MAM
A&M shifts gears with Amit Dakshini steering its auto ambitions
MUMBAI: If India’s automotive engine is revving up for its next big leap, Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) India has just added a heavyweight driver to the cockpit. The global professional services firm has appointed senior industry veteran Amit Dakshini to its business transformation services practice, strengthening its push into the country’s fast-evolving automotive landscape.
Based in Mumbai, Dakshini joins with a mandate to accelerate A&M’s presence across the automotive value chain from OEMs and Tier I suppliers to investors backing India’s manufacturing and mobility future. And with over 28 years of experience across continents, he brings both mileage and muscle to the firm’s transformation engine.
Dakshini’s career spans leadership roles in P&L management, corporate strategy, engineering transformation, and global market expansion for Tier I suppliers across India, Southeast Asia, Central Europe, North America, and Latin America. His expertise cuts across growth strategy, diversification, product planning, technology roadmaps, EBITDA transformation and full-scale business turnarounds making him a seasoned hand at steering companies through industry shifts.
Before joining A&M, he led the Automotive Consulting Practice for Arthur D. Little in India and South Asia, working closely with senior leaders of global OEMs and suppliers on strategic transformation programmes that spanned geographies and investment cycles.
A&M India and GCC, managing director & head Himanshu Bajaj, said the timing of the appointment could not be more strategic. “India’s automotive industry is experiencing a new wave of growth fuelled by global expansion, supply-chain shifts, and rising investment in technology. Clients are seeking partners with real-world insight and operational depth. Amit’s sector fluency and leadership experience will be instrumental in scaling our offerings.”
Echoing this, Alvarez & Marsal India managing director and Lead Sameer Amte noted that the ecosystem is at a pivotal crossroads from supply-chain realignment to rapid electrification. “OEMs are strengthening export-led manufacturing footprints. As clients navigate these shifts, they need partners who combine sector depth with hands-on execution. Amit’s operator-led experience across global markets enhances our ability to unlock value across the transformation lifecycle.”
Dakshini, stepping into the role as senior leader for automotive, underscored the sector’s trajectory with optimism. “India is evolving from a cost-efficient manufacturing base into a technology-driven global automotive hub. With the potential to become a trillion-dollar sector within the next decade, the industry is witnessing rapid growth in private investment and tech adoption. A&M’s operator-led culture and outcome-first mindset make it the ideal platform to help clients realise value across this transformation journey.”
With its newest senior leader onboard, A&M is clearly signalling that its automotive ambitions are not just accelerating, they are shifting firmly into the fast lane.
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.
