Upali Nag Kumar’s role on Exec Committee to steer innovation at WPP Media South Asia

Upali Nag Kumar brings a wealth of expertise in strategy, client leadership, and business transformation, currently serving as the Chief Strategy Officer at Wavemaker India

by e4m Desk
Published: Jul 8, 2025 2:22 PM | 2 min read

WPP is formalising its transition from GroupM to WPP Media South Asia, marking a significant strategic shift in the region. This move includes the unveiling of a new leadership architecture tailored specifically for South Asia, aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and collaboration across markets, and aligning closer with WPP’s global vision. The transformation has led to additions to the Executive Committee (ExCo) and formation of a WPP Media Leadership Council (WLC).

Among the leaders on the Executive Committee is Upali Nag Kumar. As the Chief Strategy Officer at Wavemaker India and Motivator, Kumar drives strategies built on consumer insights and market intelligence. Her diverse background includes leadership roles at Titan Company, Starcom MediaVest, Times Television, UTV, and Lowe Lintas.

Upali is a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience working in the media and communications industry in the areas of consulting, strategy, data, business analytics and media. During her career, she has worked with large media organisations, publishers, technology companies and have spent a part of her career in the realm of consulting.

With a career built on steering high-impact strategic direction, Upali plays a key role in ensuring that clients' marketing investments deliver both efficiency and long-term growth, anchored in data, insights, and measurable outcomes.

At Wavemaker, Upali leads strategic thinking for a diverse portfolio of brands, blending innovative communication frameworks with rigorous consumer insights. Her focus remains on unlocking value for businesses by aligning strategies with market needs and driving measurable business impact across categories.

Upali also extends her expertise to academic circles as a member of the Academic Advisory Board at MICA, contributing her industry knowledge to shape future talent. A MICA alumna, she also serves on the institute’s Academic Advisory Board, shaping future leaders in marketing and strategy.