Brands
Praveen Kumar named SVP, business head sports digital and LTV at JioStar
MUMBAI: Praveen Kumar has hit the ground running at JioStar, taking on a new leadership assignment as senior vice president and business head for sports digital and LTV. The move marks another decisive chapter in a career built on steering brands, deals and data through India’s fast-changing media landscape.
With over two decades of experience behind him, Kumar arrives at JioStar after a high-impact stint at GroupM, where he led trading, partnerships and sports. Known for blending commercial sharpness with strategic flair, he played a central role in managing large-scale advertiser relationships and navigating both online and offline media ecosystems.
Before GroupM, Kumar spent more than four years at GroupM Essence as vice president and national trading head, overseeing trading operations across platforms and handling marquee clients spanning technology, FMCG, telecom and digital-first brands. His earlier career reads like a tour of the industry’s powerhouses, with senior roles at Amazon, Mindshare and Madison Media, where he cut his teeth in media planning, trading and leadership.
Beyond boardrooms and balance sheets, Kumar also brings an academic edge, having taught marketing and advertising early in his career. That mix of classroom clarity and commercial grit has shaped his reputation as a leader who can simplify complexity and spot value where others see noise.
At JioStar, Kumar is expected to sharpen the company’s sports digital strategy while building long-term value in a market where audiences, platforms and monetisation models are constantly on the move. For an industry obsessed with the next big play, his appointment signals a steady hand on the tiller and an eye firmly on the future.
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.
