MAM
Keegan Pinto joins DDB Mudra West as group creative director
MUMBAI: Adding more zeal to the creative force of DDB Mudra West, the agency has got on board Keegan Pinto as group creative director.
With more than a decade of experience, Pinto’s previous stints were with Lowe Lintas, Bates 141, Rediffusion Young & Rubicam, O&M Mumbai and Colenso BBDO Auckland, New Zealand. He has been associated with brands including Tata Tea ‘Jaago Re’, Lifebuoy Worldwide, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, Tetley Tea, Videocon d2h, Onida air conditioners, TVS, Domex, Croma, Bajaj Bikes, DNA newspaper, Airtel, Economic Times, HLL – Dove, Lakme, Ponds, P&G – Vicks, Kingfisher Airlines, Zoom TV, Hindustan Pencils, World Gold Council and BBC World to name a few.
His work has won him accolades in both the international and national circuits including the prestigious New York Festival, D&AD, One Show, Adfest, Cannes Lions, Abbys and Effies.
The avid Bollywood enthusiast commented on his new role, “I’ve been a fan of Sonal’s work especially the ‘Indian Panga League’ campaign for Virgin Mobile and I really look forward to working with him. Rahul Mathew is a powerhouse too, and now with him leading the way at DDB Mudra West, I see a real reason to join the fight and help take DDB Mudra West to the next level. DDB Mudra Group has always had all it to takes to be a serious influencer in the Indian advertising scene, and I hope to be part of that little push with some fun, ‘junta’ work.”
DDB Mudra West creative head Rahul Mathew said, “We believe that great work is created by like-minded people with diverse backgrounds and passions. Keegan is yet another step in that direction. He brings a rather unique skill-set to the table. And at the same time is completely aligned and excited by the vision we have for the agency. I am really looking forward to his diversity adding to our body of work.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
