MAM
Salman Khan is Suzuki’s first brand ambassador
MUMBAI: Two-wheeler manufacturer, Suzuki Motor Corporation, has roped in Salman Khan as the brand ambassador for Suzuki Motorcycle.
This is the first time that Suzuki has got any ambassador on board.
Suzuki will be looking at associating with Salman Khan across the range of its projects, campaigns and initiatives. The actor will feature in the ATL and BTL activities of the company.
With the recent product launches that provide customers a choice in each segment, Suzuki two-wheelers has embarked on a journey of ramping up its presence and relationships across the country and market segments, the company said.
Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL) vice president- sales and marketing Atul Gupta said, “We are delighted to have Salman Khan associating with one of the world‘s most iconic two-wheeler brands. We believe that Suzuki and Salman together will make an emotional connect with all sections of customers that Suzuki‘s range of two-wheelers reaches out to. The association with Salman was driven by the imperative of quickly building a strong connection between the Suzuki two-wheeler brand and the different segments that our expanding range of products is addressing.”
SMIPL national marketing head Anu Anamika added, “As we expand our portfolio, it was important to find a human face who can best portray and project our brand and product promise. Salman Khan is a passionate biker and a discerning brand endorser. His mass appeal, cutting across segments, complements the mass appeal of Suzuki.”
The company also aims to find broad synergy in Khan‘s social initiatives such as ‘Being Human‘.
The first Suzuki campaign featuring Khan will be based on the recently launched Suzuki‘s mass market motorcycle, Hayate, and will be breaking shortly.
According to an official communiqué, SMIPL aims to be amongst the top players in the Indian two-wheeler market. In order to step towards this objective, the company is undertaking capacity expansion and strengthening its network. The company will be increasing its annual capacity from the current 3.6 lakh units to 5.4 lakh units by 2013. It also plans to double its sales and service network in the next two years.
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.
