MAM
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages names Juan Pablo Rodriguez as its new CEO
Mumbai: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) has announced Juan Pablo Rodriguez as the new general manager and chief executive officer for HCCB.
Rodriguez, currently the chief commercial officer for the Bottling Investments Group (BIG), will take over from current chairman and CEO Neeraj Garg, who is retiring in 2022. The transition will begin in September 2022.
“In the last two years, Juan Pablo has led the BIG Commercial team in achieving significant growth ambitions, transforming our channel strategy, and ensuring we continue to win in the market through capability-building and portfolio innovation. He is a 22-year veteran of the Coca-Cola system with a proven track record of leading teams and driving sustainable growth across markets,” HCCB said in a statement.
Neeraj Garg took over the responsibility of HCCB in 2020 and has played a significant role in continuing the growth story of the company, including delivering some of the best financial results ever, stated the company.
“Throughout his career, Neeraj has brought to life his passion for people development by being an active mentor for talent across The Coca-Cola Company,” BIG president (The Coca-Cola Company) Murat Ozgel said. “He has played a key role in championing strong end-to-end business management capabilities in teams and growing talent across markets. I would like to thank him for his contributions to the HCCB team over the last couple of years. He will leave behind a strong legacy.”
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.
