MAM
Percept/H bags creative mandate of Next Care’s Deo
MUMBAI: Percept/H has been awarded the creative mandate of Next Care‘s to-be-launched perfumed body deodorant brand – Next.
The agency won the account following a multi-agency pitch initiated in July 2011. The size of the business is estimated to be around Rs 30 million.
Gouri Group, the parent company, plans to formally launch the new brand in February 2012.
Percept/H is planning to devise a creative strategy which will be prominent in the already cluttered deodorant market, the agency said.
It will also start various activities like Above the Line (ATL), Below the Line (BTL), Out of Home (OOH) and Digital as a part of integrated brand building exercise to increase their consumer connect.
Percept/H CEO Prabhakar Mundkur said, “We at Percept, have always had the entrepreneur living inside us. Therefore, going with this belief, we decided to partner the company for the launch of Next brand in India. Our endeavour would be to create a distinct imagery for the brand which is closer to the real world.”
Next Care Managing Partner Parminder Sadhu added, “To start with, the agency needs to chalk out a roadmap for NEXT. They need to create a new identity and brand strategy which will enable the brand to meet a turnover of Rs 240 million in the first year of its launch.” Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone.
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.
