MAM
Dentsu Marcom to handle the creative duties of DS Group’s brand
MUMBAI: Dentsu Marcom has been awarded the creative mandate by the Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group) for its brand development.
DS Group manager marketing and senior manager marketing (FMCG) Manish Wadhwa confirmed the news.
This completes the alignment of creative and media duties for various branches of the DS Group viz. confectionery, mouth fresheners and food and beverages. Dentsu also handles the creatives for the company’s mouthfreshner brand Pass Pass and its new chewing gum brand Chingles.
McCann Erickson handles Meetha Mazaa and Rajnigandha, while Publicis Ambience takes care of Catch Mix-n-Drink while IBD India is the AoR for Catch Spices.
While Lintas Initiative Media is the media AoR for Chingles, the media duties for various other brands for DS Group are being handled by Purnima Advertising.
The DS Group is an approximately Rs 22 billion diversified conglomerate that has a presence in sectors such as F&B, hospitality, mouth fresheners, tobacco, packaging, agro forestry, rubber thread and infrastructure. The most recent forays of the group have been in the confectionery and dairy businesses.
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.
