Brands
Anshul Asawa to take the helm at DMart as CEO from February
MUMBAI: Avenue Supermarts, the company behind the ever-busy DMart aisles, has lined up a smooth handover at the top. Anshul Asawa has been appointed chief executive officer and key managerial personnel, effective 1 February 2026, following approval by the board and its nomination and remuneration committee.
Asawa, who is currently CEO designate, will also step into the role of managing director from 1 April 2026 for a three-year term, subject to shareholder approval. The move signals a carefully planned leadership transition at one of India’s most admired retail success stories, underscoring its focus on governance and long-term succession rather than sudden shifts.
With nearly three decades at Unilever behind him, Asawa brings global polish and operational grit in equal measure. His career spans senior leadership roles across India, Europe and Southeast Asia, including stints as general manager for Home Care in Greater Asia, head of Unilever Thailand, and global vice president for digital, e-commerce and customer development. From building billion-rupee brands to expanding rural distribution and scaling e-commerce channels, his résumé reads like a masterclass in consumer business.
For DMart, known for quiet consistency rather than loud reinvention, Asawa’s appointment blends experience with intent. It is less about changing the tune and more about ensuring the music plays on, steadily, profitably and for the long haul.
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.
