MAM
Kanika Kalra quits Hindustan Unilever; to join Snapdeal
MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever’s executive vice president for marketing Kanika Kalra has put down her papers and is set to join ecommerce giant Snapdeal as its marketing head, as per media reports. Kalra was brand director for Hindustan Lever’s biggest skin cream brand Fair & Lovely. Kalra will focus on gaining deeper customer insights, making the business more customers centric, driving creativity and ensuring quality in all communication at Snapdeal say sources.
Delhi-based Jasper Infotech, which owns and operates Snapdeal, has shortlisted Kalra as replacement for its marketing SVP Srinivas Murthy, sources confirmed to a leading business daily, though Snapdeal refused to comment when approached.
Prior to joining HUL eight years ago and working as global brand manager and global brand director, Kalra was a senior manager at Pepsi. She has also worked with Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare Limited and Genpact.
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.
