MAM
Affle names Sameer Sondhi CEO North America to drive next growth phase
MUMBAI: When growth needs a compass, Affle has found its North Star. The AI-powered consumer intelligence and mobile advertising company has appointed Sameer Sondhi as chief executive officer, North America, handing him a dual mandate that also sees him step in as Chief Strategic Investments Officer.
The move signals a decisive push in Affle’s third decade, as the company sharpens its focus on developed markets while chasing its ambitious ‘3i’ vision Innovation, Impact and Intelligence aimed at delivering 10x growth. From expanding operations to steering new strategic investments, Sondhi will sit at the centre of Affle’s next phase in North America.
Sondhi arrives with deep roots in global adtech. He most recently held senior leadership roles at Verve, including CEO and chief revenue officer, where he led global strategy and growth across advertisers, agencies and publishers. Before that, he played a key role in international expansion at Inmobi, spanning North America, Europe and Asia. He holds a master’s degree in computer science.
Announcing the appointment Affle chairperson, MD and CEO Anuj Khanna Sohum said the leadership addition marks a pivotal moment for the business. With Sondhi’s dual role, Affle aims to accelerate organic growth in North America while executing a sharper, more focused strategic investment playbook.
For Sondhi, the role comes at what he describes as a defining phase. He pointed to Affle’s strong foundation in AI-led consumer intelligence and performance-driven advertising as a platform built for scalable and profitable growth, adding that the focus now is on unlocking long-term value alongside partners and customers as the company expands its global footprint.
As Affle tightens its grip on developed markets, the appointment underscores a clear message: growth may be global, but North America is where the next big bets are being placed.
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.
