Brands
Amit Kumar Nanchahal elevated to brand communications head – international beverages at PepsiCo
Seasoned reputation strategist takes charge of international beverages portfolio after steering corporate narrative in India and South Asia
GURGOAN: PepsiCo has handed the communications reins of two of its punchiest brands to a veteran insider. Amit Kumar Nanchahal has been appointed brand communications head, international beverages for Sting Energy and Mountain Dew, marking his latest ascent in a career spanning more than two decades in corporate storytelling and sustainability strategy.
Based in Delhi, Nanchahal will now oversee global communications for Sting Energy and Mountain Dew across international markets, sharpening brand narratives in an increasingly competitive and youth-driven energy drinks segment.
The move follows his stint as head of corporate communications for India and South Asia at PepsiCo, where he drove the company’s food and beverage marketing communications, sustainability messaging, digital outreach and internal communications. Over seven years at the American beverages giant, he has moved steadily up the ladder, from associate director overseeing food category and sustainability communications to the top communications post for international beverages.
Before PepsiCo, Nanchahal cut his teeth in high-stakes corporate environments. At Ola, he led corporate communications and advocacy, positioning the ride-hailing firm as a sustainability-focused mobility player while steering crisis strategy and stakeholder engagement. Earlier, at SABMiller India, he spent nearly a decade managing media relations, internal communications and sustainability programmes in one of India’s most tightly regulated sectors.
His career began at the Confederation of Indian Industry, where he worked on corporate communications and policy engagement, liaising between industry and the Haryana government.
Nanchahal’s credentials include being named among India’s Top 100 Change Makers and a 40 Under 40 honouree by industry platforms. Campaigns under his watch have picked up Cannes Lions, including initiatives such as Lay’s Smart Farm, BioChar, Gatorade Turf Finder and the Lay’s Farm Equal Project, blending brand building with sustainability narratives.
At PepsiCo, the brief is clear: amplify global brand voice, align purpose with performance and keep two high-voltage brands culturally relevant in crowded markets.
If reputation is capital and narrative is leverage, Nanchahal now sits at the fulcrum. In the battle for consumer attention, the energy is not just in the can, it is in the story.
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.
