Brands
Hexaware cracks the top Brand Finance 25 most valuable IT brands list
MUMBAI: Hexaware Technologies, the IT services firm that’s been steadily climbing the tech ladder, has officially entered the Top 25 Most Valuable IT Brands globally, as recognised in the Brand Finance IT Services 25 2025 report. Not too shabby for a company that seems to have made AI its new best friend.
With a brand value jump from USD 724 million in 2024 to USD 824 million in 2025—a healthy 14 per cent increase—Hexaware has also seen a staggering 124.5 per cent growth over the past four years. It’s leapt five places to claim the 24th spot, with its Brand Strength Index (BSI) rising from 73.4 to 76.4 and its brand rating now proudly sitting at AA+. Not bad for a year filled with geopolitical hiccups and decision-making disruptions.
The report credits this meteoric rise to Hexaware’s financial stability and enhanced BSI, bolstered by a revamped Brand Strength Framework and solid perception scores in key markets like the US and Europe. Meanwhile, Hexaware’s commitment to branding and innovation continues to drive strong growth, proving that a little self-promotion goes a long way.
At the heart of Hexaware’s success is its “AI-first” strategy, which has revolutionised its services and internal operations. Unlike some companies that merely talk about AI, Hexaware has taken the plunge, ensuring that a whopping 99% of its IT workforce—including the leadership—has undergone extensive AI and generative AI training. If you thought AI was coming for your job, it turns out Hexaware employees are coming for AI first.
CEO and managing director R. Srikrishna called the ranking a testament to Hexaware’s commitment to innovation and customer value. “Our ‘AI-first’ approach hasn’t just changed our services; it has given our clients the tools to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape,” he said. “We are immensely proud and excited for the journey ahead.”
Chief marketing officer Nidhi Alexander echoed the sentiment, adding, “Our rise in the rankings reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of our clients. We remain committed to pushing boundaries and delivering transformative value.”
Brand Finance CEO and chairman David Haigh weighed in on the company’s success, attributing it to its relentless focus on innovation, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction. “Hexaware’s ‘AI-first’ strategy solidifies its position as a key player in the sector, using artificial intelligence to drive expansion and deliver cutting-edge solutions globally.”
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.
