MAM
Parthasarathy M A bids farewell to WPP after long media journey
MUMBAI: Parthasarathy M A, chief strategy officer for South Asia at GroupM, has announced his retirement, drawing the curtain on a remarkable career that spanned more than three decades across the WPP network.
In a heartfelt note, he shared that the decision follows 17 “lovely years” with WPP Media, where his journey began in 2009 at Mindshare India under the leadership of Gowthaman Gman. His early role as leader of business planning paved the way for a swift climb through the organisation, taking on mandates that ranged from heading Mindshare offices to becoming chief product officer and eventually Mindshare CEO.
Since March 2022, he has led GroupM’s strategy and consulting practice across India and South Asia, collaborating with strategy heads from each GroupM agency. His work spanned everything from nurturing communications planning talent to shaping tools, partnerships and analytics solutions for a wide spectrum of brands.
Before his WPP stint, Parthasarathy spent 14 formative years at HTA and JWT, handling marquee mandates including Ford across 11 Asia-Pacific and African markets.
Looking back, he described his time with WPP as a continuous cycle of learning and discovery, fuelled by inspiring mentors and clients who nudged him to stretch his abilities. As he steps away, he leaves with gratitude and the promise of cheering the network from the sidelines.
After three rewarding decades in advertising and media, he now looks forward to a well-deserved breather.
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.
