ASHWIN KUMAR RETURNS TO NIKE AS BRAND LEAD FOR INDIA

Ashwin Kumar has rejoined Nike as Brand Lead for India, overseeing brand strategy and campaigns for the market. He announced the move on LinkedIn, reflecting on his decade-long earlier stint with Nike. Kumar’s career spans leadership roles at 82°E, Novelship, and MSLGroup, alongside recent consultancy work in strategic marketing.

Ashwin Kumar has rejoined Nike as Brand Lead for India, marking a significant homecoming to the sportswear giant where he previously spent a decade shaping communications across Asia. In his new role, Kumar will oversee brand strategy, marketing initiatives, and integrated campaigns tailored to the Indian market.  

Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Kumar reflected on his long association with Nike and expressed enthusiasm about beginning a new chapter with the brand in India. His career has spanned diverse leadership roles, most recently as a Strategic Marketing and Brand Consultant since January 2025. Prior to that, he served as Vice President – Brand, PR and Influencer Marketing at 82°E between February 2023 and November 2024, and earlier as Communications Manager APAC at Novelship, where he focused on rebranding and stakeholder engagement.  

Kumar’s earlier tenure at Nike, from August 2012 to March 2022, saw him take on multiple communications roles across Southeast Asia and India, contributing to regional campaigns, influencer marketing, digital communications, and global events. He began his career at MSLGroup as an Account Executive, working across sectors including sports, telecom, retail, health, and entertainment.  

His return to Nike signals both continuity and renewed ambition for the brand’s presence in India, as he brings back deep institutional knowledge alongside fresh experience from his consultancy and leadership roles.