MAM
UdChalo appoints Abani Kant Jha as CFO
Mumbai: udChalo, a consumer tech company focusing on Indian defence personnel and their dependents, has announced the appointment of Abani Kant Jha as chief financial officer.
In his role, Jha will contribute to strategy formulation in alignment with the organisation’s long-term objectives and goals, planning and management of company resources to maximise ROI, identifying cost-saving projects and leading the treasury of the organisation for effective deployment of funds, said the company in a statement.
He will lead a team of tax experts, consultants, and the finance team at udChalo and play a key role in bringing investments for the next growth phase of the organisation, it added.
Welcoming Jha on board, udChalo CEO Ravi Kumar said, “We are confident that his expertise in global finance will benefit us to have better financial operations, identify risks, and setting up processes to mitigate them.”
Jha comes with 25 years of industry experience. In his most recent role, he was with Jindal Flims as director of business operations & CFO. He was previously associated with companies like EaseMyTrip, Aditya Birla Group, Koutons, DP World and Reliance Industries, where he held significant roles and handled global positions at leadership levels.
On his appointment, Jha stated, “I believe udChalo has a great business model and talented management team that uniquely positions it to capitalise on the changing environment. I look forward to working with the team.”
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.
