MAM
Omnicom shakes up PR: Golin-Ketchum merger, Porter Novelli joins FleishmanHillard
Matt Neale to lead combined agency as Porter Novelli shifts into FleishmanHillard
MUMBAI: Omnicom is shaking up its public relations roster with a bold restructuring move, according to media reports. The holding company is merging Golin and Ketchum into a single brand agency, while Porter Novelli will now operate under the FleishmanHillard umbrella.
The combined Golin-Ketchum agency will be led by Golin CEO Matt Neale as chief executive officer, with Ketchum’s Tamara Norman stepping in as global president. Norman, who became Ketchum’s US CEO in 2024, has been steering the ship since former CEO Mike Doyle’s departure in July. Despite the merger, both brands will retain their individual identities during the transition.
Meanwhile, Porter Novelli will no longer operate independently. The agency will continue as a dedicated brand within FleishmanHillard, bringing together expertise in corporate affairs, reputation management, and social impact work. FleishmanHillard CEO J.J. Carter will stay at the helm, while Porter Novelli CEO Jillian Janaczek takes on the role of Americas CEO within the new structure, according to reports.
The shake-up sits within Omnicom Public Relations, one of the group’s “connected capabilities,” overseen by CEO Chris Foster. The move is part of a wider plan to streamline operations, improve consistency across markets, and ensure clients experience uninterrupted service.
Not every agency under Omnicom’s PR umbrella is affected. Weber Shandwick, MMC, and the company’s public affairs firms including DDC Public Affairs, GMMB, FP1 Strategies, Mercury Public Affairs, Plus Communications, Portland Communications, and Vox Global will continue to operate as usual under their existing leadership.
The restructuring is set to roll out in phases throughout 2026, with Omnicom emphasising continuity for both clients and teams.
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.
