MAM
Balakrishnan replaces Shah to head Lintas Initiative Outdoor
MUMBAI: IPG Mediabrands has appointed Suresh Balakrishnan toreplace Hemanth Shah who was heading Lintas Initiative Outdoor.
Balakrishnan will be taking over the responsibilities of CEO of Lintas Initiative Outdoor. The agency was earlier being headed by Hemanth Shah as the managing director, who has decided to move on from the company. At present, Shah is serving his notice period at the company till the end of the week.
This will be Balakrishnan‘s additional responsibilities as he also serves IPG as the chief executive officer of BPN.
He will continue to report to Lintas Media Group chairman and CEO Lynn de Souza.
Balakrishnan said, “I am very excited about the opportunity. Lintas Initiative Outdoor is a successful brand handling clients like Nokia and HUL. I hope I‘ll be able to take the company to the next level.”
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.
