Kumar
Kanagasabapathy
Kumar Kanagasapathy is a full-stack strategist built for what’s next, where technology, culture, and data collide. He’s spent over 20 years shaping brands and strategies that move markets. Born in India, shaped in the US, and now based in Singapore, he brings a rare blend of cultural fluency and commercial sharpness. He’s equally comfortable decoding APAC nuance as he is driving global strategy. His superpower lies in uncovering insights at the intersection of technology, culture, and data, turning them into brand ideas that drive both human connection and business growth.
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As Global CSO for IPG Mediabrands' Amazon account, Kumar set the strategic vision for one of the world’s largest advertisers—guiding a team of 1,400 and driving scaled impact across markets. Now as APAC CSO for IPG Mediabrands, he leads strategy across 14 countries, elevating the craft across Initiative and Universal McCann where he brings strategic clarity and creative precision to the front lines of business transformation. A champion of diverse talent and future-forward thinking, he regularly mentors emerging leaders and serves as a juror for global awards including the Effies, Jay Chiat, and Festival of Media.
Brand and Business Strategy
Data-Driven Decisioning Integrated Marketing
Content Strategy Cultural Intelligence
Stakeholder Management Thought Leadership
​Cross-Regional Leadership AI-Enabled Solutions
Transformation Enablement
I shape what’s next by turning fragmented signals into strategic systems that drive clarity, traction, and growth.
What I believe...
Modern strategist aren't just thinkers. They build. They translate complexity into clarity and insights into action. Strategy today is about creating momentum by shaping new solutions, new systems, and new ways to grow that keep pace with culture and technology.
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I believe strategy must do more than inform. It should provoke, reframe, and accelerate. It starts with messy data but lands in real human behavior. It favors experimentation over convention. And it connects creativity, intelligence, and business impact with empathy at the core.
Experience working with large portfolio clients.
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Awards
The work I've contributed to has won over 100 awards globally. I've also had the honor of serving as a juror for several prestigious industry awards.
Personal Pursuits.
I actively seek opportunities to step outside my comfort zone, believing that personal growth comes from embracing new experiences. Every year, I find myself picking up a few new hobbies. Currently, I’m obsessed with permaculture and making wood-fired pizzas. Nature and travel remain my constant sources of inspiration and joy.
