MAM
Aarthy Sridhar shifts into the fast lane as CMO of Gulf Oil India
MUMBAI: Aarthy Sridhar is shifting gears—from FMCG powerhouse to the high-octane world of lubricants. After an illustrious 14-year journey at Hindustan Unilever (HUL), she is now stepping into her new role as chief marketing officer at Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd. And if her track record is anything to go by, the brand is about to get a turbocharged marketing revamp.
Sridhar, an IIM Ahmedabad alumna and seasoned marketing leader, has built an impressive career at Unilever, where she drove consumer engagement and brand strategy across multiple categories. Now, she’s set to bring her expertise to a completely different playing field—one filled with high-performance engines, cutting-edge innovation, and a fiercely competitive market.
In her new role, Sridhar will oversee brand strategy, product innovation, and customer engagement for Gulf Oil India. Known for its strong presence in automotive and industrial lubricants, the company is gearing up for its next phase of growth, and Sridhar is at the helm, ready to fuel its marketing evolution.
Sridhar expressed her excitement about the new challenge on Linkedin, stating, “Firsts are always special, and after nearly 14 years with my first job at HUL, this one feels especially significant. A truly incredible stint—filled with growth, learning, and countless memories that I will cherish forever. Today, I’m excited to announce the next chapter of my journey as chief marketing officer at Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited.”
Sridhar’s transition from FMCG to the automotive lubricant industry is an exciting shift that highlights her adaptability and marketing acumen. Gulf Oil, a brand synonymous with endurance, performance, and legacy, is poised to leverage her deep understanding of consumer behaviour and brand-building strategies to stay ahead in the race.
During her tenure at Unilever, Sridhar spearheaded multiple successful campaigns and strategic initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on the FMCG sector. Now, as she takes charge at Gulf Oil, industry insiders are keen to see how she will apply her data-driven, consumer-focused approach to an industry known for its legacy-driven brand loyalty.
With 14 years of Unilever experience under her belt, a sharp strategic mind, and an unmatched passion for marketing, Sridhar is ready to hit the ground running—or rather, hit the accelerator full throttle.
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.
