MAM
Rediffusion – Y & R appoints Venugopal Chandrasekhar business head, Mumbai
MUMBAI: Rediffusion – Y & R has appointed Venugopal Chandrasekhar as the business head, Mumbai.
Chandrasekhar moves in from Bates 141 and has also worked with Contract Advertising and Brand David.
Chandrasekhar has worked on brands such as Amul, Camlin, Philips Lighting, Bajaj Sunny Zip, Bajaj Auto, Asian Paints, ICICI Bank, VIP, Bharat Petroleum, Heinz, Shoppers’ Stop and LG Mobile Phones.
Chandrasekhar was also involved in the launch of the English News channel CNN-IBN of the Network 18 Group. At Bates 141, he had been actively working on AIG Corporate, Tata AIG Life Insurance and AIG Mutual Funds. He also led the successful transition of Colgate into Bates and led the team on the Unilever Brand, Ayush.
Rediffusion – Y & R Mumbai VP Neville Medhora said, “Venu has handled a varied set of clients and brings a lot of experience to the table. He has exceptional strategic and relationship skills and I am looking to him to deliver that across our clients and within the agency.”
Chandrasekhar added, “The thought of being a part of the next stage of consolidation and growth of an iconic agency like Rediffusion – Y & R truly excites me. There is a whole bunch of extremely talented guys out there hungry to do sparkling work on some fascinating brands. Heading a business unit which has a lethal combination of experience and exciting young talent is what motivated me to sign up.”
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.
