MAM
Times hand N B Verma to join DNA as ad sales head
MUMBAI: Daily News & Analysis (DNA), a newspaper to be launched from the Zee-Bhaskar combine, has roped in N B Verma as its ad sales head. Verma has been heading Times of India Mumbai’s response department, region three, in his 23-year long stint with the Bennett, Coleman & Co.
Verma will be reporting to sales & marketing head Suresh Balakrishnan. Sources close to indiantelevison.com indicate that Verma will be putting his papers on 22 April. Then, he will serve a one-month notice period before joining Diligent Media, the Zee-Bhaskar joint venture which will launch the newspaper.
When contacted, Balakrishnan said a final decision hadn’t been taken yet on the appointment. “We have given an offer, but haven’t got any confirmation from Verma yet,” he says.
DNA is targeting a September launch and has already roped in veteran journalists Ayaz Memon, R Jagannathan and Vijay Kadu. Diligent Media has set up its office in Mumbai suburb Lower Parel’s Kamala Mills Compound.
Currently, Bhaskar group is conducting a pre-launch survey, covering a staggering 11-lakh households in Mumbai and Thane. The survey will go on for two months. Simultaneously, the marketing campaign is also being unfolded phase by phase.
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.
