MAM
FC Goa welcomes Mc Dowell’s No.1 Soda as the club’s new associate sponsor
Mumbai: Football club FC Goa welcomes McDowell’s No. 1 Soda, Diageo India’s flagship brand, as the club’s new associate sponsor for the 2022–23 season of the Hero Indian Super League. The brand will be the key enabler of friendships and camaraderie throughout the season.
Through this association, McDowell’s No.1 Soda will ensure that the fans have fun with their ‘yaars,’ at home or in the stands. As part of the partnership, McDowell’s No.1 Soda will appear on the upper sleeve of the FC Goa shirt for the entirety of the ISL season.
FC Goa VP Ravi Puskur weighed in on the association, saying, “McDowell’s No.1 Soda is one of the most recognised brands in India and one that is associated with celebration. And this year, I believe, is one where we are celebrating football with fans allowed to be back in the stands.
“Our goal has always been to provide fans reasons to celebrate their favourite football team, the beautiful game, and the moments that come along with it. Thus, I believe we will be able to find several synergies across the season for the brands to collaborate and bring success to all.”
Diageo India executive VP and portfolio head of marketing Ruchira Jaitly said, “Football is the ultimate team sport, and the sportsmanship and camaraderie on and off the field are legendary. With this ISL season, McDowell’s No. 1 Soda, in association with the FC Goa, is proud to be a part of this team of ‘yaars’ and to celebrate those special moments of ‘Yaari,’ whether on or off the field, in a sport that is a passion with every Goan.
McDowell’s No. 1 Soda shares the same sentiments about the true bonds of ‘Yaari’ as does team FC Goa, and together, we look forward to making memorable moments happen for consumers and sportsmen alike this season.”
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.
