MAM
Adfactors PR launches four year scholarship program with FCF
Mumbai: Adfactors PR on Wednesday has partnered with the Future Communicators Foundation, commonly known as FCF, to launch a four-year scholarship program. With this, Adfactors PR joins four leading global agencies in providing FCF scholarships that further communication skills around social justice, sustainability, and civil society.
Adfactors co-founder and director Madan Bahal was welcomed by foundation founder Allard Van Veen (Canada) as a founding member of the FCF Scholarship program, joining partners including fischerAppelt (Germany), SPRG (Hong Kong) and FINN Partners (New York). Each agency has committed to providing $10,000 in scholarships over the next four years.
In addition to the $10,000 provided by Adfactors PR for future communicator scholarships, the Future Communicators Foundation provides its annual program, with a focus on young scholars and aspiring professionals in developing countries and underserved communities. Partner universities will be announced for foundation scholarships in the coming months, with $1,00,000 in scholarship funding donated by founder Allard W. van Veen.
“Whether we are engaged in preventing disease or promoting sustainability, the world, more than ever, requires effective future communicators,” said Allard.
Future Communicators Scholarships will be available at education institutions selected by funding partners and will fund communications education, tools, and training for young professionals, including professional development and travel to conferences. The scholarship program calls on applicants to develop a mock campaign addressing pressing social justice issues, and provides recipients with international networking through its global cohort, executive-level mentoring, and training opportunities with internships.
Speaking of this initiative, Bahal said, “We are pleased to support the international scholarships instituted by the Future Communicators Foundation. Adfactors PR has been at the forefront in supporting the continuous learning and development efforts of PR professionals in India. The Future Communicators Scholarships add an international dimension to our efforts and we hope to benefit many young professionals aspiring to make a career in public relations.”
SPRH Asia founder and chairman Richard Tsang said, “SPRG has spared no effort to nurture the next generation of PR practitioners, by providing them with training and exposure that extends beyond local borders. We are therefore pleased to support the Future Communicators Foundation with this scholarship, as it will open doors for communication students to gain truly global connections and experiences.”
FINN Partners CEO and founder managing partner Peter Finn added, “We are very pleased to add our support for the Future Communicators Scholarships. FINN Partners has a long history of supporting young people interested in entering the PR field.”
“Our support of The Future Communicators Scholarships will add an international pillar to our scholarship program. We are keen to professionalize young people’s enthusiasm for communication and to find them an entry into the agency world,” said fischerAppelt founder and managing director Andreas Fischer-Appelt.
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.
