MAM
SPN becomes broadcaster of the year at Abby 2018
GOA: After an engaging second day of Goafest 2018, that brought about creative discussions and knowledge sharing amongst stalwarts across consulting, technology, creative arts, marketing, news media and policymakers, the 50th Abby Awards continued.
As the last rays of the sun kissed the Goan sand on day two, it was time for the presentation of the broadcaster, public relations, still craft, video craft, design and direct Abbys. The awards celebrate the best-in-class creative geniuses and works of stellar significance in creativity. While Sony Pictures Networks led the tally for the Broadcaster Abbys with six metals, it was ZEEL that took home the gold for the night.
While Design Abbys showed favour to Open Strategy and Design with six metals including one gold, Pi Communications took home four metals where direct specialist Abbys was concerned. While a total of 13 gold were handed out to top honours in public relations amongst other metals, it was Value 360 Communications that ate into the pie with a total of eight metals.
Still Craft Abbys saw dominance by The Social Street who grabbed four metals including two gold. But the happiest faces for the night clearly belonged to Early Man Film Pvt Ltd, who took home a whopping 16 metals in the video craft specialist category which included five gold, four silvers and seven bronzes!
With industry-specific conclaves to expert seminars, the Goafest Abbys 2018 presented by The Advertising Club and The AAAI has once again set the benchmark high in celebrating excellence in creativity across media platforms and genres.
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.
