MAM
Rediffusion Y&R India names Rahul Jauhari as chief creative officer
MUMBAI: Rediffusion Y&R has appointed Rahul Jauhari as chief creative officer. The group will relocate Komal Bedi Sohal to Y&R Singapore as chief creative officer.
Jauhari is no stranger to the Rediffusion YR Group. His team created memorable work for the Tata Group on brands likes Tata ACE and Magic. His work was responsible for the successful repositioning of Kaya (Marico) and Onida, to name a few. Prior to Everest, in a seven-year-long stint at Rediffusion Delhi & Mumbai, Jauhari led the creative work on the agency’s biggest account – Airtel.
Rediffusion Y&R president India Dhunji Wadia said, “Rahul has done a stellar job within the group. What I admire most is his passion and collaborative style of functioning and unending quest for creative excellence. Komal remains an ally within the network and we will continue to take full advantage of that and I wish her the very best in her new role.”
Jauhari added, “Rediffusion YR Group is home to me. And I’ve enjoyed a great partnership with Dhunji over the last few years. Both Dhunji and I believe creativity is the pursuit of the entire agency and not just a department. For now, we’d like to put our heads down and focus on just that. The work comes first. Everything else will follow.”
On the other hand, Sohal has spent the last two years as CCO at Rediffusion Y&R India, during which time the agency has undergone a resurgence, with a run of 16 new business wins and a return to The Economic Times’ list of India’s top 10 advertising agencies.
Commenting on her new role, Sohal said, “In the past two years Rediffusion has emerged as the top ten agency, won new business, awards and recognition. I am extremely thankful to our clients who have supported the creative and the teams who have tirelessly executed it. After two decades in India and Middle East, I am now ready to explore the exciting and emerging markets of South East Asia. I look forward to taking on new challenges at Y&R Singapore. I’m confident it will be equally thrilling and fulfilling.”
Y&R Singapore managing director Melvin Kuek said, “Komal’s track record of both new business and awards success make her an ideal creative partner at the helm of Y&R Singapore. Having also ramped up the agency’s strategic planning team we’re very optimistic for 2015.”
Over the past four years, Everest Brand Solutions under Jauhari’s leadership added accounts like SAB TV (Sony Entertainment), CNN IBN, Kotak Mutual Funds, India First General Insurance, Onida, Catch Spices (DS Group), Aditya Birla Retail & more. In addition to this, the agency added multiple brands from its largest account Parle Products.
Jauhari and his team helped building SAB TV from scratch to a powerful brand in the Indian GEC space. ‘Asli Mazaa Sab Ke Saath Aataa hai’ a line coined by Jauhari, was a campaign that has stood the test of time. Under his watch, Everest has rolled out significant work for Parle. From a most unusual set of five second TVCs for Parle G titled ‘Pehle Wali Baat’, to visible campaigns for Londonderry, Parle Marie and recently launched Parle Simply Good.
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.
