Brands
Lockton India appoints Rahul Bhatia chief of staff for strategic growth
MUMBAI: Lockton India locked in a power move as the world’s largest independent insurance broker appointed Rahul Bhatia as chief of staff, a strategic addition to its leadership as it sharpens its focus on business growth, operational efficiency, and strategic excellence.
With over 17 years of experience spanning wholesale banking and consulting, Bhatia is stepping into this pivotal role with a wealth of expertise in strategy, operations, and financial planning. Translation? He’s got the chops to shake things up.
Before joining Lockton, Bhatia made his mark at Deloitte and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) India, where he held leadership positions that had him steering strategy, operations, and governance. At Deloitte, he served as operations controller & chief of staff, overseeing key functions across multiple locations. Meanwhile, at FAB India, he played a crucial role in designing and implementing strategies, launching new projects, and reinforcing governance frameworks. Add to that his tenure at RBS India, and you’ve got a resume that screams ‘game changer.’
As chief of staff, Bhatia will work directly with the CEO, advising on strategic initiatives and ensuring Lockton India’s business vision turns into reality. His mission? To fine-tune operations, optimise financial planning, and drive long-term growth. In short, he’ll be the brains behind the scenes making sure everything runs like a well-oiled machine.
“Rahul’s vast experience in strategy, financial planning, and corporate advisory makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team,” said Lockton India CEO & country head Sandeep Dadia. “As we continue to scale our presence in India, his expertise will be pivotal in driving operational efficiency and strategic growth initiatives. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the impact he will bring.”
Lockton India has been on a mission to expand its presence and strengthen its client service capabilities. Bhatia’s appointment aligns perfectly with the firm’s long-term vision of delivering cutting-edge risk management and insurance solutions to businesses navigating an ever-evolving market. Expect bold moves, strategic pivots, and a whole lot of innovation ahead.
Brands
Dunkin’ Donuts to exit India as Jubilant FoodWorks ends 15-year franchise deal
The quick service restaurant giant is ending a 15-year franchise partnership with the American doughnut chain, even as it renews its Domino’s agreement for another 15 years
NOIDA: Dunkin’ is done in India. Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd, the country’s leading quick service restaurant operator, has decided not to renew its franchise agreement with the American coffee and doughnut chain, and will wind down its Indian stores in a phased manner before December 31, 2026, bringing a 15-year partnership to a quiet, loss-laden close.
The decision, approved by JFL’s board on March 30, 2026, ends a relationship that began with a Multiple Unit Development Franchise Agreement signed on February 24, 2011. JFL will now evaluate and undertake what it described in a regulatory filing as the “rationalisation and/or cessation of certain operations and/or sale, transfer or disposal of assets and/or assignment or transfer of franchise rights,” all in consultation with Dunkin’s brand owners and strictly within the terms of the original agreement.
The numbers tell the story bluntly. In the financial year 2024-25, Dunkin’ India posted a revenue of Rs 37 crore against a loss of Rs 19 crore — a haemorrhage that was always going to test the patience of a parent company recording revenues of Rs 6,104 crore and a profit of Rs 194 crore in the same period. Doughnuts, it turns out, were never going to move the needle.
The contrast with JFL’s handling of its other marquee franchise could hardly be sharper. Even as it walks away from Dunkin’, the company has just doubled down on Domino’s, signing a fresh Master Franchise Agreement on March 31, 2026, granting it exclusive rights to develop and operate Domino’s Pizza stores in India for 15 years, with an option to renew for a further 10.
JFL, incorporated in 1995 and promoted by the Bharatia family, operates a network of more than 3,500 stores across six markets — India, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Its portfolio includes Domino’s and Popeyes on the global side, and two home-grown brands: Hong’s Kitchen and COFFY, a café brand in Turkey.
For Dunkin’, India was always a stretch. The brand never quite cracked the cultural code in a market where filter coffee and chai command fierce loyalty and where the doughnut remains, at best, an occasional indulgence rather than a daily habit. Fifteen years, mounting losses and a parent with better things to spend its capital on was always going to be a difficult equation to solve.
The doughnut has had its last day. The pizza, however, is staying.
