MAM
Xapads Media expands footprint in Indonesia, onboards Edo Fernando as country head
Mumbai: Homegrown programmatic ad-tech platform Xapads Media has announced the expansion of its offerings, international team, and client base in Indonesia. The company has also brought on board Edo Fernando as country head in Indonesia.
In this role, Fernando will lead the business in Indonesia and will be responsible for the strategic growth of Xapads Media in the country. He will also be further strengthening the local team, partnerships, and innovation in the industry, said the company in a statement.
“Edo is a result-oriented person with a strong commitment to the growth of the organisation as he has phenomenal insights about the changing landscape of the digital ad market in the region,” said Xapads Media COO Ramneek Chadha. “Xapads is opening a new chapter of its journey in the region and we see him as a natural fit for driving the company’s growth journey in the Indonesian market and taking the company’s vision forward.”
Before joining Xapads Media, Fernando served at Appnext & Pokkt as country director. With over 15 years of experience, he has worked with many multinational advertising and ad tech companies in Indonesia and got ample opportunities to work with top global brands along with all partners including OEMs, Publisher, and MMPs.
“I thank Xapads Media for showcasing their confidence in my abilities,” said Fernando. “With its advanced tech-based advertising solutions, I am sure we will be able to establish Xapads amongst the top ad tech companies in the country. I look forward to working and contributing to the growth of Xapads Media in Indonesia.”
Xapads’ expansion plan comes into effect after successfully creating a footprint in the Indian digital advertising industry and establishing operational offices in the US, Russia UAE, and Singapore. “The vision with which Xapads was founded was to make this homegrown ad-tech platform a global platform, a true Indian MNC. I feel proud and grateful with this expansion, which brings us one step closer to our goal,” stated Xapads Media CEO Nitin Gupta, on the company’s business expansion.
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.
