MAM
MJ Akbar joins BJP as spokesperson
MUMBAI: A line of journalists have begun showing their political stances of late. First Shazi Ilmi and Manish Sisodia quit their respective jobs to join upcoming Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Now one of India’s top notch journalists MJ Akbar has joined another party- the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as its official spokesperson.
The PTI quotes him as saying “I have come back to politics because of policy. The crisis in front of the country is known to all. This is an opportunity to do whatever little we can do for our country.”
Akbar is renowned for starting The Telegraph, The Asian Age and The Sunday Guardian. The latter is now a part of Information TV Group managed by Kartikeya Sharma that runs NewsX and India News channels.
Additionally, Akbar is also currently hosting a show on NewsX called ‘Decode India with MJ Akbar’.
He is currently the editorial director of The Sunday Guardian. Earlier he was associated with the TV Today group.
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.
