MAM
ZIRCA Digital Solutions gets a new national sales head in Anand Thakur
MUMBAI: Anand Thakur, a senior industry professional, has been roped in for Aidem’s recently launched Digital Brand Solutions arm, ZIRCA Digital Solutions. Unlike most networks in the industry, ZIRCA aims at leveraging on video, mobile and web to grab the audience’s attention with endless engagement capabilities using the platform of content. ZIRCA has built its business around the philosophy, “Its all about Content!”
The company is working on bringing the desired content to the relevant user using the various platforms available today.
Thakur, who comes with more than eight years’ experience in the Digital Media space, will be heading the sales function for ZIRCA Digital Solutions and will look into data and technology partnerships and sales strategy as well.
Before joining ZIRCA, Anand was account manager for BBC Worldwide. At BBC, he was involved in analysing data trends and client performance, developing strong strategic sales plans and conducting strategic pitches. Prior to BBC Worldwide, Anand was a part of pilot team of Star Interactive to strengthen the digital presence of Star India, developing best practices and benchmarking initiatives for video ads.
Anand said, “On the back of rising internet penetration and content consumption, the online advertising market has emerged as one of the fastest growing segments in the Indian Media. More and more brands are migrating from traditional media to online and mobile platforms while those who are already present on digital are seeking ways to exploit to medium to the utmost. I am very happy to join ZIRCA Digital Solutions at its launch stage and will aim at creating powerful cross-platform solutions around content & research. With its distinct product differentiation, ZIRCA will add value to brands through engagement. Besides, Aidem, with its extensive experience and track record with digital brands like Microsoft Advertising, The Economist Online, GETIT & Eros Now makes for an incredible platform for ZIRCA. Hopefully, it will throw up a new set of challenges for me. I am eagerly looking forward to this new role.”
ZIRCA Digital Solutions senior vice president Neena Dasgupta said, “We are extremely excited to have Anand on board, as a part of our leadership team to spearhead the sales function. He comes with a rich experience in the digital medium and we are confident that his addition will strengthen our leadership team.”
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.
