MAM
Komal Kakkar heads to HP India as head of corporate communications
MUMBAI: It’s been some journey for Komal Kakkar. She began her career in 2008 as a PR executive in the Grasshoppers after completing her post graduate diploma in advertising and PR, pulic relations and image management from the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Mass Communications. Today she’s perched right on top at multinational tech firm HP India as the head of corporate communications.
The young professional who familiarised herself with German by studying it for three years at the Max Mueller Bhavan, was with Samsung Electronics in corporate communications for more than five years based in Gurgaon. She resigned in January 2024 and took time off to introspect. (Wish we all could have the courage to do that!)
Prior to Samsung, Komal spent seven years and more at Apollo Munich Health Insurance Co where her knowledge of German would have been handy. She also got herself communication agency exposure by working as a senior management associate at Ipan Hill & Knowlton between 2008 and 2010.
Komal, who carries her positivity openly, said on Linkedin: “The year 2024 has been super special. After an enriching sabbatical filled with many adventures, a yoga certification, bucket-list travels, meeting some incredible people on the way, and self-discovery, I’m happy to share that I’ve joined HP as the Head of Communications for India. This time away was transformative—it gave me the space to reflect, rejuvenate, and return with a fresh perspective. I’m thrilled to channel this newfound energy into creating impactful communication strategies for HP, a brand with the vision to create technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere.”
All we can say to Komal, is more power to you!
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.
