MAM
Guardian India names Karunakaran Azhisur as new country head
MUMBAI: A new chapter begins at Guardian India, and it comes with a familiar face at the helm. Guardian India Operations Private Limited, the global capability centre of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, has appointed Karunakaran “Karun” Azhisur as its country head for India.
In the expanded role, Azhisur will report to Michael Prestileo, chief strategy officer of Guardian and chair of the Guardian India Board, while continuing to serve as chief information officer for Guardian India. He will also work closely with Steve Rullo, chief digital and technology officer, to push forward technology-led transformation and operational excellence.
Guardian said Azhisur’s mix of global exposure and execution strength made him a natural fit for the role as the company sharpens its technology and innovation agenda. Prestileo noted that Azhisur’s experience in steering complex transformations would be key as Guardian advances its digital strategy for policyholders.
For Azhisur, the focus is firmly on people as much as platforms. “Guardian India’s strength lies in its people and culture,” he said, adding that the next phase of growth will centre on building leadership, nurturing talent and creating an environment where technology and teams evolve together.
With more than two decades of global technology and engineering leadership behind him, Azhisur has built and scaled software, data and platform teams across the US and India. His career spans senior roles in diversified global enterprises as well as Silicon Valley technology firms, with deep expertise in product-led operating models, enterprise-scale transformation and modern digital platforms.
Most recently, he has been leading AI-driven enterprise transformation initiatives, including the development of agentic AI capabilities, modernisation of core technology platforms and scaling globally distributed product and engineering teams.
As Guardian continues to deepen its India footprint, the appointment signals continuity at the top paired with a clear intent to accelerate innovation, one line of code at a time.
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.
