Brands
MMTC-PAMP taps fintech veteran to lead marketing push
NEW DELHI: MMTC-PAMP is placing its bets on digital expertise. The precious metals refiner has appointed Gaurav Nijhawan as head of marketing, tasking him with overseeing an integrated marketing function that spans brand building, customer experience and new product development.
Nijhawan brings 15 years of experience across fintech, banking, fast-moving consumer goods, consulting and technology. His résumé includes stints at IndusInd Bank, Stashfin, Citi, Carlsberg and Ernst & Young—a diverse portfolio that suggests MMTC-PAMP is looking beyond traditional precious metals marketing playbooks.
The appointment comes as the company seeks to scale its presence across physical and digital channels, including retail stores. Nijhawan will be responsible for driving innovation and shaping the refiner’s overall growth trajectory—a mandate that extends well beyond conventional marketing.
“He is a seasoned marketing professional who brings a wealth of experience,” says Samit Guha, managing director and chief executive of MMTC-PAMP. “During his career, he has successfully led complex integrated marketing campaigns and has demonstrated success in scaling digital-first brands.”
Nijhawan, who holds degrees in computer science and engineering as well as business administration from Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad, appears bullish about the opportunity. “I am thrilled to join MMTC-PAMP, a brand that has set benchmarks in purity, trust and craftsmanship,” he says. “I look forward to strengthening our culture of excellence, enhancing our brand-building efforts and crafting compelling storytelling that unlocks new opportunities for growth and deeper consumer engagement.”
MMTC-PAMP, a joint venture between Switzerland-based MKS PAMP SA and MMTC Ltd—a government of India undertaking—is India’s only London Bullion Market Association-accredited gold and silver refiner. The company has carved out a reputation for delivering 99.99 per cent-plus purity levels with positive weight tolerance, earning recognition from the Asia and India Book of Records.
The refiner has collected several awards for refining, branding and sustainability. Notably, it became India’s first precious metals company to have science-based emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. In 2024, it was honoured as India’s most trusted brand of the nation at The Brand Story awards.
With a fintech-savvy marketer now at the helm, MMTC-PAMP is signalling its intent to marry Swiss precision with Indian market savvy—and to do so at digital speed.
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.
