MAM
HostBooks appoints Abhijit Dutta as CSO and advisor to board to drive exponential growth
Mumbai: HostBooks – a SaaS-based and one of the fastest-growing accounting platforms is moving on an expansion spree with the recent appointment of Abhijit Dutta as the Chief Strategy Officer and Advisor to the board. With his appointment, HostBooks aims to revolutionise its growth strategy, strengthen its leadership position, and acquire a significant market share across international markets.
With over 28 years of profound experience across the gamut of Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Communications, in all spheres across myriad industries, Abhijit is set to take charge of the complete Sales, Development, and Leadership operations at HostBooks. Under his expertise, the company’s key focus remains to enhance holistic business growth and propel the development of a robust leadership team. Abhijit’s experience in leading and building excelling business strategies will facilitate the platform’s profitable growth trajectory and fortify its presence in international waters such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
HostBooks co-founder Biswajit Mishra said, “We’re elated to have Abhijit on on-board. He commands an impressive track record in overseeing diverse operations across multiple globally renowned companies. His expertise will empower us to achieve profitable growth both domestically and internationally and drive us to improve the focal areas. The domain knowledge and network he brings to the forum will enable us to solidify our position as the leader in the automation software space.”
HostBooks CSO and board advisor Abhijit Dutta said, “I am excited about joining the comprehensive automation platform for all business needs – HostBooks. It is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of a dynamic company that is taking charge to streamline the automation requirement of SMEs. Given my background in driving revenue growth, I look forward to contributing to the company’s ongoing success and propel it to accelerate SMEs’ business efficiency.”
“I am eager to work with the talented team of HostBooks and with our collaborative efforts we look forward to revamping the sales, people and brand strategy. While delivering exceptional value to our clients, I am confident we will build a long-term stable solution that will act as a catalyst for SME growth, bolstering meaningful results for the company,” he adds.
Prior to the stint at HostBooks, Abhijit had most recently served as Chief Business Officer at Believe Cosmetic Pvt Ltd, where he single-handedly built the business from scratch. He has also been part of Fintech start-up Innoviti payment solution and has been instrumental in building the B2B Channel Business for them. Adding to his professional wisdom, he has also partnered with some of the largest MNCs across industries like Tally Solutions, HCL Infosystem, Nivea India Pvt Ltd, where he blended his strategic thinking to foster excellence in execution.
As a premium automated business solution that revolutionises the business operations of SMEs, HostBooks is poised to become a pioneer in this highly competitive space, delivering excellence in execution to its diverse clientele both global and domestic.
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.
