MAM
Havas Group India appoints Priyanka Mehra as director marketing and communications
MUMBAI: Havas Group India has appointed Priyanka Mehra as director marketing and communications. The appointment is in line with unifying communications across all disciplines under the Havas Group umbrella. Her remit includes working with the senior leadership in India and the regional communications team to elevate brand reputation and awareness along with managing key strategic tie-ups in line with the Group’s “Together” strategy.
A media professional who leverages over 14 years of experience in the media and marketing arena, Mehra’s last stint was at Creativeland Asia as editor-in-chief – content marketing. Mehra also has varied experience across brand verticals including luxury and ecommerce in content consulting, marketing, and brand management.
Havas Group India chairman and chief creative officer Bobby Pawar said, “The sheer length and breadth of communications at Havas collaborating with Vivendi entertainment and content platforms provide us with great marketing ammunition and Priyanka’s appointment is a step forward in showcasing our strength as a Group in the Indian market.”
Havas Group India group CEO Rana Barua said, “Given Priyanka’s understanding of content and communications, her appointment is part of a management structure that brings together all communication disciplines – creative, media, healthcare under the Havas Village umbrella. Part of her mandate will be overall communications and going forward key strategic tie -ups and initiatives given Havas Group India’s future-forward vision”
“What makes Havas Group India an exciting place to be is the integrated offering across media creative and healthcare. Added to this is the collaboration with Vivendi which includes Universal Music, GameLoft and Daily Motion, which in turn creates a unique narrative and a unique marketing force,” said Mehra on her new role.
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.
