For Navoda Kariyawasam, digital marketing is a discipline where academic rigor meets sixteen years of high-stakes industry practice. As a seasoned strategist and educator, Navoda has spent over a decade and a half managing complex digital campaigns for major corporates across multiple industries. She currently balances a multifaceted career as the Manager of Digital Marketing for Cenmetrix and Cemex HRM, while simultaneously shaping the next generation of talent as a Senior Lecturer at UCL and a trainer for APIDM. Currently reading for her PhD, Navoda is a scholar-practitioner who brings a unique, research-backed depth to the fast-moving digital landscape.
Navoda’s career reflects a deep expertise in both the execution and the leadership of digital strategy. In her role at Cenmetrix and Cemex HRM (2017–Present), she manages the full digital ecosystem, from SEO and PPC to advanced web analytics and content marketing. Her leadership experience includes a pivotal tenure as Manager of Digital Marketing at Dilmah Tea (2015–2016), where she developed integrated multi-channel campaigns and managed global brand consistency across international markets. Transitioning into higher education, she served as the Programme Leader for the MSc in Digital Marketing Communications at UCL Sri Lanka (2023–2025), overseeing academic quality and curriculum delivery for UK-affiliated postgraduate programs.
Navoda is recognized as a leading voice in digital marketing education in Sri Lanka. As a Programme Leader, she has mentored dozens of MSc dissertation students and undergraduate project groups, bridging the gap between university theory and industry expectations. Her ability to manage digital transformation for established brands like Dilmah and Cenmetrix has solidified her reputation as a strategist who understands how to drive customer acquisition and retention through data-led, integrated brand experiences.
Navoda’s academic foundation is exceptionally strong, holding a BA (Hons) in Economics and an MBA from the University of Colombo. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM, UK) and is an APIDM Certified Trainer. Currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Colombo, her research-oriented mindset ensures that her teaching and strategies are always grounded in the latest global marketing trends and consumer behavior insights.
"Having spent over a decade and a half in the digital marketing industry, I find deep satisfaction in helping learners move beyond textbook concepts to understand how strategies, tools and decisions work in real organisational contexts."
One of the most rewarding experiences is when a student feels grateful for the knowledge shared. What drives me as a trainer is the belief that digital marketing education should empower individuals, not only with technical skills but also with confidence and critical thinking abilities. I am motivated by the responsibility of preparing students and professionals to navigate constant change, emerging technologies, and industry expectations with competence and resilience. This drive is further strengthened by my commitment to lifelong learning, as I continuously update my own knowledge through industry practice and academic research.
My approach to teaching focuses on creating an engaging, inclusive and supportive learning environment where learners feel encouraged to ask questions, involve in activities, and share knowledge. Learning from the students and understanding the student expectation is one part of the whole teaching journey too. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire learners to see themselves as capable professionals who can add value to organisations, contribute meaningfully and continue learning long after the classroom experience ends.
Navoda’s approach to marketing is defined by a commitment to lifelong learning and inclusivity. She believes that the teaching journey is a two-way street, where understanding student expectations is as vital as delivering the curriculum. Her goal is to create a supportive environment where learners are encouraged to challenge assumptions and see themselves as capable professionals who add real value to their organizations. Beyond the world of data and doctoral research, Navoda finds her creative balance in the delicate art of candle making, a testament to her belief in the importance of patience, precision, and personal passion in every endeavor.