MAM
IAA gets Colors as presenting sponsor for IAA Leadership Awards
MUMBAI: The International Advertising Association’s (IAA) India chapter has roped in Colors as the presenting sponsor for the first IAA Leadership Awards. The award is scheduled to be held in Mumbai on 2 February. It will recognise and honor “outstanding” individuals in the fields of Marketing, Advertising and Media.
Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “As an organisation we have always supported industry initiatives. Recently we sponsored the The Advertising Club‘s Effies. This is yet another step in that direction. This is the first time when marketing professionals (Clients) advertising professionals from both disciplines (creative and media) and professionals from media ( Print TV, Radio, Digital) will come under one roof to honor excellence across all the three and we are happy and excited to be a part of this initiative by the IAA”.
IAA president Srinivasan Swamy said, “The IAA Leadership Awards salutes the brilliance of top professionals whose contribution makes our industry what it is. Colors is one the fastest growing and a respectable Media brand and we are grateful and happy they have come forward to support this initiative.”
“The Awards night promises to be a memorable one with top entertainment and celebrations. I am also very grateful to the Honourable Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Manish Tiwari for agreeing to come and be our chief guest for the awards night,” Swamy added.
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.
