MAM
Naukri.com bags Consumer Connect ‘Campaign of the Year’ award
MUMBAI: Job site Naukri.com, has won the “Campaign of the Year” award for the Hari Sadu television commercial at the Advertising Club Kolkata, Consumer Connect Awards.
FCB Ulka New Delhi, the creative agency which worked on the commercial, also conferred the honours of a National Trophy in the “Consumers Services Category,” informs an official release.
Naukri.com COO Hitesh Oberoi said, “The Hari Sadu commercial is very close to our hearts and has been widely appreciated by its viewers in terms of its humour, story line and originality. The winning of the ‘Consumer Connect Award’ for Naukri.com and FCB Ulka is recognition of the toil and labour in creating a fictitious character, which has come alive. More importantly we are delighted that our consumers have recognized the very spirit of the advertisement which reflects the understanding of the brand Naukri.com and their connect to the brand.”
FCB Ulka’s Aakash Sharma added, “It always feels great to win awards but this time around it is doubly so. We’ve won two. It’s rewarding and exciting to see our work recognized as the real consumers play a major part in these awards.”
Every entry goes through the two-panel study to generate a Consumer Connect Score. Each entry is taken through two separate consumer panels. First a “Market Assessment” is conducted to determine the current perception of the brand. Then a “Stimulus Assessment” is conducted with a matched panel to measure the impact the entry had on consumer’s perceptions of the brand, adds the release.
Short listed entrants then present a live presentation of the case study in front of a panel of judges and an audience of their peers who will determine the winner. They take into consideration the following:
— The Consumer Connect Score: Key measurements on how the advertising entered changed perceptions of the brand. This is presented by Advertising Club Calcutta.
— Assessment of the advertising task: Analysis of the market situation and the role communication must play.
— Understanding of the consumer: Insights that led to the advertising solution.
— Creative solutions: The creative and media strategy used to obtain the desired response.
The Consumer Connect Awards, were instituted by the Advertising Club Kolkata, in the year 2003 to mark its 50th year. They seek to honour communication that connects best with their respective consumers.
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.
