MAM
JWT and McCann Worldgroup tie at No 1 spot in Gunn Report 2015
MUMBAI: J. Walter Thompson and McCann Worldgroup have scored the most number of awards in India for their creative campaigns spanning across print, digital, film, and AGB as per The Gunn Report 2015.
J. Walter Thompson Mumbai and Bangalore, and McCann Mumbai have their sum totals tied at 10 each, while J Walter Thompson’s South Asia group company Contract Advertising came in at the third spot with a tally of six.
On the whole, India has jumped a position higher from it’s last year’s world rank of 14 to 13 in 2015, as per the GR Creative Ranking.
When it comes to film category, JWT stole the show with the lead score of seven, closely followed by its sister arm Contract Advertising with five.
McCann Worldgroup chairman Asia Pacific and McCann India CEO and chief creative officer Prasoon Joshi said, “I am excited with this outcome, the hard work and dedication that our teams put in has come to the fore with this recognition. I also want to thank our clients who have always believed in us and value ideas and long term relationships.”
JWT South Asia CEO Tarun Rai said, “To have two of our group companies right at the top of the creative charts is really satisfying. This is an unprecedented achievement. I am really proud of the fantastic teams led by Senthil and Ashish.”
J. Walter Thompson India chief creative officer Senthil Kumar added, “It’s a great start to the year with J. Walter Thompson India topping the Global Gunn Report India agency ranking. We have always gone in with all guns blazing for our clients with sharp ideas that strike the bulls’ eye more often than not.”
Contract Advertising NCD Ashish Chakravarty said, “While I am quite happy about the Gunn report rankings, I believe that awards (and, therefore, such rankings) are the by-product of the passion and rigour that we put into our work… so, the many creative awards, new business wins, and rankings, only go to show that we are doing it right. Maybe.”
On the world stage however it was Always #LikeAGirl from Leo Burnett Toronto that emerged as the most awarded All Gunns Blazing in the World advertising campaign of the year 2015, while “Monty’s Christmas” by adam and eve DDB London took away the most number of awards in Film Commercial category. The title for Most Awarded Agency in the World this year was taken away by BBDO, followed by Leo Burnett and DDB.
The Gunn Report 2015
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.
