MAM
‘The world needs a breather’: IAA appeals to the industry
MUMBAI: The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) has appealed to all segments of the industry to take a deep breath and deal with all its stakeholders with understanding, empathy, and kindness in this hour of crisis.
IAA president & MD – South Asia Discovery Communications India Megha Tata said, “Yes, we are passing through an unprecedented crisis. There is pain and grief all around us. But as they say, extraordinary times need extraordinary responses. Corporates have responded with alacrity and fortitude to the call of the nation. Money and material is being raised to help those in need. Communication is being used, and will be used, to strike a chord of positivity.”
As a responsible industry association with a unique mix of members including leaders from the world of marketing, advertising and the media, the IAA is appealing to all stakeholders in the industry to deal with one another with a degree of sensitivity, understanding, empathy and kindness, said Tata.
IAA Leadership Awards Committee chairperson and Lodestar UM India CEO Nandini Dias shared that the campaign seeks to dip into the reserves of goodness that exist in all of us and create strong foundations for long term renewal.
“For three years now IAA through a well-managed campaign has been urging industry leaders to save lives by adopting flexi-timings. It evoked a very positive response. This time the challenges are different. We need to rebuild lives and livelihoods irrespective of where you work from or whether you belong to a local or global organisation. And of course, as we always maintain, communication should be a force for good,” she added.
The campaign was created by the Madison BMB team of Rohan Joseph CD Copy, Vallabh Yeolekar CD Art, and CEO & CCO Raj Nair.
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.
