MAM
Kaizzen ropes in Suresh Rangarajan to sharpen its southern storytelling
MUMBAI: In the game of PR, you either make the story or miss the moment. Kaizzen clearly knows which side it’s playing for. In a strategic masterstroke, the firm has appointed veteran communications guru Suresh Rangarajan as senior vice president – south, effective 2 April 2025. And if resumes could talk, his would drop the mic.
With 25+ years under his belt, Rangarajan isn’t just walking into the role—he’s marching in with a narrative arsenal. Having crafted stories for marquee names like Tata Motors, Vodafone India, Nissan Motor India, and Concept PR, he’s no stranger to campaigns that don’t just trend but transform brands.
Rangarajan’s appointment is part of Kaizzen’s laser-sharp strategy to double down on south India—home to tech titans, startups and some of the country’s fastest-growing innovation hubs. His task? Expand operations, drive client growth, and basically make Kaizzen the communications king of the south.
“We are thrilled to welcome Suresh to team Kaizzen as senior vice president for south,” said Kaizzen CEO Vineet Handa. “Kaizzen today has a well-established footprint in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. I feel he will be one of the strong flagbearers of our services and culture as we continue to grow our service offerings, geographic presence and people strength.”
Rangarajan brings a special flair for the technology, telecom and automotive sectors. Add his crisis calm, stakeholder savvy, and a knack for turning jargon into genius, and you’ve got a leadership hire that means business.
“Suresh’s expertise will not only help expand our client portfolio but also play a crucial role in scaling our specialised verticals. With his addition to our leadership team, we are confident in achieving new milestones in south India,” added Kaizzen COO Nikhil Pavithran.
Rangarajan, never one to mince words, said, “Joining Kaizzen at such an exciting phase of its growth is truly inspiring. Today, communication is not just about storytelling—it’s about building purpose-driven narratives that foster trust, shape perceptions, and drive real business impact. South India is a thriving centre for innovation and entrepreneurship, and I look forward to collaborating with our talented teams and valued clients to craft strategies that make a meaningful difference. Kaizzen’s commitment to excellence and its expanding global footprint make this an exciting opportunity to set new benchmarks in integrated communications.”
The man’s résumé includes pan-India brand command, globe-spanning collaborations, and a creative compass that always points to impact. With Kaizzen placing its bets on the South, Rangarajan might just be the secret sauce in their next growth spurt.
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.
