MAM
Srinivasan K Swamy is new ASCI chairman
MUMBAI: Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has appointed the industry stalwart Srinivasan K Swamy as the chairman, as the incumbent head Benoy Roychowdhury’s term comes to a close. R K Swamy Hansa BBDO chairman Sundar Swamy, as he is popularly addressed, was serving as the vice-chairman of the board of ASCI during the HT Media executive director Roychowdhury’s term.
About his primary focus as the chairman, Swamy said, “My focus will be to inform the world about ASCI’s Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) and its members, who preview every objectionable advertisement independent of the ASCI board of governors. These members hail from the civil society consisting of consumer activists, educationists and lawyers, etc. Basically, the decision taken by them reflects a consumer’s decision.”
His appointment as the chairman doesn’t come as a surprise given his contribution to the advertising community in India as the head of R K Swamy Hansa BBDO.
Apart from this, Swamy has played important roles in several industry bodies : International Advertising Association (IAA), Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA), Confederation of Asian Advertising Agency Associations, ll India Management Association (AIMA), The Madras Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the list goes on.
Recently, Swamy was conferred with this year’s AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI).
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.
