MAM
Varun Dhir promoted to associate vice president – investment at Omnicom Media India
MUMBAI: Varun Dhir has been promoted to associate vice president – investment at Omnicom Media India, capping a nearly nine-year journey through the company’s media strategy and investment ranks. Dhir, who joined Omnicom in 2015 as associate director, most recently served as general manager – investments, shaping media planning and buying strategies across multiple markets.
Over the years, he has held senior roles in market planning and media strategy, including business director from 2021 to 2023 in Gurugram, leading teams on client servicing and OOH media. Prior to Omnicom, Dhir gained experience at Dish TV as senior manager – marketing, and earlier stints at Maxus as business group head and business manager, and OgilvyAction as account executive.
On his promotion, Dhir expressed gratitude for his mentors Yatin Ram Balyan and Ajay Varghese, citing their guidance as pivotal to his career growth.
From account executive to associate vice president, Dhir’s rise underscores a career defined by strategic thinking, market insight and relentless drive — and positions him at the helm of Omnicom’s next wave of investment strategy.
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.
