MAM
L&K Saatchi & Saatchi hires Reliance Jio’s Meraj Hasan as VP – planning
MUMBAI: L&K Saatchi & Saatchi has named Meraj Hasan as vice president – planning.
He joins the agency from Reliance Industries, where he was working on the company’s 4G service – Jio and will be based out of Mumbai.
L&K Saatchi & Saatchi CEO and managing partner Anil S Nair said, “Meraj’s appointment is part of a significant ramp up in our strategic planning division. Our sincere attempt is to make each and every brand at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi a Lovemark and hence give it the highest possible strategic input.Meraj comes as a leader who will drive this agenda across as many brands in the Mumbai office.”
Hasan added, “An opportunity to strategically steer some of the best global as well local brands in the country is what pulled me towards L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, when I wanted to do my ‘Gharwapsi’ of sorts to advertising. A few meetings with Anil and the gang and exposure to the rocking work that they are doing confirmed that this is perfect place to do so. We found our fit in each other.”
“Today’s consumer isn’t just buying a brand, she is buying into cohesive and compelling storyline around the brand, irrespective of the platforms and Lovemarks is a fantastic way of doing so. The idea is to build an enthusiastic team of bright minds and tell such stories for our brand. I’m really looking forward to this gig,” he added.
In his career spanning more than 15 years, Hasan has worked across agencies like Lowe Worldwide, Y&R, Ogilvy, TBWA and McCann.
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.
