MAM
Women’s Day special: Trailblazers in the marketing world
Mumbai: In every corner of the globe and across all industries, women have steadily risen, not just to participate but to rule and redefine the standards of excellence. From the meticulous attention to detail in the arts to groundbreaking discoveries in science, and from transformative leadership in politics to innovative strategies in the marketing world, women have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and leadership that transcends traditional boundaries. Their journey, marked by perseverance against odds and an unwavering commitment to their goals, inspires a new generation to dream bigger and aim higher.
As we celebrate Women’s Day, we honor these trailblazers who have not only succeeded in their respective domains but have also paved the way for equality, proving time and again that leadership knows no gender. Their stories are not just narratives of personal achievement but are beacons of change, illustrating that when women lead, they bring a unique perspective and a holistic approach that enriches every industry they touch.
Smartworld Developers SVP of Marketing Jyotsna Chauhan
With a formidable 34-year journey in marketing, Jyotsna Chauhan stands as a paragon of brand evolution and storytelling mastery. Her career is a testament to her love for brands, skilfully growing and nurturing them across a myriad of sectors, cultures, and geographies. Her strategic advisory and mentorship roles have benefited notable brands such as India Sotheby’s International Realty and M3M, enhancing their marketing, communication strategies, and customer experiences. Chauhan’s rich background includes pivotal roles such as CMO at Central Park and strategic positions at DigiVive, IBD India, and Rediffusion Y&R, cutting through industries like FMCG, Telecom, and Real Estate with brands like Coca-Cola and Canon. Her 360-degree involvement in marketing—from creative writing to leading profit centers—highlights her versatile skill set. Recognized for her work with awards for gender sensitivity and excellence in advertising, Jyotsna’s passions extend beyond professional excellence to reading, interiors, and travel, enriching her creative and strategic insights.
BLS International global head of corporate communications Ekta Bhaskar
Ekta Bhaskar shines as a luminary in strategic communication and compliance frameworks. With a rich background in journalism, Ekta has excelled across various roles, including her impactful tenure at MPL and the Kho-Kho Federation of India. Her leadership in enhancing brand presence and fostering corporate social responsibility has been widely recognized, earning her accolades such as the Most Promising Indian for Idea and Innovation 2017. Holding a Master’s in Journalism from Sikkim Manipal University, Ekta combines her professional expertise with passions like sketching and travel, embodying a blend of creativity, integrity, and visionary leadership.
Aarize Group director of sales & marketing Dr Renu Singh
In the competitive realm of real estate, Dr. Renu Singh stands out as a beacon of innovation and leadership. As the Director of Sales & Marketing at Aarize Group, she has not only shaped the strategic direction of the company but also redefined industry standards. With a career that spans over 20 years, Dr. Singh’s profound impact is built on a foundation of extensive experience across various facets of real estate, including uber luxury residential group housing, township, luxury retail malls, SCO plots, retail & office leasing and many more. Her journey is a testament to visionary leadership, characterized by strategic thinking and an unparalleled ability to inspire and lead teams towards achieving remarkable milestones. The numerous awards and accolades Dr. Singh has received over the years are a reflection of her exceptional skill set and her dedication to excellence. Dr. Singh’s story is an inspiring chapter in the narrative of women leading and innovating in the real estate sector, making her a true icon of leadership and success.
Bharti Real Estate CMO Cherryn Dogra
A seasoned marketing professional with over 18 years of experience, Cherryn Dogra has made remarkable strides in both the beverage and real estate industries. Her tenure at multinational giants like Pernod Ricard and William Grant showcased her prowess in spearheading marketing initiatives. Transitioning to real estate, Dogra excelled at Lodha before leading marketing at top developers such as DLF and Emaar. Known for her strategic approach to business challenges, Dogra’s expertise in new-age marketing programs has significantly impacted the sector. An alumnus of Amity Business School and IIM Kolkata, she further enriches her academic profile as a Ph.D. scholar researching corporate governance strategies, blending professional excellence with academic rigor.
Paras Buildtech India Pvt Ltd head of marketing Poulomi Ray
Boasting 16 years of comprehensive experience in strategy, marketing strategy, brand management, and business acceleration, particularly in the luxury segment, Poulomi Ray has contributed significantly to the legacy of esteemed companies like Leela hotels, MGM USA (Metro Goldwyn Mayer), and DLF. Her exceptional ability to craft extraordinary customer experience journeys significantly drives ROI and business goals. Ray views the Indian real estate sector’s evolving landscape as ripe with potential for innovative solutions and efficient practices. Her commitment to pushing boundaries, coupled with her roles as a resolute solution finder, positive disruptor, and sustainability ambassador, underscores her anticipation for driving meaningful brand conversations and impactful ecosystem changes with Paras Buildtech.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â 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.
