MAM
Nisha Samson named head of branded content at Outlook; brings luxe, AI, and monetisation magic to the fore
MUMBAI: Veteran media strategist and native advertising powerhouse Nisha Samson has taken on the role of head of branded content (marketing) at Outlook Publishing (India) signalling a new era of luxe narratives and AI-infused marketing playbooks for the legacy media house.
With nearly two decades in the media trenches, Samson isn’t just another content lead — she’s a revenue rainmaker. She previously scaled Condé Nast India’s native advertising arm into an 8-figure Rs business and held editorial reins at brands like MensXP, AskMen India, and Liquid.
At Outlook, she now helms Outlook Luxe, the group’s luxury vertical, where she’s curating high-octane storytelling and on-ground experiences for India’s upscale crowd. Also on the cards: an AI-led initiative with Outlook Business to turbocharge branded content with machine smarts and data-driven insights.
Samson is no stranger to reinvention. From launching the premium coffee table book Maharashtra (gifted to Barack Obama in 2010) to building The K(Now), a newsletter pulling in CEOs, founders, and MDs as loyal readers within just 75 days, her CV reads like a greatest hits of Indian new media.
Her recent gigs include chapter lead at AI Salon, where she catalysed conversations between AI founders and investors, and director of content development at The K(Now), where she crafted habit-forming content for high-level decision-makers.
The former CNBC-TV18 anchor has straddled TV, digital, and print with ease, threading business strategy into editorial elegance. Now, with Outlook’s backing and AI in her toolkit, Samson’s next chapter promises to blend storytelling, scale, and sharp strategy — with a touch of luxe.
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.
