brings an unparalleled depth of leadership, operational expertise, and strategic insight to Fortaris. His experience leading complex national investigations, managing cross-agency operations, and ensuring accountability across some of the government’s most critical institutions positions him as a powerful asset to the firm and its clients.

Kevin M. Cronin, Principal at Fortaris Capital Advisors, expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment, stating:

“We are thrilled to welcome Todd to Fortaris. His integrity, experience, and dedication to public service reflect the values we hold at our core. Todd’s leadership will bring tremendous value to our clients across the country, enhancing our ability to deliver the high-level strategic and operational advisory services they rely on.”

In his new role, Mr. Dennis will oversee the firm’s internal operations and support client engagements with a focus on corporate investigations, risk management, business intelligence, and litigation support.

Fortaris Capital Advisors continues to expand its leadership team with proven professionals who share a commitment to excellence and client success.

About Fortaris Capital Advisors:

Fortaris Capital Advisors is a corporate investigation firm providing tailored solutions in risk mitigation, crisis management, and corporate governance. The firm serves clients across a range of industries, offering insight-driven guidance backed by real-world experience.

www.fortariscapital.com

 FCA Logo Resized to 2288x1498

Lakshmi Finance Center Expands Educational Innovation and Social Impact Programs Led by Jonathan Dale Benton

Lakshmi Finance Center has announced the expansion of its institutional mission through a series of educational innovation and social responsibility initiatives designed to address global learning needs and reduce access barriers for underserved populations. With a focus on creating long-term, sustainable educational ecosystems, the center is aligning its programs with community development, leadership cultivation, and inclusive access, positioning itself as a growing force in the global education landscape.

 

The organization’s curriculum is built around practical learning, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary development, equipping learners with the tools to navigate complex societal and professional environments. Programs incorporate structured learning modules that emphasize critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making. The learning model also integrates real-world simulations and collaborative projects to ensure learners gain applicable skills and experience.

 One of the center’s key pillars is its educational access strategy, aimed at removing financial and geographical obstacles for high-potential learners. The institution’s scholarship initiative targets students from low-income backgrounds and marginalized communities, offering full or partial support to enable participation in academic and skill-building programs. This approach reflects Lakshmi Finance Center’s commitment to educational equity and long-term social development.

 

In addition to academic advancement, Lakshmi Finance Center has launched a community-based learning program that encourages participants to engage directly with local organizations and social initiatives. This program, titled Education for Community, includes mentorship support, educational outreach, and community-building projects that link learning to civic contribution. The program is structured to reinforce the institution’s belief that education should foster not only professional competence but also social awareness and responsibility.

 

Collaboration plays a central role in the center’s operations. Partnerships with nonprofit organizations, educational coalitions, and local governments have allowed Lakshmi Finance Center to expand the reach and relevance of its programs. These alliances support regional knowledge exchange, training delivery, and content localization, ensuring that learning experiences are culturally responsive and community-informed.

 

The development and execution of these strategies are guided by the long-term vision of Jonathan Dale Benton, founder of Lakshmi Finance Center. Benton has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s focus on practical education, inclusive learning, and service-based outcomes. “Education must evolve with society. It must inform, empower, and activate,” Benton stated during a recent institutional forum. His leadership continues to drive the center’s efforts to merge educational rigor with meaningful social contribution.

 

Lakshmi Finance Center’s programs are designed to support diverse learner profiles, including working professionals, students, and community leaders. Through customized curricula and flexible learning models, the institution provides scalable solutions for knowledge development, leadership training, and personal growth. Upcoming program expansions will include new regional hubs, additional scholarship slots, and the introduction of content focused on sustainable development and ethical leadership.

 

As education systems around the world face growing demands for flexibility, relevance, and impact, Lakshmi Finance Center continues to prioritize innovation and access. By connecting learners with purpose-driven learning experiences, the institution reinforces its role as a catalyst for educational transformation.

