MAM
Lori Hiltz to head MPG and Havas Media in North America
MUMBAI: Havas‘ media marketing agency MPG has appointed Lori Hiltz as the chief executive officer of its North American operations. She will also lead Havas Media North America as CEO.
Earlier Hiltz headed the MPG Chicago office as EVP, managing director.
In her new role, she will oversee all the offices of MPG and Havas Media in North America. Hiltz will be based in New York and will report to the MPG global CEO Maria Luisa Francoli Plaza who has served as interim CEO of MPG and Havas Media in North America, in addition to her global role, since 2010.
Hiltz holds expertise in media, creative and integrated marketing platforms.
Francoli Plaza said, “Lori not only has a deep understanding of media and a proven track record for helping to grow clients‘ businesses, she also truly cares about her employees and inspires them with her enthusiasm, sense of humor and commitment to making MPG the best place it can be. I can‘t think of a better person to lead our agency.”
Hiltz said, “I am excited about this opportunity to work with more of the MPG and Havas Media teams. And it is an exciting time to be here. We are growing and becoming recognized more and more for our innovation and creativity. We are a very smart, imaginative and dedicated group and I am continuously impressed by the work our people do. Client service is our top priority but I am equally committed to making Havas Media a place where people want to spend their time at work.”
In Chicago MPG has been working closely with its sister company, Euro RSCG, in strengthening and growing its combined client roster. The combined talents of the creative agency with the thought process of the leading media agency will create the synergies required to win new businesses.
Euro RSCG NA CEO Ron Bess, “Lori has been an amazing partner for our Chicago agency. She leads from the front with energy and passion for the business. And she shares her media insights to assist in the creative process from the first meeting to the last.”
Hiltz joined MPG from Omnicom‘s PHD Detroit, where she managed all media duties and client service for the Chrysler Brands through one of the most turbulent chapters of that company‘s history.
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.
