MAM
Rediffusion DY&R ropes in Mahesh Chauhan as president
Announcing the change Rediffusion DY&R chairman Diwan Arun said, “I am absolutely delighted to have Mahesh at the helm of affairs at Rediffusion. He is one of the finest advertising professionals in the industry today, and the ease with which he turned around Everest in a short span of three years, is indeed remarkable. Mahesh not only brings with him leadership and dynamism, but also youth, vitality and a fresh perspective – just the qualities we were looking for in a person who would lead Rediffusion in the years to come.”
With fifteen years of advertising experience, Mahesh has worked in agencies like Ogilvy & Mather and Rediffusion DY&R, before taking over as president of Everest Brand Communications.
Under his three year leadership, Everest has not only grown but also bagged creative recognition both in India and worldwide. Besides winning businesses such as Hitachi, LIC, Kinetic, ING Vyasa, MIRC Electronics and Elder Pharma, Chauhan was also responsible for turning around the creative product of the agency during his tenure. Everest was ranked No2 at the Abby’s in 2005 and No 3 this year. It was also ranked in the top 5 in the AAAI, and recently did India proud by winning a Bronze this year at Cannes and a Silver at the One Show, informs an official release.
Commenting on his new role, Chauhan said, “Rediffusion DY&R is one of the most exciting brands in the industry today. What perhaps stands out is the agency’s philosophy toward advertising – Not puffery under the garb of creativity, but creating advertising that works! The fact that the agency has partnered some of the most elite set of corporates in their path toward growth is no coincidence. I am hence extremely excited at this opportunity.
“Human Capital is the only asset in this business. Identifying it, channelizing it in the right direction and nurturing it, hold key. Sensitivity and seriousness in managing Human Capital, will be the foundation on which Rediffusion DY&R will create its competitive advantage in the years to come,” adds Chauhan.
This change has been necessitated due to the movement of Preet Bedi, who led the agency for three years prior to moving out in pursuance of otheropportunities. “Under Preet, Rediffusion DY&R had resurrected itself to emerge as one of India’s foremost agencies both in terms of strategy and creative output. While we will be loosing an immense valuable resource in Preet, we respect his decision to reinvent himself,” added Nanda.
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.
