Brands
Dunkin’ business head Chitrank Goel calls it quits at Jubilant FoodWorks
MUMBAI: In a surprise move, Jubilant FoodWorks has announced that Chitrank Goel, its executive vice president and business head for Dunkin’, has tendered his resignation.
The donut boss, who joined the company in September 2021, will hang up his apron on 15 April after a tenure of three years and seven months. Jubilant’s board will be look for his replacement “in due course,” according to the regulatory filing with the Bombay stock exchange.
Goel’s departure comes at a critical juncture for the company as it continues expanding its portfolio beyond the flagship Domino’s Pizza brand. The executive was tasked with not only steering the Dunkin’ ship but also “incubating new brands.”
Before joining the Jubilant family, Goel spent a whopping 14 years with consumer goods giant Unilever, where he cut his teeth across various markets. His last role there saw him heading the ice cream business unit in Poland and Baltics.
Industry insiders speculate that Goel’s extensive international experience and proven track record in scaling businesses might have attracted a juicier offer elsewhere. The resignation letter, dated 11 March, mentions he’s leaving “to take up an external opportunity” – corporate-speak for “found a better gig.”
During his Unilever days, Goel boasted impressive achievements, including boosting growth rates from 7 per cent to 16 per cent in the out-of-home channel and unlocking “disproportionate growth” in quick commerce.
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.
