MAM
Almonds Ai onboards Ramdas Rajamani as MENA region’s business head
Mumbai: Almonds Ai, a leading provider of B2B loyalty and channel partner engagement solutions, has appointed Ramdas Rajamani as director based out of Dubai.
In his role, he will lead the company’s operations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. He will leverage his extensive experience to drive the company’s expansion in the MENA region, focusing on developing and implementing strategies to strengthen partnerships and maximise channel engagement.
He began his journey with SONY Middle East & Africa, where he pivotally launched and established VAIO as a successful brand across the region. His ability to build robust networks of distributors, dealers, and merchandisers has been a key factor in his success.
With experience spanning more than three decades in industries such as consumer durables, appliances, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications across growth, strategy, and management, Ramdas’s foresight and leadership prowess are poised to propel the company’s growth initiatives forward, positioning Almonds Ai as frontrunner in innovation.
Almonds Ai co-founders Abhinav Jain & Apurv Modi jointly said, “The appointment of Ram is a significant milestone for the company as it brings together cohesive strategic leadership to Almonds Ai team. His wealth of knowledge and proven track record in brand establishment and market penetration make him the perfect fit to lead our operations in the MENA region. We are confident that his strategic insights and expertise will propel us to new heights in this important market.”
Commenting on his appointment, Ramdas said, “I am honored to join the Almonds Ai team and contribute to their mission of revolutionizing the B2B loyalty and channel partner engagement landscape. The MENA region presents immense growth opportunities, and I look forward to leveraging my experience and Almonds Ai’s cutting-edge solutions to empower businesses and drive sustainable success across the region. Together, we will build strong, lasting relationships and unlock fame and growth for the brands we serve.”
Ramdas holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Institute of Technology & Management highlighting his expertise in growing and running enterprises.
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.
