MAM
Lockdown gave time to reconnect with friends & family: SPPL’s Avneet Singh Marwah
NEW DELHI: There is no denying that the lockdown has taken a toll on everyone, but it has also taught people how to reconnect with family and friends. For SPPL CEO Avneet Singh Marwah, this lockdown has helped him become more self-dependent and spend quality time with his family.
Indiantelevision.com got candid with Marwah about what keeps him going during these difficult times, his favourite TV show and more.
Excerpts:
During the lockdown, how are you keeping yourself optimistic? Is it a new hobby that you have explored?
I became more self-dependent during the lockdown. Earlier, I used to travel every third day and everything used to be taken care of for me. But for the first time in many years, I am back to actively contributing to household chores, from cleaning to washing dishes. I also enjoy cooking dinner for my family. I also found time to reconnect with friends, business colleagues and relatives—whose messages and phone calls I might have missed or ignored while I stayed busy. I have replied to so many DMs and spoken to a lot of people on social media as well, which is a refreshing change. The best habit I picked is dining with my family on a table with no phones or TV. It is great to spend time with them, blessed to be enjoying a meal together and sharing different experiences that we have missed in all these years.
Tell us about your favourite coffee moment?
It was actually in May when mother nature decided to grace us with a perfect morning rain shower that led to amazing weather. It was lush green outside my home as I was sitting in the balcony with my favourite cup of coffee working from home. It was the perfect moment. I don't think I can ever imagine this moment happening while working out of a closed-door office especially in Delhi.
What are you binge-watching on OTT?
Even though I rarely get time to binge-watch TV shows I thoroughly enjoyed binge-watching Money Heist and 100 humans.
Where do you wish to travel post the pandemic?
I'd consider myself lucky if I get a vacation after the lockdown since it will be back to back for me and thinking of time off is out of the question for now. But if I do get time maybe next year or so I'd pick more commercial places like London or New York as it's been a while since I have felt the energy of the crowd. For a more relaxing time, I'd choose Jamaica (Negril or Montego Bay).
How do you spend your me-time?
I don't really get much 'me-time' but whenever there is an opportunity to simply do nothing, I choose to spend that with my son and my family as I live with them so quality family time is always a must. Sometimes at night, I try to simply sit by myself and gather my thoughts which helps me restore my energy.
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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.
