Brands
Mallikarjuna Rao named head of online sales at Xiaomi India
BENGALURU: Xiaomi India has pressed refresh on its leadership playbook, elevating Mallikarjuna Rao B V to head of online sales across all categories for Xiaomi India, while also entrusting him with the PocoIndia brand across all channels.
The move marks a pivotal shift for the company as it looks to sharpen its digital edge. Rao steps into the role after a standout stint as head of channels for offline sales, where he helped rewrite the script for Xiaomi’s brick-and-mortar business.
During his tenure, the offline network saw a strong revival driven by clear and transparent partner policies, smart use of technology, and close collaboration with retailers and distributors. The result was renewed momentum and a noticeable lift in trust across the channel ecosystem.
Now, Rao brings that same playbook to the online arena, overseeing Xiaomi and Redmi’s digital portfolios while also steering Poco across channels. With consumer buying journeys blurring lines between online and offline, the appointment signals Xiaomi India’s intent to knit its sales strategy into one seamless experience.
For Xiaomi, it is less about a change of chair and more about continuity of momentum, with a leader who has already shown a knack for turning strategy into scale.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â 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.
