MAM
Frederick Castro Joins Acme group as sr VP, head of corporate communications
MUMBAI: Senior corporate communications professional Frederick Castro has joined Acme group as senior vice president and head of corporate communications, leading the organisation’s brand marketing, investor relations, digital strategy, and corporate communications as part of its ambitious diversification agenda.
With over 20 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, and reputation management, Castro has worked across multiple sectors, driving impactful business narratives for leading Indian and global organisations.
Prior to his latest appointment, he served as vice president and group head of corporate communications at JSW Group for seven years, where he was instrumental in repositioning the conglomerate from a legacy steel company to a diversified business entity with interests across B2B, B2C, and technology ventures. His tenure saw the group’s expansion into consumer businesses, electric vehicles, sports, education, realty, e-commerce, and technology investments, while also leading JSW Infrastructure’s Rs 2,800 crore IPO campaign.
Before JSW Group, Castro was global head of corporate communications at Sun Pharmaceuticals, where he spearheaded communications and crisis management during the company’s $4 billion acquisition of Ranbaxy. He also played a pivotal role in Sun Pharma’s rebranding and reputation-building initiatives across 60 countries,
His professional journey spans roles in Reliance ADA Group, Go Airlines (Wadia Group), and Prism Johnson (Rajan Raheja Group), along with experience in public relations agencies such as Integral PR, Ketchum Sampark, and Hill+Knowlton Strategies. Over the years, he has successfully managed PR campaigns for globally renowned brands including ITC, Coca-Cola, Lafarge, Diageo, and Hitachi.
A specialist in reputation management, stakeholder perception, and digital advocacy, Castro has extensive expertise in financial communications, IPO campaigns, ESG initiatives, and workplace transformation strategies.
With his appointment at Acme group, Castro will play a key role in enhancing brand reputation and driving communication strategies as the company embarks on a new phase of business expansion.
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.
