MAM
Agency retains India brief, adds e-commerce remit and 21-market Europe expansion
MUMBAI: WPP Media has successfully retained its integrated media mandate for Reckitt India, while significantly expanding the relationship with the addition of the e-commerce media mandate. The renewed partnership builds on an association that began in 2023 and reinforces WPP Media’s position as Reckitt’s long-term strategic partner in India.
Under the refreshed scope, Wavemaker will continue to lead media strategy, planning and buying for Reckitt, while also taking charge of the newly awarded e-commerce mandate. The consolidated remit brings mainline media, digital and commerce under a single integrated operating model, aimed at delivering sharper execution, operational efficiency and measurable business impact across consumer touchpoints.
The partnership has also expanded beyond India. Effective 1 January 2026, WPP Media will manage media planning and buying for Reckitt across 21 European markets, marking a significant step in the company’s global media transformation and deepening WPP Media’s international role within the Reckitt ecosystem.
In India, the enhanced mandate will see WPP Media deploy a dedicated team of commerce specialists embedded within Reckitt’s e-commerce operations. The team will work across the funnel, spanning commerce media strategy, execution, analytics and performance optimisation, with the objective of improving discoverability, consideration and conversion across India’s fast-growing digital and quick-commerce platforms.
Reckitt executive vice president for South Asia Gaurav Jain said the expanded partnership reflects a shift in expectations from media agencies, moving beyond efficiency to accountability for growth. He noted that e-commerce has become increasingly material to the company’s topline and requires sharper rigour and execution at the digital shelf.
WPP Media South Asia president of client solutions Ajay Gupte said the mandate renewal and expansion underline the trust built through consistent delivery. He added that as media and commerce continue to converge, the focus will remain on balancing brand-building with performance, and creativity with data, to drive sustainable growth.
The expanded remit covers Reckitt’s entire Indian portfolio, including brands such as Dettol, Harpic, Durex, Finish, Lysol and Veet, ensuring they remain optimised for performance across both traditional media and India’s rapidly evolving e-commerce ecosystem.
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.
