Urmila Venugopalan's experience in streamlining MPA's global operations in the public and private sectors equips her to drive the organization's advocacy and strategic initiatives.

Indian-origin executive Urmila Venugopalan has been appointed the new President and Managing Director of the Motion Picture Association (MPA) for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, effective January 31, 2025. This role marks a significant career milestone for Venugopalan, who succeeded Belinda Lui after her five-year tenure leading MPA's regional operations.

Before entering her new role, Venugopalan served as the executive vice president of strategy and global operations at MPA. She played an instrumental part in aligning MPA's U.S. and international teams.

Venugopalan was also key in streamlining global operations and enhancing coordination between the legal, policy, and advocacy functions. Her leadership was integral to MPA's efforts to adapt to a rapidly changing global entertainment landscape, especially as the digital transformation of the media and film industries continued to grow.

Venugopalan's transition into the MPA comes after an impressive career in foreign policy, economic affairs, and international business. Before joining MPA in 2017, she served as a senior advisor and member of the Policy Planning Staff in the U.S. Department of State under the Obama Administration. She led efforts to strengthen U.S. economic and business affairs, particularly focusing on regional trade, investment, and development priorities. Her work involved enhancing bilateral relations and navigating the complexities of global economic dynamics. This foundation would prove invaluable in her leadership at MPA, especially in a region as multifaceted as APAC.

Before her tenure in the U.S. government, Venugopalan had substantial experience in private-sector consulting. She was a senior consultant at the Albright Stonebridge Group, advising multinational companies and international foundations on navigating political and regulatory environments in growth markets, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA). Her experience in consulting also included her work at IHS Jane's, where she worked as a senior associate and consultant, further honing her expertise in global affairs and strategic analysis.

Venugopalan's academic credentials complement her extensive professional background. She earned her Bachelor's degree from McGill University in Canada and her Master's degree at the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE). These academic achievements reflect her strong foundation in economics, political science, and international relations, which have shaped her approach to global business and policy.

Venugopalan's extensive experience in the public and private sectors and her leadership in streamlining MPA's global operations make her uniquely positioned to lead the organization's advocacy and strategic initiatives. Her visionary leadership ensures that MPA continues supporting the APAC region's creative industries, protecting intellectual property, and promoting innovation in an increasingly digital world.