MAM
iCubesWire ropes in Shashank B. V. to lead influencer content sales in the South
MUMBAI: iCubesWire has brought back a familiar face to fuel its southern ambitions. Shashank B. V. has been appointed business director – sales (South) to lead content sales for influencer marketing, with a laser focus on hyperlocal, creator-first storytelling that delivers both scale and substance.
Shashank, a digital veteran with over 20 years of experience, is no stranger to iCubesWire. His previous stint as group head, South, saw him lay the groundwork for the company’s growth in the region. Now, with influencer marketing entering a high-stakes era of ROI and relevance, Shashank’s brief is clear — connect brands with communities, not just clicks.
From past leadership roles at Hungama Digital Services, Times Internet, and Tyroo Media, he brings a sharp understanding of branded content and digital sales, with a network that straddles both blue-chip advertisers and fast-rising D2C disruptors.
Reporting to Nishant Sharma, co-founder and chief business officer at iCubesWire, Shashank will drive native integrations, performance-led influencer strategy, and multilingual content monetisation, all part of the agency’s aggressive push into the southern market.
As brands double down on creator commerce and culturally-rooted campaigns, iCubesWire is positioning itself as the go-to MarTech ally for brands looking to translate influence into impact and Shashank is back at the helm to make sure the story sticks.
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.
