Indian American brand strategist Ram Kapoor has been named associate vice president (AVP) for marketing and brand strategy as part of the University Communications and Marketing (UCM) team at Carnegie Mellon University. Kapoor will officially join CMU on March 2.
A native of India, Kapoor holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management and a bachelor of technology degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology. His work has been recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Cannes Lions, New York Fests and London International Awards.
Kapoor comes to CMU after more than a decade as the chief marketing officer within the University of California system, including 10 years at its flagship Berkeley campus and two years at the system office overseeing 10 campuses, six medical centers, and three national laboratories, according to a university release.
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During his tenure, he led the research, development and launch of UC Berkeley’s first comprehensive institutional branding effort, establishing a unified brand architecture and partnership model serving schools, colleges and units across the university. He also directed several high-profile marketing campaigns and built a successful in-house agency model providing design, digital and advertising services at scale.
“In an era defined by intense competition and rapid digital transformation, the demand for sophisticated marketing leadership in higher education is critical. Ram joins CMU with a unique dual perspective: over a decade of strategic experience within the University of California system, paired with a proven track record of steering iconic global brands at world-class agencies,” said Tysen Kendig, vice president for University Communications and Marketing.
“This background, combined with his demonstrated success in providing in-house creative solutions to myriad needs throughout a complex university environment, makes him ideally suited to harmonize our branding efforts into the future.”
Kapoor will lead CMU’s marketing efforts by driving vision, strategy and execution toward a clear set of goals. The AVP is charged with spearheading brand campaigns, cross-university messaging programs, and current and future strategic initiatives for increased regional, national and global awareness and reputation of CMU.
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As AVP for marketing and brand strategy, Kapoor will partner closely with the AVP for strategic communications to create, guide and measure fully integrated marketing communications strategies and campaigns.
“Carnegie Mellon has an impressive legacy of innovation and a unique brand heritage. Equally important, the institution is engaging urgently with the issues of the day,” Kapoor said. “This is an opportune moment for the university to enhance its visibility, cement its global stature, and create a cohesive and resonant CMU brand. I am honored to lead the marketing and branding efforts for this iconic institution.”
UCM at Carnegie Mellon leads and coordinates strategic communications and marketing, raising the institution’s global visibility and deepening its reputation as one of the world’s great universities, according to the release.
It tells the university’s stories through its rich array of tools and platforms and provides leadership, partnership and coordination for communications and marketing staff across campus, collaborating with other offices, colleges, schools and departments.