MAM
NourishCo gives creative mandate to Taproot & Dentsu Marcom
MUMBAI: NourishCo Beverages, the JV between Tata Global Beverages and PepsiCo India, has awarded its creative duties to two Dentsu Group companies, Taproot India and Dentsu Marcom, following a multi-agency pitch.
NourishCo has three brands: Tata Gluco+ (a glucose based drink), Himalayan Natural Mineral Water and Tata Water Plus (nutrient Water). The two agencies will be jointly handling the creatives for all three brands.
NourishCo Beverages chief executive officer and managing director Pratik Pota said, “NourishCo is excited to have appointed the Dentsu-Taproot combine as our creative agency. We were impressed with their understanding of the brief and strategic approach at the pitch process.”
Dentsu India Group executive chairman Rohit Ohri said, “This is a very important win for us on many counts. First, this is a great opportunity for the Dentsu Group to partner NourishCo on their exciting new phase of growth in India. Second, it’s the first pitch where Taproot and a Dentsu group company have collaborated. This win strengthens my belief that we have a winning model at work. Third, this win strengthens our group’s relationship with PepsiCo, India.”
“We are happy to have won the account. This will be the first time that Dentsu and Taproot will come together as a team. We have great faith that through our combined strengths in creative and planning we will be able to associate closely with the brand and explore ways to communicate the brand promise / benefit of ‘Nutrient Water’,” Taproot India’s co-founder Agnello Dias added.
The JV between Tata Global Beverages and PepsiCo India was formed in 2010. NourishCo aims to provide meaningful hydration solutions in the non-carbonated, ready-to-drink beverages segment in India and around the world.
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.
