MAM
Infectious Advertising appoints Abrar Nakhuda as head of digital
MUMBAI: Infectious Advertising is gearing up for a digital shake-up, appointing Abrar Nakhuda as head of digital to spearhead innovation and strategy in an ever-evolving landscape. With a track record of crafting impactful brand narratives and data-driven campaigns, Nakhuda is set to lead the agency’s approach to AI-powered marketing, influencer engagement, and content storytelling.
Speaking on his new role, Nakhuda shared, “My focus will be on elevating our clients’ digital presence, integrating the latest digital trends, and ensuring synergy between brands and platforms. From AI-driven workflows to influencer marketing and content innovation, we aim to push creative boundaries and set new industry benchmarks.”
Infectious Advertising co-founders and directors Nisha Singhania and Ramanuj Shastry said, “Abrar’s expertise and energy bring a fresh perspective to our digital division. His vision will help us strengthen our approach and create groundbreaking digital campaigns.”
Bringing years of experience from Digit 9.0, Every Media Technologies, Culture Machine, and Viral Fission, Nakhuda has led successful digital initiatives for NBA, Star India, Pepsi, and Amazon, helping brands build strong online communities and content IPs that resonate with audiences. His expertise lies in merging data insights with creative storytelling, a formula that has delivered measurable impact across industries.
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.
