MAM
Red Fuse Communications ups Shubha George as Asia MD
MUMBAI: WPP’s Red Fuse Communications has promoted Shubha George as managing director of Asia and CEO of India with immediate effect.
In her new role, George will lead the development of integrated marketing communications for Colgate-Palmolive across Asia.
She will continue to be based out of Mumbai and will continue to report in to Red Fuse Communications global CEO Stephen Forcione.
George’s new remit will be in addition to her current role of CEO India of Red Fuse Communications; a role she assumed in 2013.
Prior to joining Red Fuse, she was the CEO at MEC India, where she started working on the Colgate-Palmolive business. George also led the development of digital, sports marketing and content partnerships for the agency.
Speaking on her new role, George said, “Working with Colgate-Palmolive and the Red Fuse teams at both Mumbai and Hong Kong has been a truly rewarding experience; and with my new responsibilities, I look forward excitedly to contribute to Colgate-Palmolive’s success in the region by efficiently and creatively cross –pollinating ideas and processes across and between, people and offices.”
Previously, she has also worked in agencies like Ogilvy, JWT and Mindshare.
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.
