MAM
Publicis Starcom storms Flipkart media account in Rs 750 crore agency coup
MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe’s Starcom India has wrested Flipkart Group’s integrated media business in a Rs 750 crore coup, ending Essencemediacom’s long tenure on the account and marking one of the biggest agency switches of the year.
The mandate spans the full Flipkart Group portfolio, including fashion platform Myntra, value-commerce arm Shopsy, travel platform Cleartrip and fintech venture Super.money, giving Starcom control of both traditional and digital media duties across the ecommerce major’s expanding ecosystem.
The business was awarded after a multi-agency pitch involving networks including Omnicom Media Group, WPP Media and Madison World. Following the evaluation, Flipkart opted to hand the consolidated mandate to Starcom, part of Publicis Groupe’s media stable.
Starcom will deploy a full-funnel media strategy designed to drive scale, performance and brand impact across consumer touchpoints, underpinned by audience intelligence and cultural insight. The account will be powered by Publicis Groupe’s AI-led growth os and its connected media framework, integrating data, technology and content to deliver measurable outcomes for the Flipkart Group.
The win further strengthens Publicis Groupe’s hold on large, platform-driven advertisers as India’s ecommerce and fintech advertising wars intensify.
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.
