MAM
Verizon appoints Chris Formant to lead enterprise business
MUMBAI – Verizon Enterprise Solutions has found a new president in Christopher Formant. The appointment was announced by Verizon executive vice president and president of the company’s wireline organization John Stratton.
In his role, Formant will be responsible for delivering business solutions to Verizon’s global enterprise clients in key industries: healthcare and insurance; financial services; technology; manufacturing, distribution, automotive and distribution; retail; energy and utilities; and the public sector. He will also lead a team driving sales, operations and marketing of the company’s strategic solutions in intelligent networking, dynamic cloud, mobile workforce, connected machines, security and professional service engagements.
Formant’s background combines a unique blend of enterprise, early-stage company and global-business consulting experience. He was most recently senior vice president and president of Avaya Government Solutions and Avaya Professional Services. At Avaya, he was also president of Global Services, where he led a major business turnaround while significantly improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Stratton said, “Chris has the expertise and marketplace know-how to ensure Verizon brings enterprise-class value to the world’s leading companies. His dynamic approach to matching technology solutions to business problems will be a great asset to Verizon clients everywhere they do business: throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America.”
In addition to his leadership roles at Avaya, Formant has held executive positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers and MBNA, as well as serving as adviser/investor to early-stage technology companies. He has been named as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Consultants by Consulting Magazine. Formant received his Bachelor of Science degree from Washington and Lee University and a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University.
Verizon Enterprise Solutions is a leading provider of advanced IT and communications services to enterprise and governments around the world.
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.
