MAM
Edelman reveals two dynamos to lead India and Asia-Pacific
MUMBAI: Edelman has catapulted two internal powerhouses, Bhavna Jagtiani and Kunal Arora, into pivotal leadership roles across India and Asia-Pacific, signalling a bold strategic evolution for the global communications firm.
Jagtiani ascends from chief operating officer to chief executive of Edelman India, crowning a 22-year journey that began as an account executive. Her promotion reflects a meteoric rise through the corporate ranks, now tasked with steering business strategy and deepening client relationships.
Arora, previously managing director for India digital, now commands the digital landscape across the Asia-Pacific region. With a decade of digital crisis management and reputation expertise, he’s set to scale the firm’s digital operations and embed innovative solutions across client portfolios.
Edelman APAC chief, Rakesh Thukral praised the appointments: “Bhavna is an undisputed culture champion” who has driven “consistent growth”, while Kunal has “integrated the best capabilities and innovation.”
Both executives will continue reporting to Thukral, with the appointments taking immediate effect.
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.
