MAM
Quasar hires Rasika Bamba as head of digital media, north and east
MUMBAI: Part of WPP Group, Quasar, a full service digital agency, has appointed Rasika Bamba as the new regional head, north and east.
She will be in charge of scaling up new business initiatives and to strengthen existing relationships in the region. She will additionally be responsible for the media practice at Quasar. Bamba will report into the agency’s business head Gaurav Nabh and will be based out of New Delhi.
With over 10 years of digital experience, Bamba joins the Quasar team from Hungama Digital Services (HDS) where she was heading business development and servicing – defining the digital roadmap for several key clients at the agency. She spearheaded client relationships like Hindustan Unilever, Microsoft, Mahindra, ACC, SBI MF and was also in-charge of the media practice. Prior to Hungama, she has been associated with brands like Yahoo India and Affle.
Nabh said, “Rasika is a thorough digital professional, with experience across various industries. Over the years she has handled some tough clients and mastered her skills in managing tough situations. With her deep understanding of the medium, she has been instrumental in convincing brands to venture into the digital medium. We look forward to Rasika’s invaluable inputs as she leads our client relationships and grows our specialised media practice.”
Bamba said, “I am excited to come on board lead the business and build the media practice at Quasar. Given the growth path the company has chalked out for the next 18 to 24 months, this is a great opportunity for us to deliver true value to our existing clients and bring on new ones to our roster.”
Bamba brings to the table vast domain knowledge, a keen understanding of integrated media requirements and enjoys working with various facets of digital media to ensure thorough execution of the core business strategy to deliver results.
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.
