Brands
Amber Pepper takes charge as Natural Diamond Council’s new CEO
NEW YORK: Natural diamonds are getting a fresh shot of sparkle. The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has named Amber Pepper as its next chief executive officer, effective 1 February 2026—an appointment aimed at powering the industry’s next chapter of growth.
Pepper arrives with heavyweight luxury credentials. Before her latest role as chief marketing and customer officer and managing director at Mytheresa, she spent seven years at Coach as vice president, marketing and communications for EMEIA and LATAM, following a year as marketing and communications director for Europe. Earlier roles at Tapestry, Farfetch and Harrods strengthened her reputation for driving commercial growth, digital innovation and sharp, consumer-led storytelling across global markets.
Pepper is expected to turbocharge the NDC’s push to win over younger consumers and deepen traction with luxury buyers worldwide. Her playbook will hinge on omnichannel strategy, digital engagement and data-led marketing that keeps natural diamonds distinctive in a hyper-competitive marketplace.
Chair of the NDC, Sandrine Conseiller, said Pepper’s global perspective and understanding of luxury audiences makes her an “exceptional choice” to galvanise the category.
Pepper’s appointment follows the impending exit of current CEO David Kellie, who retires at the end of the year. Since joining in 2019, Kellie has overseen the NDC’s rebrand from the Diamond Producers Association and navigated the organisation through the pandemic while strengthening industry alliances.
Now, with the baton passed and competition sharpening, the NDC is banking on Pepper’s brand acumen to ensure natural diamonds keep glittering, not fading, on the global stage.
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.
