MAM
The LEGO Group elevates Bhavana Mandon as the country manager, India
Mumbai: The LEGO Group has announced the promotion of Bhavana Mandon, marketing director, India, to the role of country manager. Bhavana brings over 17 years of rich experience in sales and marketing across prestigious local and global brands. Her deep understanding of the Indian market, shoppers, and the toy industry, combined with her passion for inspiring creativity in the builders of tomorrow, aligns seamlessly with the company’s commitment to growing local leaders. She is an ideal choice to drive the company’s ambitious growth initiatives in India and create more value for Indian children.
In this new leadership role, Mandon will spearhead the group’s strategic efforts to put LEGO® Bricks in the hands of more kids, nurturing the creative potential of children in India to help enable 21st-century skills for future generations. Additionally, she will also be responsible for expanding the LEGO® Group’s footprint across India.
Mandon said, “Being able to inspire and develop children for over 90 years is legendary and I am honored to be a part of this amazing journey of building the Brand Legacy in India. Immensely excited and thrilled with the idea of bringing smiles to the faces of kids and adults, I look forward to building this truly iconic and purpose-driven Brand in India.”
Mandon will be reporting to Claus Kristensen, the newly appointed senior vice president for the LEGO® Group in Asia Pacific, based out of Singapore. Kristensen takes over from Eric Maugein, who will be stepping down and transitioning to a new chapter in his career. An 11-year veteran of the LEGO® Group, Kristensen will oversee the APAC region, including the creation of newly reshuffled business units of India & Emerging Asia (IEA) and Singapore, Malaysia, and Travel Retail (SMTR).
Kristensen said, “At the LEGO® Group, we believe in the power of diversity to inspire creativity, and Bhavana brings a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly contribute to our mission of creating joyful moments through play. Her passion, expertise, and commitment align perfectly with the group values and her leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the imaginative world of possibilities for kids and families across India.”
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.
