MAM
Sarovar Hotels welcomes Nitika Khanna as director of marketing & communications
MUMBAI: In a move that underscores its commitment to building a powerhouse leadership team, Sarovar Hotels has appointed Nitika Khanna as its new director of marketing & communications. With a reputation for crafting compelling brand narratives and a proven track record in strategic partnerships and digital marketing, Khanna is set to amplify Sarovar’s brand presence and customer engagement.
A seasoned professional with rich industry experience, Khanna has played a pivotal role in shaping the marketing trajectories of Yatra, Fcb Ulka, Euro Rscg, UTV, and Org-Marg. Her expertise in brand positioning and communications will be instrumental in fortifying Sarovar Hotels’ market leadership while expanding its outreach and engagement strategies.
With Sarovar Hotels expanding its footprint across India, Nepal, and Africa, Khanna steps into her new role at a critical juncture. Her appointment is part of the group’s strategic push to elevate its branding, digital presence, and customer engagement initiatives.
Sarovar Hotels SVP – commercial Akshay Thusoo expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Nitika to Sarovar Hotels. Her extensive leadership in marketing and communications will be instrumental in shaping our brand’s growth story, strengthening stakeholder relations, and elevating our presence in the highly competitive hospitality sector. We look forward to her contributions.”
Khanna’s marketing prowess and innovation-driven approach position her perfectly to lead Sarovar’s branding initiatives, reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence and industry-leading hospitality.
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.
