MAM
Upasana Naithani joins FCB Kinnect as SVP (West)
Mumbai: FCB Kinnect has announced the appointment of Upasana Naithani as senior vice president (west). This appointment highlights the agency’s commitment to broaden the expansion strategy for the Western market, home to its largest clients and significant business interests.
Upasana moves from Wunderman Thompson, where she was vice president & CSD.
In her new role as SVP (West), she will draw on her experience to scale the agency’s Mumbai client base, explore new markets, and drive strategic initiatives. She will also lead her teams in fostering collaboration with the new creative leadership, enhancing FCB Kinnect’s position as a creatively-led integrated agency.
Upasana has previously been associated with renowned brands such as Spotify, Flipkart, Hershey’s, Kotak Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Colgate Palmolive, Ultratech Cement, Truecaller, iQOO, Paytm, NPCI, JSW Brand, Unilever, Elle, Ponds, and Sunsilk, among others.
Her work on UltraTech’s ‘Baat Ghar Ki’ campaign earned accolades at the EFFIES, while Sunsilk’s ‘Thick and Long’ campaign won an Abby. She also received awards for Unilever Corporate’s ‘Project Sunlight’ at IDMA and Elle18’s ‘Make Your Own Shade’ at Kyoorius, among other recognitions.
With over 15 years of experience, Upasana has also worked with companies like Dentsu Webchutney, Reliance Retail, Infectious Advertising, VML, BC Webwise and Flying Cursor Interactive, among others.
FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “Upasana’s extensive experience with leading brands across various categories will be instrumental in helping us expand our presence in our largest market, by gaining a deeper understanding of client needs. I am confident that she will be crucial in strengthening relationships with both new and existing clients, providing them with creative solutions to their business challenges.”
Naithani added, “Rohan and Chandni’s vision and leadership has established a solid foundation for success. In a landscape where many large agencies grapple with balancing traditional and modern practices, Kinnect’s approach is remarkably refreshing. Their commitment to continuous learning and positive embrace of change is what truly excites me about joining the Kinnect family.”
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.
