MAM
Rediffusion DY&R ropes in Mahesh Chauhan as president
Announcing the change Rediffusion DY&R chairman Diwan Arun said, “I am absolutely delighted to have Mahesh at the helm of affairs at Rediffusion. He is one of the finest advertising professionals in the industry today, and the ease with which he turned around Everest in a short span of three years, is indeed remarkable. Mahesh not only brings with him leadership and dynamism, but also youth, vitality and a fresh perspective – just the qualities we were looking for in a person who would lead Rediffusion in the years to come.”
With fifteen years of advertising experience, Mahesh has worked in agencies like Ogilvy & Mather and Rediffusion DY&R, before taking over as president of Everest Brand Communications.
Under his three year leadership, Everest has not only grown but also bagged creative recognition both in India and worldwide. Besides winning businesses such as Hitachi, LIC, Kinetic, ING Vyasa, MIRC Electronics and Elder Pharma, Chauhan was also responsible for turning around the creative product of the agency during his tenure. Everest was ranked No2 at the Abby’s in 2005 and No 3 this year. It was also ranked in the top 5 in the AAAI, and recently did India proud by winning a Bronze this year at Cannes and a Silver at the One Show, informs an official release.
Commenting on his new role, Chauhan said, “Rediffusion DY&R is one of the most exciting brands in the industry today. What perhaps stands out is the agency’s philosophy toward advertising – Not puffery under the garb of creativity, but creating advertising that works! The fact that the agency has partnered some of the most elite set of corporates in their path toward growth is no coincidence. I am hence extremely excited at this opportunity.
“Human Capital is the only asset in this business. Identifying it, channelizing it in the right direction and nurturing it, hold key. Sensitivity and seriousness in managing Human Capital, will be the foundation on which Rediffusion DY&R will create its competitive advantage in the years to come,” adds Chauhan.
This change has been necessitated due to the movement of Preet Bedi, who led the agency for three years prior to moving out in pursuance of otheropportunities. “Under Preet, Rediffusion DY&R had resurrected itself to emerge as one of India’s foremost agencies both in terms of strategy and creative output. While we will be loosing an immense valuable resource in Preet, we respect his decision to reinvent himself,” added Nanda.
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.
