MAM
Havas Worldwide APAC names Todd Martin as regional digital director
MUMBAI: Havas Worldwide has appointed Todd Martin as regional digital director for APAC.
In his new role, Martin will lead and drive the growth of digital across Asia Pacific. He will also lead Havas Drive, a digital acceleration, technology and innovation unit based at Havas Worldwide Bangkok.
Based out of Singapore, Todd will report directly to Havas Worldwide Asia Pacific chairman Juan Rocamora, working alongside business development and integration director Southeast Asia Sunny Hermano and CEO Southeast Asia Levent Guenes.
Martin has over 20 years of broad client category digital experience in the US, UK, Japan, China and across Asia Pacific and has been responsible for creating digital strategies and campaigns for a huge number of multinational clients.
He was one of the founders of Amnesia Razorfish in Australia, a digital agency that grew in 10 years to become the largest of its kind in Australia. He worked on brands such as Disney, Microsoft, Qantas, Volkswagen, Merck, Johnnie Walker, and the International Olympic Committee before moving to the USA to work with Razorfish out of their head office in Seattle.
He moved to Singapore in 2013 as regional head of social and digital for Bates CHI & Partners, and worked in Social@Ogilvy across the region before a short stint at Edelman as head of strategy for Asia.
“Todd joins us with a solid track record in the digital space having worked with the some of the top digital agencies and cutting edge brands around the world. His experience across geographies and ability to work with different cultures is a strong plus. Havas has a robust digital offering in Asia Pacific and we have no doubt that Todd is the right person to lead and strengthen our digital operations as we move in the next phase of our growth,” said Rocamora.
Martin added, “I am particularly excited about the Digital Innovation team, Havas Drive. Their blend of creative technical talent is producing solid solutions that work in multiple Asian markets. Havas are showing they have the talent and resources to deliver innovative digital experiences for all clients in the region, they’re walking the walk, not just talking about it.”
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.
