MAM
Niva Bupa signs Leo Burnett as its advertising agency
New Delhi: Niva Bupa Health Insurance, formerly known as Max Bupa Health Insurance, has signed Leo Burnett as its advertising agency partner. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch.
Niva Bupa is on a mission to democratise health insurance to make quality healthcare accessible for the masses. The company intends to bring a fresh perspective to the health insurance category by enabling consumers to live a carefree life, without worrying about the financial constraints related to hospitalisation. This partnership with Leo Burnett will aid the brand in fulfilling its vision of creating ground-breaking work to give people more control over their health and well-being.
Speaking of this collaboration, Niva Bupa Health Insurance senior vice president and head of marketing Nimish Agrawal said, “At Niva Bupa, we are evangelizing insurance for freedom and not constraints and the brand philosophy around claiming life captures the brand mission. There is a massive need to simplify the category and lift the category narrative to be more positive and empowering. During our interaction, we found the approach of Leo Burnett to be bold yet extremely intuitive and in line with our vision for the brand and are delighted to partner with them.”
BBH India chairman and Leo Burnett South Asia chief executive officer Dheeraj Sinha said, “Health insurance category has come into sharp focus owing to the pandemic. Niva Bupa being one of the leaders in this segment offers some of the most comprehensive products making health insurance more accessible to all. We look forward to partnering with them to enhance consumer understanding about the benefits of health insurance using data, technology and creativity; encouraging everyone to take a health-first approach.”
Adding further, Leo Burnett head of North Samir Gangahar said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to create a conversation around a category that has immense growth potential. The brand needs a strong communication plan that addresses its business problems backed by new age thinking and creative solutions. We are looking forward to working together with the team.”
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.
