MAM
WPP media elevates Shekhar Banerjee to lead client solutions in South Asia
NATIONAL: WPP media has elevated Shekhar Banerjee to president, client solutions, South Asia, in a leadership reshuffle aimed at deepening client partnerships and accelerating integrated, future-ready offerings across the region.
Banerjee steps into the role following the departure of Ajay Gupte, who has stepped down after more than a decade of leadership across India and South-East Asia. Gupte played a central role in building Wavemaker into one of India’s most sought-after media agencies.
Banerjee joined WPP media in 2018 as managing partner – west at Wavemaker India, where he focused on strengthening client relationships, scaling teams and driving regional growth. In 2023, he was promoted to chief client officer – west, north and east, further sharpening the agency’s client-centric approach and integrated media delivery.
Announcing the move, WPP media South Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar, said the appointment comes as marketers increasingly demand data-led, integrated solutions that deliver measurable business outcomes. He added that Banerjee’s leadership across digital and offline channels would be critical as WPP media adapts to a rapidly evolving media landscape.
In his new role, Banerjee said the convergence of creativity, data and technology is opening up new growth opportunities for clients, and that he looked forward to building solutions that drive long-term value and impact.
Reflecting on his exit, Gupte said his 15-year journey at WPP media had been shaped by collaboration, resilience and shared purpose, and thanked colleagues for their support across multiple leadership roles.
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.
