For Navoda Kariyawasam, digital marketing is a discipline where academic rigor meets sixteen years of industry practice. As a seasoned strategist and educator currently reading for her PhD at the University of Colombo, Navoda brings a unique, research-backed depth to the fast-moving digital landscape. She currently balances a multifaceted career as a Senior Lecturer at UCL and a trainer for APIDM, while maintaining her industry edge as the Manager of Digital Marketing for Cenmetrix and Cemex HRM. This dual role as a scholar-practitioner allows her to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and the practical demands of commercial execution.
Navoda’s career reflects deep expertise in both the leadership and execution of complex digital strategies. In her current capacity at Cenmetrix and Cemex HRM (2017–Present), she manages the full digital ecosystem, overseeing SEO, PPC, and advanced web analytics to drive organizational growth. Her leadership experience is anchored by 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 senior academic leadership, she served as the Programme Leader for the MSc in Digital Marketing Communications at UCL Sri Lanka (2023–2025), a program awarded by the University of Lancashire, UK, where she was responsible for academic quality and the mentorship of postgraduate research students.
Navoda is recognized as a leading voice in digital marketing education, having successfully bridged the gap between university theory and industry expectations. Her impact is highlighted by her mentorship of dozens of MSc dissertation students and undergraduate project groups, preparing them for high-level careers in marketing. Her ability to manage large-scale digital transformations for established global brands like Dilmah has solidified her reputation as a strategist who excels at driving customer acquisition through data-led, integrated brand experiences. Beyond her corporate successes, she has been instrumental in raising the standard of digital maturity in the region through her role as an APIDM Certified Trainer and her contributions to high-level academic curriculum development.
Navoda’s academic foundation is exceptionally robust, 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), having earned her Professional Postgraduate Diploma in 2009. Currently pursuing her PhD at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, her research-oriented mindset ensures that her teaching and commercial strategies are always grounded in the latest global trends in consumer behavior and marketing science.
"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 views the teaching journey as 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.