MAM
Zee taps Sandeep Mehrotra to turbocharge ad revenues across platforms
MUMBAI: As per media reports, Zee Entertainment Enterprises has named Sandeep Mehrotra as chief operating officer – advertisement revenue, sharpening its push to unlock faster growth across television and digital platforms. Based at the broadcaster’s Mumbai headquarters, Mehrotra will report to chief executive officer Punit Goenka and focus on building an integrated, platform-agnostic monetisation engine.
The appointment signals Zee’s intent to tighten convergence between its linear broadcast business and its digital offerings as advertisers demand sharper, outcome-led strategies. Laxmi Shetty will continue to head the advertisement revenue vertical across broadcast and digital, working closely with Mehrotra to accelerate topline momentum.
Mehrotra joins from Culver Max Entertainment, formerly Sony Pictures Networks India, where he led advertisement sales across network channels, overseeing large-scale monetisation portfolios and P&L operations. His mandate at Zee begins on 3 February 2026.
Goenka said the evolving media landscape requires stronger monetisation frameworks and deeper advertiser engagement, adding that Mehrotra’s experience will be central to driving diversified and sustainable revenue streams.
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.
