SoftBank-Backed Paytm Shares Drop as Proxy Adviser Seeks New CEO

  • Shareholders should vote to replace founder CEO Sharma: IiAS
  • Firm flags concerns on CEO’s ability to lead Paytm to profits

A QR code for a Paytm digital payment at a general store in Mumbai, India.

Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg
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Shares of digital payments provider Paytm dropped the most in a fortnight after a proxy advisory firm asked shareholders to replace founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma as the company’s chief executive officer.

Shareholders should vote against Sharma’s reappointment, and the board must bring in a professional to the role, Institutional Investor Advisory Services India Ltd. recommended in a note ahead of the fintech firm’s Aug. 19 annual general meeting.