Brands
William Grant & Sons brings in Pernod Ricard veteran to head India ops
MUMBAI: William Grant & Sons (WG & S) has snapped up spirits industry veteran Kartik Mohindra as managing director for India, eyeing a bigger slice of one of the world’s fastest-growing whisky markets. The former chief marketing officer and head of global business development at Pernod Ricard India takes charge on 30 September.
The move signals a sharp play by the Scottish distiller, best known for brands like Glenfiddich and Monkey Shoulder, as it doubles down on India’s premium spirits surge. Mohindra brings over 20 years of experience across alcohol, beverages and FMCG – a seasoned hand to scale up WG&S’ ambitions.
His appointment follows the elevation of outgoing India MD Sachin Mehta, who steps into the role of managing director for Canada – another priority market for the group.
“These appointments reflect our continued investment in key growth markets,” said WG&S chief commercial officer Doug Bagley. “We’re thrilled to have Kartik join us in India – a critical market where Sachin and the team have already laid strong foundations.”
As global booze giants race to tap rising affluence and shifting tastes in developing economies, India has emerged as a battleground for premium spirits – and WG&S is clearly in no mood to play catch-up.
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.
