MAM
Aegis posts impressive H1 results ahead of Dentsu takeover
MUMBAI: Global media conglomerate Aegis which is headquartered in London posted an organic revenue growth of 8.6 per cent for H1 2012, up by 0.8 per cent over year-ago.
The billings for the H1 period of 2012 were ?596.8 million. In 2011, the Aegis group recorded billings worth ?519.1 million, registering a YoY increase of 15 per cent. Profits for the same period rose by 10.32 per cent from ?25.2 million in 2011 to ?27.8 million in 2012.
Aegis Media APAC’s revenue increased by 17.3 per cent to ?115.8 million from ?98.7 million in 2011. China and Australia were the leading performers in the region for Aegis with other markets also doing reasonable well.
The company’s revenue in the Americas region increased by 38 per cent to ?134.8 million as opposed to last year’s ? 97.7 million. Its North American business continued to improve its market position with the appointment of Carat US as General Motors Co’s global strategic media partner in January 2012.
Geographically, the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region revenue increased by 5.3 per cent (from 2011’s ? 290.7 million) to ?306.1 million with Russia, the UK, Turkey and across the Middle East and Africa delivering strong performances.
In January 2012, the group acquired a further 41 per cent of the share in Norwegian agency Qualité Search taking its stake from 34 per cent to 75 per cent, thus obtaining control of Qualité which has joined the iProspect brand in Norway.
In February 2012 Aegis fully acquired the holding company of Roundarch Inc, a digital agency which specialises in designing and building enterprise-class digital solutions for clients. Roundarch has been combined with Isobar, Aegis’s existing digital creative network in the US and renamed as RoundarchIsobar.
In March 2012, Aegis acquired 70 per cent in the Hungarian out-of-home agency PPI Central Europe. PPI has been rebranded to become part of the Postercope EMEA division of Posterscope Worldwide.
In May, the group fully acquired Beijing-based digital agency eLink Advertising, which is now a part of the Isobar network in China.
Aegis Group chief executive officer Jerry Buhlmann said, “Successfully delivering our strategy in recent years has consolidated Aegis’s market-leading position and, in July, the Board recommended a ?3.16 billion cash offer from Dentsu. Once completed, this transaction will create one of the world’s most dynamic marketing services groups, the first truly global communications group born in the digital age, with the global reach to provide increased scale, capability and investment to support our clients. For our people, the combination offers continuity and the promise of working for one of the most exciting, high growth companies in our industry.”
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.
