MAM
Southern shift as Mathew Joy takes the helm at 24 News across three states
MUMBAI: When careers move south, the stakes only get bigger. Mathew Joy has taken charge as cluster head for South India at 24 News, overseeing operations and revenue strategy across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Joy assumed the expanded role in December 2025, marking the next chapter in a six-year journey with 24 News. In his new mandate, he is responsible for driving revenue growth across southern markets, strengthening advertiser and agency relationships, and building high-performing regional teams aligned with the channel’s commercial ambitions.
Based in India, Joy’s remit spans three of the country’s most competitive media markets, where he is expected to sharpen sales strategy, deepen client engagement and ensure tighter collaboration between editorial, sales and marketing teams.
Before this elevation, Joy served as Kerala head of sales & marketing, along with stints as general manager, assistant general manager, regional manager and senior manager within the organisation. His steady rise through the ranks reflects his hands-on experience in business development, team leadership and market expansion.
Prior to joining 24 News in 2019, Joy spent over eight years with Asianet News Network, managing media sales operations in Kochi and playing a key role in boosting brand visibility, executing revenue-led events and nurturing agency partnerships across Kerala.
With nearly 14 years in broadcast sales and strategy, Joy now steps into a wider southern canvas, where competition is intense and growth opportunities are ripe. For 24 News, the appointment signals a sharper focus on regional depth and a belief that strong leadership, much like news itself, travels fastest when it knows its territory.
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.
