MAM
Zee promotes Nikhil Tiku to vice president, commercial
Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises has elevated Nikhil Tiku to vice president, commercial, signalling a push to tighten financial discipline and execution across its content operations. Tiku, a Zee veteran of more than eight years, moves up from associate director, commercial, a role in which he oversaw budgets, cash flows and vendor negotiations across fiction, non-fiction and reality programming. In his new position, he will drive commercial strategy, production viability and cost management at a time when broadcasters are under pressure to deliver more content with tighter margins.
Over the years, Tiku has handled end-to-end commercial operations, from project feasibility and scheduling to weekly cash-flow management, MIS reporting and audit compliance. His remit has spanned coordination with finance, digital, web and programming teams, location planning, last-minute shoot execution and on-ground supervision of equipment and crews.
Before his promotion, Tiku served as senior manager, commercial, at Zee, managing high-value shows and negotiating with vendors and creditors. Earlier in his career, he worked as a production coordinator with BBC World Service Trust, gaining hands-on experience in field operations.
The appointment underscores Zee’s emphasis on strengthening commercial leadership as it balances creative ambition with financial rigour. For Tiku, it is a clear vote of confidence. For Zee, it is about keeping the numbers as sharp as the content.
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.