 

Visit: https://www.lakshmifinance.com.

lak

SGS hosts webinar on clinical testing for cosmetic safety and compliance

Geneva (April 7, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to host a free webinar, ‘From Lab to Label: Unlocking Safety and Compliance in Cosmetics and Personal Care Through Clinical Testing’, on April 23, 2025.

 

With the introduction of the US Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) of 2022, the most significant update to US cosmetic regulations since 1938, manufacturers are now required to demonstrate product safety through rigorous clinical assessments. As compliance becomes more stringent, understanding clinical testing’s role in mitigating legal risks, substantiating product claims and building consumer trust is essential.

 

This webinar will provide attendees with insights into clinical testing methodologies, covering key areas such as:
- Skin response evaluations – irritation, sensitization (with and without UV exposure) and comedogenicity
- Eye reaction assessments
- Key statistical considerations and data analysis strategies

 

In addition, attendees will participate in a live Q&A with the SGS expert, Saeid Nik, Principal Investigator, Cosmetics & Personal Care, who has extensive experience in clinical safety assessments, dermatology research and regulatory compliance.

 

This event is designed for cosmetic and personal care product manufacturers, product stewards and regulatory professionals responsible for ensuring product safety.

 

Register now

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Jennifer Buckley
Senior Global Marketing Manager
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Tel: +1 973 461 1498

 

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

 

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

 

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

SGS debuts at Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2025

Geneva (April 7, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is excited to announce its debut at Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2025.

 

Taking place from April 21-23 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), Beautyworld Saudi Arabia is the region’s premier beauty trade event. It brings together more than 400 exhibitors and attracts over 15,000 visitors, offering a key platform for industry professionals to explore the latest trends, regulations and technological advances in cosmetics, skincare, haircare, salon supplies and fragrances.  

 

With Saudi Arabia emerging as a major player in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern beauty and wellness market, which is expected to be worth USD 60 billion in 2025, regulatory compliance remains crucial for successful market entry. All cosmetic products entering the Kingdom must adhere to Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) regulations and obtain a certificate of conformity (CoC) for each consignment.

 

SGS provides comprehensive solutions for cosmetics compliance, fully aligned with regulatory requirements, ensuring smooth access to the Saudi market. Leveraging a global network of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories, SGS offers product reviews, including labeling and ingredient list checks, testing according to GSO standards, GHAD registration, and CoC issuance through the FASEH platform.

 

SGS experts will be at booth #F15 throughout the exhibition, ready to discuss tailored solutions that support businesses in achieving a smooth, compliant market entry into Saudi Arabia.

 

Learn more about SGS’s:
- Cosmetic and personal care services
- Trade facilitation solutions

 

Register now for Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2025.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Adriana Gomes
Global Service Development Director
Trade Facilitation Services - Compliance
m: +44 7813366757

 

Sa'aed Qasem 
Assistant Manager – Sales Development 
Trade Facilitation Services 
m: +966 562336140

 

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

 

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

 

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

Proposed Mandatory Standard for Food Contact Stainless Steel Standard in Thailand

Geneva (April 3, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 047.25, reporting on Thailand’s intention to mandate Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) 3206-2567 (2024) for stainless steel food contact materials and articles.


As announced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on March 13, 2025, the revised draft ministerial regulation details 13 applicable categories of stainless steel containers and utensils. If approved, it will come into force 270 days after publication in the Government Gazette.

The technical requirements of TIS are promulgated through the Thai Industrial Standards Institute, the governmental body responsible for establishing and promoting quality, safety and efficiency standards across various sectors in the country.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 047.25 includes information about the 13 categories of stainless steel containers and utensils defined in the draft regulation and a helpful table with specific release limit requirements for seven metals as specified in TIS 3206-2567 (2024).

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 047.25 for more details.

SGS food contact material services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s food contact material services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Thailand Intends to Mandate a Standard for Food Contact Stainless Steels SafeGuardS.

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420

Rutchuporn Moungsom
Laboratory Manager
Tel: +66 2 481 5259 extension 6320

Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).