MAM
HiveMinds names Manav Khurana business head – marketplaces
Mumbai: Hiveminds Innovative market solutions, the digital specialist of Madison World, has brought on board Manav Khurana to head its growing marketplace division.
Khurana is a seasoned e-commerce professional armed with over 12 years of experience across global brands. Before joining HiveMinds, he used to work with BestBuy Canada. He has previously worked with the early e-commerce platforms in India like ShopClues and with brands like Asian Paints and Lava mobiles.
Commenting on the new appointment, HiveMinds, founder & CEO, Jyothirmayee JT said, “E-commerce platforms, direct-to-consumer platforms, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands are changing the consumer landscape. We have built some great AdTech capabilities to help our clients grow on e-commerce and gain market share. And now, we are investing in growth levers for India and International markets. Manav is the right person to lead our expansion across geographies and to develop the team in India and to serve our ever-growing client list.”
Madison World, chairman, Sam Balsara said, “I am sure Manav will add heft to Hiveminds’ considerable expertise and experience in e-commerce. Most clients are increasing their focus on e-commerce and Manav joins our expanding team to steer it to deliver outstanding results to our clients.”
On his new role, Khurana said, “This is the best time to be in the Indian digital ecosystem. I am delighted to be leading such an important vertical for HiveMinds. With the unique tech capabilities it possesses, HiveMinds is already ahead in the marketplace growth, I plan to strengthen the team further to deliver spectacular results for our clients in India, USA, & UAE.”
MAM
Ameya Velankar steps down as Uber’s head of marketing for India & South Asia
Veteran marketer exits after more than seven years with the ride-hailing giant.
MUMBAI: After more than seven years of steering Uber through the bumpy roads of India’s mobility market, Ameya Velankar has decided to change lanes. Ameya Velankar has stepped down as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia, marking the end of a significant chapter at the ride-hailing company. He had been with Uber since 2019, taking on multiple roles in product and category marketing before rising to lead the marketing function for the region in 2021.
During his tenure, Velankar played a key role in strengthening Uber’s positioning in one of its most competitive and dynamic markets. He helped drive localised marketing strategies and scale adoption across key offerings such as Auto, Moto, Rentals and Intercity, tailoring global platforms to Indian consumer needs.
Prior to joining Uber, Velankar built his marketing expertise at leading consumer companies including SC Johnson and Marico, where he handled category and product leadership roles. His career began at RPG Enterprises.
Details of his next professional move have not been disclosed.
In a fast-evolving mobility landscape where brands constantly battle for attention, Ameya Velankar helped Uber stay relevant and resonant with millions of Indian users. As he moves on from the driver’s seat of marketing, the company will now look for fresh ideas to keep its wheels turning smoothly.
