MAM
Havas appoints Joji Jacob as regional CCO for Southeast & North Asia
Mumbai: As a creative partner and co-founder at BLKJ Havas Singapore, Joji Jacob has been appointed regional chief creative officer for Southeast Asia and North Asia.
Joji will take on comprehensive responsibility for steering the creative direction and ensuring seamless integration into client engagements across the region. Through his role as Chair of Havas’ APAC and member of the Global Creative Council, he will work closely with the council to drive creativity across local offices and explore innovative storytelling approaches while maintaining meaningful connections.
Over the past 20 years, Joji has contributed significantly to renowned agencies in India and Singapore. In addition to co-founding BLKJ in 2016 and joining the Havas family in 2021, BLKJ Havas boasts an impressive client portfolio that includes the likes of Great Eastern, the Economic Development Board of Singapore, and JLL.
The former group executive creative director Joji at DDB has a remarkable track record in the advertising industry. During his nine-year tenure, the agency received numerous accolades and became one of the most awarded in the industry. Joji himself has been recognised as Singapore’s Most Influential creative director and Southeast Asia’s creative person of the Year, consecutively for two years. He has also served as a prestigious juror for global and regional awards shows such as Cannes, D&AD, LIA, One Show, and Spikes Asia. Known for his innovative thinking and ability to create iconic campaigns, Joji is revered for his commitment to excellence and passion for his craft.
Barua shared his opinions regarding the appointment, “As a network, our united focus is consistently directed towards delivering clients a meaningful experience through exceptional work, achieved by investing in the best talent. The region while culturally diverse shares the same purpose. Joji with his extensive experience and creative strength across the region, will enhance our overall creative output, and play a universal role in fostering positive momentum for all markets, building towards the goal of One Asia. This appointment underscores Havas’ commitment to cultivating top-tier creative leadership, driving the creative mandate and signifies a significant stride toward achieving our growth objectives in these dynamic markets.”
Joji Jacob expressed, “I’ve spent 20 years as a creative, with the last ten years spent leading a creative business. So, I step into this role not just with experience but also with a beginner’s mindset. Rana and I have been discussing the many plans and ambitions and my job is to help create the conditions that enable our people make the best work of their lives for our clients, and I find myself at the right place and at the right time. Havas is a place where the entrepreneurial spirit thrives, meaning it’s not set in its ways. We can respond to a rapidly changing marketplace with agility which I find exciting. And Rana’s energy is infectious, that’s one bug I’m happy to catch.”
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.
