MAM
Suresh Balakrishna to retire as chief revenue officer of The Hindu Group in July 2026
MUMBAI: Suresh Balakrishna, the feisty and highly respected chief revenue officer of The Hindu Group, will retire in July 2026, closing a chapter spanning over three decades in media and advertising. Since joining The Hindu Group in November 2018, Balakrishna has been a key driver of revenue growth, steering strategy across print, digital and on-ground platforms while reimagining marquee events in virtual formats and launching community-building initiatives that engaged audiences at scale.
A recognised industry voice, Balakrishna has frequently addressed seminars, served on juries, and guest lectured at institutions including MICA Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow, VIT, SRM and Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication. In 2017, he was the only Indian media representative invited to the United Nations Leadership Council for the “Media for Social Impact” Summit in New York.
Before The Hindu, Balakrishna led Kinetic Advertising India as CEO for South Asia and the Middle East, drove three profitable divisions at Lintas Media Group, and held senior leadership positions at Mail Today, Zee Network, Hindustan Times, Hinduja Group, Apex Publishing, and The Times of India, shaping media, advertising and marketing strategies across India and the region.
Balakrishna also serves as a trustee of Aarsha Vidya Foundation, promoting the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and Vedanta.
From pioneering rural communication tools to launching high-impact media brands and navigating digital transformations, Balakrishna’s career has been defined by audacity, vision, and results. As he prepares to step down, the message is unmistakable: in the media, bold leadership leaves a lasting mark.
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.
