MAM
Minority ropes in Publicis Singapore’s Rohit Malkani as chief creative officer
MUMBAI: Minority has appointed Rohit Malkani as its new chief creative officer. Malkani’s focus will be on shaping the creative culture of the agency and spearheading the agenda for disruptive work.
Malkani’s last stint was at Publicis Singapore where he was regional creative director – Asia Pacific responsible for P&G and Citibank. Prior to that, he has led creative mandates across Grey India, Bates India, Publicis Ambience, JWT and even done a digital stint with PlanetAsia.
In his 20 years across agencies, geographies, categories and consumer segments, Malkani has won numerous awards both for creative excellence and effectiveness.
Minority managing partner Yogi Vashishta said, “A meeting of minds, wavelengths, value systems always kept Popo at the top of our list. We are delighted to finally have him with us co-driving our agenda to create disruptive big impact work and build great brands.”
Minority managing partner Suraj Pombra added, “Popo (Malkani) is one of those rare creative leaders with the right mix of cutting edge ideas, brand thinking and phenomenal leadership and teamwork. Having worked with him closely at Publicis, I know what he brings to the party and I’m confident Minority will benefit hugely with the creative reigns in his able hands.”
Malkani said that the timing was just right to be back. “In the wave of small being the new big, Minority seemed like a really good decision, especially since Yogi, Suraj and I uncannily seem to be on the same page on a number of topics. The agency is poised with a team and client base to move into top gear,” Malkani said.
Minority is a four-year-old start-up that has worked with clients like Legrand, AppsDaily, Safari Luggage, Reliance Cement, Suzlon, Boroline, Kalpataru, Boostmysale.com, Pride Builders, Reliance Energy, Mumbai Metro, Suthol, Antarang, Airport Express (Delhi) and Transitions.
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.
