MAM
FCB Ulka names Kulvinder Ahluwalia as CEO
Mumbai: FCB Group India had recently announced the restructuring of its creative agencies and a new three agency structure – FCB Ulka, FCB Interface, and FCB India. In a follow-up announcement, FCB Ulka, the flagship agency of the group, has named Kulvinder Ahluwalia as CEO. The agency has also appointed Saad Khan as chief strategy officer, and Keigan Pinto as as chief creative officer.
The newly elevated C-Suite leadership team will lead the agency’s next phase of growth in India, it said in a statement on Monday.
In their previous roles, Ahluwalia, Khan, and Pinto were the trio heading the account management, strategic planning, and creative respectively at the agency’s Mumbai office.
“Ulka is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2021. It is only appropriate that on this momentous occasion, we start getting the agency ready for the next 60 years. And what better way to do this than recognizing talent from within,” FCB Ulka vice-chairman Nitin Karkare said. “Kulvinder, Saad, and Keigan have played a key role in building the Mumbai office of FCB Ulka. And I am delighted that they will now lead the agency into the future.”
Kulvinder Ahluwalia, who joined the agency in 1996 as a management trainee, as part of Star One – an entry-level program in the industry, is now the CEO in a demonstration of the agency’s strong commitment to long-term partnerships.
Chief creative officer Keigan Pinto is also a Bollywood musician, apart from being a deeply insightful creative leader, with a pulse on popular culture. He has been listed among the ‘Blazing Admakers’ of the country by Impact Magazine and his work has been awarded at the most prestigious national and international platforms.
With over two decades of diverse experience in advertising and brand consulting, chief Strategy Officer Saad Khan brings to work solid problem-solving skills and an attitude that questions formulaic marketing. An ardent advocate of detail, data, and behavioural economics, his approach to strategy is to remove all the noise to get to the core problem.
“I believe future-readiness starts with talent. Empowering and enabling our best talent to perform at their very best has always been at the heart of my organizational philosophy,” said FCB Group India chairman & CEO, Rohit Ohri. “This elevation of our shining stars makes me truly proud because it embodies the spirit of #talentaboveallelse and is a demonstration of our belief of growing our future leaders from within. This new leadership partnership structure is what will make us future-ready and power our creative transformation journey for the next decade and beyond.”
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.
