MAM
LT Foods appoints Amit Mehta as head of convenience & health food biz
Mumbai: LT Foods announced the appointment of Amit Mehta as the head of the convenience and health food business for the 70-year-old consumer food company. Mehta’s key responsibilities will include formulating and implementing new product winning strategies and expanding LT Foods’s presence in convenience and health food segments, the company said in a statement.
An influential leader with more than two decades of experience in driving growth for consumer-centric businesses, Mehta has an enviable track record of spearheading initiatives to achieve strong business results through process and project management approach in different industries.
“LT Foods has diversified its product portfolio with new offerings in convenience and health food segment riding on consumer trends and by leveraging the strong brand equity and robust distribution network of its flagship brands ‘Daawat,’ ‘Royal,’ ‘Devaaya,’ and ‘Kari Kari’ globally,” said LT Foods managing director & CEO Ashwani Kumar Arora. “New products and innovation are critical to our long-term growth and to further improve profitability. In this regard, Amit with his unique blend of experience in finance, operations (setting up new businesses and restructuring), and business expertise will expedite our such initiatives to scale & enhance profitability.”
Prior to joining LT Foods, Mehta was the managing director of Kohinoor Specialty Foods India Pvt Ltd (subsidiary of McCormick & Co Inc), where he played a key role in transforming the business with a vision to build a consumer-focused food business by launching various new products under Spice and convenient categories in India and for export markets. Mehta led the reinvigoration of the brand and built a strong focus on the e-commerce business.
In his career spanning over two decades, he has led various strategic initiatives i.e. setting up infrastructure for supply chain network, manufacturing facility upgrade & turnaround, effective go-to-market strategies, innovation, and talent development, said the company in a statement. In the past, he has also worked with other reputed companies such as Kodak India, Narang Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers India, and Ernst & Young India.
“I am excited to be part of LT Group, which is fast-growing and emerging Indian multi-national food company, in their pursuit to build and scale up food business in convenience and health segment, in and outside India, leveraging the strong foundation of its existing consumer rice business,” said Amit Mehta.
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.
