MAM
IAA announces its new Initiative ‘World Goes Digital’
MUMBAI: The International Association of Advertisers (India Chapter) has announced its series of webinars with the theme ‘World Goes Digital‘. Through this initiative the body hopes to connect professional marketers and agencies with trends, ideas, strategies and success stories from the digital frontier.
IAA India Chapter president Srinivasan K Swamy said, “With digital media gaining prominence, an increasing number of advertisers are reaching out to consumers via the internet and mobile platforms. However, there is still a fair deal of inertia when it comes to embracing the interactive world.”
Free Press Journal director Abhishek Karnani and Mahindra Special Services Group head – marketing and public relations Manish Advani will be co-chairing the IAA webinar series.
Speaking on the same Karnani said, “Our attempt is to build a platform where professionals can share knowledge and experience on the digital medium. The interface will allow a live interaction with each of the experts we will bring to the series.”
“We are using the Google Hangout platform for the interaction. And coincidentally, we have Google India managing director Mr. Rajan Anandan, in our inaugural session on Wednesday, 25 April at 3pm,” said Advani.
Anandan who heads Google in India has also been he was managing director of Microsoft‘s sales marketing and services business in India. He is currently also on the Advisory Board of Innovize Tech and 24/7 Techies.
In the last few months, the IAA India Chapter has conducted a series of activities like the IAA Leadership Awards, IAA Mentorship Webinar, a Gender Sensitization Seminar, and the IAA Olive Crown Awards apart from the monthly “IAA Debates” on topical issues concerning the industry.
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.
