MAM
Hit Entertainment and LPl to license ‘Bob The Builder’ in India
MUMBAI: Hit Entertainment, producer of Bob The Builder- the animated show has launched its licensing business in India in conjunction with Licensing Plus (India) Pvt Ltd, (LPI) as its licensing partner.
A leading pre-school children entertainment producers and rights owners, Hit entertainment would make its flagship Bob the Builder products available to Indian licensees and retailers. Other product categories such as plush toys, educational games, figurines, apparels, board games and puzzles would also be on offer.
Bob the builder started airing in India on Cartoon Network in 2003.
Licensing Plus (India) Pvt Ltd Director, Gurpartap Singh said, ” Product and promotional licensing is a very powerful marketing tool in today’s cluttered world, which harnesses the pre-existing popularity of the licensed property to enchance the visibility of a product.”
Hit Entertainment Plc brand director Sheetal Merchant says, “With LPI as the licensing partner, Hit is looking forward to leverage their indepth knowledge of the segment and their extensive network to popularise Bob as a viable and preferred licensing property.”
Hit beleives that India is a promising market to build a future for Bob The Builder as this has already been proven by the existing products in the market, points out Merchant.
Pointing out on India being a potential market for licensing business in India, Merchant says that approximately 31.7 per cent of the population is aged under 14, who have an increasing appetite for global brands.
It is one of the most liked brands around the world and has a brand awareness of 89 per cent in US, 97 per cent in UK and 69 per cent in Germany reveals Merchant.
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.
