MAM
John Taite is BBC Worldwide America VP, branded integrated ad sales solutions
MUMBAI: BBC America‘s VP programming strategy, John Taite, is to take up a new position within the BBC Worldwide America family as VP, branded entertainment and integrated ad sales solutions.
The announcement comes at a time when BBC America is experiencing unprecedented growth, up 30 per cent year-on-year and delivering its best ever ratings.
Reporting in to BBC Worldwide America‘s executive VP, ad sales, Mark Gall, Taite will work with the ad sales, programming and marketing teams of BBC America to look at creative advertising solutions for clients, developing ad category sponsorships and assessing and implementing branded entertainment opportunities for the channel and its digital extensions.
Gall said, “This is a critical role within our business and one we‘ve been looking to fill for some time. John brings enthusiasm, creative talents and close working relationships to the role, and we look forward to having him on board.”
Taite was formerly VP programming strategy, BBC America. He joined the New York office in April 2010 from BBC Worldwide in London, where he was VP of Programming for Europe, Middle East and Africa, overseeing the rollout and programming strategy of 14 localised channels.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: 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.
