MAM
Kasturi Paladhi & her new Coca-Cola communicatios journey
MUMBAI: It’s been three months since Kasturi Paladhi joined Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages as head of external communications and social media, bringing fizz to the firm’s public affairs, communications and sustainability team.
“Consider this my official ‘better late than never’ announcement!” Paladhi wrote on social media, describing her first three months as “nothing short of a roller coaster ride” while “living the coke side of life.”
The communications veteran appears particularly happy about joining the integrated PACS team (public affairs, communications and sustainability) focused on building corporate reputation. She thanked her boss Himanshu Priyadarshi for the “jump start into the world of FMCG”.
Paladhi brings a bottle full of experience to the role, having previously served as assistant vice president at Protean eGov Technologies and head of public relations at CoinSwitch. Her longest stint was at Xiaomi India, where she spent over three years leading PR and communications.
The communications pundit’s career has fizzed with variety. She previously spent brief periods at Black Shark, MSLGroup and two charitable organisations—Charities Aid Foundation India and Genesis Foundation. Her early career included a three-year stretch at Genesis Burson-Marsteller and a two-year gig as campus radio jock for Fever 104 FM.
With her postgraduate diploma in public relations from Xavier Institute of Communications and background in English literature from Miranda House, Paladhi appears well-equipped to keep Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages’ messaging as refreshing as its beverages.
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.
