MAM
Geometry Encompass ropes in Ranjit Raina as CEO
MUMBAI: India’s leading experiential marketing and brand activation agency, Geometry Encompass recently announced the appointment of Ranjit Raina as the Chief Executive Officer. Raina will commence his new role from August 13, 2019. In his earlier stint with the agency, he served in the capacity of Chief Operating Officer.
Raina holds an experience of over 27 years across production houses, experiential industry and television. He first joined the agency in 2004. In his decade long stint with Encompass, he was involved with the bottom line functions primarily Finance and Corporate Operations of the organisation. He has worked with clients across sectors like Nokia, Pepsi, Hyundai, GSK, Mercedes Benz, Palmolive and Gillette. He has also played an eminent role in the acquisition of the agency by global giant WPP in 2008.
In 2014, he moved on to lead his own business venture, an engagement design consultancy company.
“Ranjit has witnessed the growth of Geometry Encompass from the very beginning and now will bring his expertise and experience back to the organization,” said Diana Cowley, CEO – APAC, Geometry Global. “The team of Geometry Encompass has always played a key part in Geometry’s Asia Pacific growth. I am confident that Ranjit will lead the team to even greater heights in the months and years to come.”
Speaking on the development, Roshan Abbas CEO and MD said, “We are happy to have Ranjit back as the leader of our team. He has proven time and again his strong understanding of the market and his expertise in live engagement experiences. He is bringing with himself the agility of a start-up and a new-age thinking that will lead Geometry Encompass to newer heights.”
Taking up the new role, Ranjit Raina said, “Geometry Encompass has always been experimental and industry-first in its approach and is driven by passionate individuals who are always working to create a new experience for brands and its consumers. Being digitally-charged and data-driven, the agency ensures best returns for its clients and the most impactful conversations with consumers. I am glad to be back with the force and hope to achieve new milestones in the near future.”
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.
