MAM
Tonic Worldwide appoints Nishant Gopalia as senior vice president, media & martech
MUMBAI: Tonic Worldwide has announced the appointment of Nishant Gopalia as senior vice-president for media & martech. Gopalia, who brings over 18 years of experience in digital media, marketing, and strategy, joins from Viacom18 Sports, where he served as senior director and lead for digital media.
At Viacom18, Gopalia spearheaded digital strategies for major sports properties, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), FIFA, and the NBA. He was instrumental in driving user acquisition and retention for the company’s digital platform, JioCinema, through performance marketing campaigns, content innovations, and data-driven decision-making.
Prior to Viacom18, Gopalia held leadership roles at Tata Communications, Mindshare India, Performics, Disney Star, Wavemaker, Hungama Digital Services, and Dentsu Webchutney. His expertise spans app marketing, social media management, programmatic advertising, performance marketing, and digital content strategy.
In his new role at Tonic Worldwide, Gopalia will oversee media strategy and marketing technology initiatives, driving innovation and business growth for the agency’s clients. His appointment is expected to bolster Tonic’s capabilities in delivering comprehensive digital solutions.
Said Gopalia : “I look forward to contributing to its vision of delivering impactful and data-driven digital strategies.”
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.
