Brands
Deepak Sharma takes charge as head of media planning at Leeford
MUMBAI: Leeford Healthcare Limited has strengthened its marketing leadership with the appointment of Deepak Sharma as head of media planning. A familiar name in India’s media and advertising circles, Sharma steps into the role with over a decade of experience shaping media strategies for some of the country’s most competitive brands.
Announcing the move, Sharma shared his enthusiasm about beginning a new chapter at Leeford Healthcare. He expressed gratitude to Amit Gupta for the opportunity and trust, adding that he looks forward to working closely with the team and contributing to the company’s growth journey. The tone was upbeat and optimistic, setting the mood for what promises to be a dynamic phase ahead.
Sharma joins Leeford after a successful stint at Publicis Groupe, where he served as director, media planning for more than three years. In this role, he led integrated planning mandates and helped drive sharper, more accountable media outcomes. Before that, he spent over four years at Mindshare Fulcrum as director-the exchange, further deepening his expertise in strategic planning and partnerships.
His career path also includes leadership roles at Alliance Advertising and Marketing and Publicis Media, where he handled media management responsibilities across diverse categories. Earlier in his professional life, Sharma was associated with ZenithOptimedia, gaining foundational experience that helped shape his understanding of ROI-led planning and execution.
At Leeford Healthcare, Sharma is expected to bring a blend of strategic clarity and practical insight to the brand’s media approach. With healthcare communication becoming more competitive and consumer driven, his appointment signals the company’s intent to sharpen its media planning playbook and connect more meaningfully with audiences. For Sharma, it is a fresh canvas. For Leeford, it is a timely boost of seasoned perspective.
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.
