MAM
Maruti Suzuki partners with the Indian Air Force
Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki India has partnered with the Indian Air Force and Uttarakhand War Memorial for the Vayu Veer Vijeta Rally, tagged as the “Himalayan Thunder” and “Wings of Glory.” The rally aims to honour fallen soldiers and inspire youth to join the Indian Armed Forces. It was ceremonially flagged off on 1 October 2024 by defence minister Rajnath Singh at the National War Memorial, with the formal flag-off on 8 October at one of the world’s highest air force stations.
The rally includes 52 participants, including air warriors, women officers, veterans, and War Memorial representatives, covering 7000 km from Ladakh’s THOISE Air Force Station to Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang Air Force Station. Three former Air Force chiefs will join in different segments, with 12 Maruti Suzuki Jimny SUVs tackling the challenging terrain. The rally, supported by PHDCCI, will stop at War Memorials and hold 16 halts and 20 youth interactions to raise awareness about the armed forces.
Maruti Suzuki’s senior executive officer of marketing & sales Partho Banerjee stated, “Maruti Suzuki is proud to associate with the Indian Air Force in the Vayu Veer Vijeta Rally, an initiative that honours our armed forces. This rally stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of the heroes who have given everything in the line of duty. We have a long-standing association with the armed forces and the Jimny is building on that legacy with its legendary off-road capabilities. The Jimny perfectly aligns with the ethos of this mission, and we are proud to have our vehicles to be a part of this rally.”
The rally will pass through key regions like Leh, Kargil, Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and Tawang, paying tribute to the sacrifices of India’s heroes while promoting the legacy of courage and service.
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.
