Amith Vasantha Kumar

Global Education Strategist | Higher Ed Partnerships | Market & Business Development Expert | Country P&L Leader | Student Mobility/Empowerment Believer | Data-Driven Decision Maker | Lifelong Learner | Enjoy Challenges

United Arab Emirates

About

I love communicating - the reason why I do what I do. I enjoy talking about higher education and science as well as speaking to people on their career goals, study abroad ambitions and supporting future generations to make the right decisions in terms of education as well as careers. Over 16 years of work experience working across various functions namely strategic management, business development, marketing, client partnerships and relationship management, and events management. In the last few years, I have also had the opportunity to learn and grow as a leader to drive the business forward. Born in Tanzania, raised in Kenya, educated in Kenya, India, Australia, plied my trade in Australia, India and currently in Dubai, UAE. For my articles on education, check out my blog: http://avkbuddy.blogspot.com or my LinkedIn posts. I am also a watch-enthusiast and occasionally write reviews on different watches: www.avkwatches.com and https://thecorneaimpression.com/category/watches

Experience

  • IDP Education Ltd (Full-time · 7 yrs 7 mos)
    • Associate Head (NA - MEA), Lead - Licensee Markets (IR, JO, LB)
      Jul 2025 - Oct 2025 · 4 mos

      1) Heading Destination North America for Middle East, Africa, CIS, and Pakistan 2) Country Leader for Lebanon, Iran and Jordan offices - Focus on Growth, P&L and Strategic Development

    • Regional Senior Destination Manager (Canada & USA) - MEA
      Jul 2022 - Jun 2025 · 3 yrs

      1) Destination Driver (CA/US) across Middle East, CIS, Pakistan, and Africa 2) Responsible for Destination Strategic Management, Client Relations, Business Development, Marketing Strategy, and Events Management - Middle East & Africa 3) Additional Responsibility: Country Management - Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon

    • Destination Manager (Canada & US) - MEA
      Oct 2021 - Jul 2022 · 10 mos

  • In Country Representative (South-Asia) at University of Adelaide
    Jan 2016 - Mar 2018 · 2 yrs 3 mos

  • The University of Melbourne (1 yr 9 mos)
    • Country Officer (India)
      Jun 2015 - Jan 2016 · 8 mos

      Assisting in implementation of Indian International Engagement Plan - involves developing, building and maintaining a strong in-country presence for the university. Activities include: - University profiling - Student recruitment - Promoting undergraduate studies - Alumni support - Stakeholder relationship development: Agents, Australian High Commission, other embassies, universities, and companies. - Provided recruitment assistance to the other regional offices whenever required.

    • Country Officer (India)
      May 2014 - Jun 2015 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Assisting in implementation of Indian International Engagement Plan - involves developing, building and maintaining a strong in-country presence for the university. Activities include: - University profiling - Student recruitment - Alumni support - Stakeholder relationship development

  • India Engagement Officer at Australia India Institute Delhi
    Jun 2015 - Jan 2016 · 8 mos

  • Counsellor (Australia and New Zealand) at "The Chopras"
    Aug 2013 - May 2014 · 10 mos

    Counsel students on courses and universities. Assist the students on their university and visa applications. Assist with marketing of the universities at various fairs. Organizing and managing education fairs. Tele-calling current and new students to follow up on their status. Interacting with universities about student applications, offers, and courses.