MAM
Cards on the table as Amit Kalekar moves up at HDFC Bank
MUMBAI: Cards have been reshuffled at HDFC Bank, and the hand looks stronger. Amit Kalekar has been elevated to senior vice president, marking a significant step in a career built on quietly scaling some of India’s most complex payments businesses.
In his new role, Kalekar will continue to drive growth across Commercial Cards, B2B Payments and Digital Platforms, areas that sit at the heart of transaction banking as corporates push for speed, visibility and smarter cash management.
With more than two decades of experience across leading financial institutions, Kalekar brings deep domain expertise in product strategy, partnerships and large-scale digital payment ecosystems. Before joining HDFC Bank, he held senior roles at Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank, working across debit cards, commercial cards and programme management.
Since joining HDFC Bank over six years ago, Kalekar has been closely involved in building scalable card-led and platform-based B2B solutions, strengthening partnerships and expanding the bank’s digital payments footprint. His elevation reflects a track record of customer-centric innovation and an ability to translate complex enterprise needs into workable, revenue-generating products.
As Indian corporates accelerate digital adoption and demand more integrated payment solutions, Kalekar’s expanded mandate places him at the centre of HDFC Bank’s next phase of growth in the B2B payments and transaction banking space.
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.
