MAM
Photo finish for Cartoon Network’s brand promotion Toon Cricket
Cartoon Network’s brand popularisation drive Toon Cricket 2002 has scored some more brownie points for the channel this year.
If the network’s figures of over 30,000 spectators are an indication, the exercise is certainly reaping rich dividends – the audience has grown since the inaugural match in 1999, when the combined audience for the Mumbai and Delhi matches hovered around 24,000. According to an official release, the match held in Mumbai last Sunday ended in a tie, with the two teams Jerry’s Racers and Tom’s Chasers score 28 runs in 2.3 overs for the loss of two wickets each.
As part of the initiative, viewers were asked to help the toon captains and umpires regarding important decisions such as bowling order and the selection of the Toon of the Match. Promotional and marketing initiatives that the channel used to increase awareness about the event included an online contest where free passes were given to kids who correctly chose the captains. The channel had also roped in cricketers like Saurav Ganguly for hoardings across the city. The promo line used was ‘It’s a mad game, but someone’s got to play it’.
A Toon Cricket Mobile also did the rounds of city schools on the days preceding the match where one could catch a glimpse of the characters undergoing net practice..The event was presented by Pepsi and co-sponsored by Joyco (Solano), TI Cycles, Colgate, ACT II Popcorn, Cadbury Gems and Boost.
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.
