MAM
Uber elevates Ameya Velankar to head of marketing, India & South Asia
Mumbai: Uber has promoted Ameya Velankar as head of marketing, for India and South Asia region. He was previously the head – product marketing at the company.
Velankar will be working closely with the India & SA leadership team to consolidate Uber’s growing presence in these strategic markets and further strengthen the brand Uber, said the company said in a statement.
Velankar is a seasoned marketer who comes with over 13 years of experience in marketing, sales & operations across different geographies. He has been the interim lead for INSA since November 2020, and has played multiple roles at Uber in his two-and-a-half-year stint. Before Uber, he led category marketing for SC Johnson & was the group product head at Marico.
“We are delighted as Ameya takes on his new role as head of marketing for INSA,” said Uber India South Asia president, Prabhjeet Singh. “Ameya has had a fantastic track record with Uber since 2019, and I am confident that he will help us build a stronger, diverse, and more engaged marketing team. At Uber, we continue to build and strengthen a team of industry experts who appreciate the impact of ridesharing and drive innovation for a better tomorrow.”
Velankar commented, “I am extremely thrilled to be part of Uber’s journey as it continues to reimagine the way the world moves for the better. Uber has had a great impact on cities & communities in India. I am excited to be a part of this journey & make the brand Uber accessible to millions of customers in India.”
Brands
Hard Rock kitchen appliances to enter India through EBG Group
Coffee machines and gadgets set to tap Rs 29,000 crore market
MUMBAI: EBG Group has partnered with Hard Rock International to bring a new range of Hard Rock branded coffee machines and small kitchen appliances to Indian consumers, marking the global brand’s entry into the country’s premium home appliance segment.
The partnership will see EBG Group design, develop, manufacture and distribute the appliances under a licensing agreement. The collaboration is backed by a planned investment of Rs 100 crore and is targeting revenue of Rs 500 crore over the next five years.
The companies are looking to tap into India’s fast growing premium home appliance market, estimated at around Rs 29,000 crore and expanding at an annual growth rate of about nine per cent. Their aim is to capture roughly five per cent market share in the coming years.
Globally, Hard Rock has built a strong presence across hospitality, entertainment, retail and lifestyle merchandise. The new venture extends the brand’s music inspired identity into everyday household products, bringing its distinctive design language to modern kitchens.
EBG Group founder and chief executive officer Irfan Khan said the collaboration blends brand appeal with product performance. “Hard Rock represents energy, authenticity and a globally aspirational lifestyle. Through this partnership we aim to introduce a differentiated portfolio of premium coffee machines and kitchen appliances that combine design, reliability and strong brand experience,” he said.
The upcoming product range will pair Hard Rock’s bold aesthetics with high performance technology and premium materials. The first phase of the launch will focus on key metropolitan markets, followed by expansion into other major cities.
Products will be available through leading retail chains, major e commerce platforms and select premium distribution channels, targeting urban consumers looking for appliances that deliver both performance and lifestyle appeal.
