UMA RUDD TAN
A dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience as a highly awarded executive creative director and co-founder of a creative agency. World-renowned keynote speaker on AI and innovation, best-selling author, and expert brand mentor.
Professional Overview
Entrepreneur
Co-founder of KVUR, a creative solutions agency launched during Covid that expanded across APAC, Middle East, and US markets.
Fractional CMO
Providing strategic marketing leadership for tech companies, startups, and FMCG brands with regional expertise.
Creative Leader
Highly awarded Executive Creative Director with experience at top agencies including Weber Shandwick, Ogilvy & Mather, and Saatchi & Saatchi.
Speaker & Author
Delivering keynotes globally on AI trends, innovation, and marketing. Published author of multiple books including "The Spotted Zebra" by Penguin Random House.
KVUR: Creative Solutions Agency
2020
Successfully launched a creative solutions agency in the heart of Covid.
2021
Appointed as brand and creative agency of record for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. Launched Johnson & Johnson Acuvue lenses in the Middle East & Russia.
2022
Partnered with Hilton Hotels APAC. Launched 'Hilton Hotel Singapore Orchard'. Awarded 'Singapore's Fastest Moving Company' by SME 100.
2023
Rolled out Hilton Hotel's World Pride activation in Sydney. 'Runner Up' at Gerety Creative Awards. Expanded KVUR to Australia. Launched the Robertson House Hotel in Singapore.
2024
Revamped KVUR's business model integrating AI. Named social media and digital agency for The Reading Specialists, Coval, KPMG & Johnson & Johnson Healthcare. Took on corporate branding for Plus500 and Pokka.
CREATIVE WORK

JJV BUBBLE POP LABORATORY CHINA - KVUR

01:14

Paper Battery V3

23:45

Railroad Ties

ACUVUE® DEFINE APAC - KVUR

LIHT ORGANICS - Make up that Makes You - KVUR

HILTON HOTEL APAC – RAINBOW FORMAL (AUSTRALIA) - KVUR

HILTON HOTELS APAC - KVUR

THE ASCOTT LIMITED - KVUR

HILTON HONORS LOYALTY PROGRAMME - APAC - KVUR

Who Sprinkled Salt On My Cake? - Weber Shandwick Korea

Industry Recognition
Uma's creative excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious industry awards including Cannes Lions, D&AD Pencils, Singapore Hall of Fame, Spikes Asia, Creative Circle Awards, Effies, Shell Environment Award, and Gerety Awards.
Fractional CMO Experience
LIVING LEGACY
Developed regional marketing strategies and integrated latest technologies
MASCARED
Designed marketing strategy for fashion boutique expanding into SEA
HATCH SRI LANKA
Developed pitch decks and marketing strategies for startups
As a Fractional CMO since 2019, Uma has collaborated with government and private investors to leverage digital avatars with generative AI to address issues such as dementia and loss of family members. She has executed comprehensive campaigns, media buys, and implemented subscription models, online stores, and CRM programs with haptic outfit try-ons to enhance customer experience. Her work with startups has focused on developing pitch decks for VC funding, creating positioning statements, and implementing marketing strategies to support growth.
Agency Leadership Journey
Saatchi & Saatchi (2008-2014)
Regional Executive Creative Director overseeing APAC campaigns for Olay, Pampers & Lifebuoy
  • Led creative transformation of Olay, turning it from a product-led brand into an emotionally resonant story for women across Asia
  • Set up regional brand guidelines for Olay, and redefined Total Effects and Regenerist into top-tier beauty icons
  • Wrote and conceptualised “First Steps” for Pampers — a regional brand ad that ranked #3 globally during the Super Bowl
  • Drove full-spectrum campaign execution across India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia
  • Crafted regional storytelling that built brand love and moved both hearts and markets
Ogilvy & Mather (2014-2018)
Global Creative Director
  • Spearheaded strategic campaigns and digital innovation for global brands across tech, beauty, and telecom sectors
  • Launched #HEROGILVY, a bold initiative championing gender equality in the creative industry — now echoed in agencies worldwide
  • Helped shape the global brand identity for Pond's, collaborating across continents — from APAC to London hothouses — on concept development and creative rollout
  • Global Creative Director for Singtel, leading award-winning campaigns and redefining the brand voice
  • Played a pivotal role in global campaigns for Dove, cracking culturally resonant ideas with universal appeal
  • Led and won regional pitches, crafting creative that cut through and converted
  • Picked up a Cannes Lion for OtterBox’s “IdiotProof” campaign — a playful but powerful win
Weber Shandwick (2018-2020)
Regional Executive Creative Director & Head of Strategy/Innovation
  • Innovated the creative landscape within a premier PR firm
  • Built a formidable team, winning new business and integrating data strategy
  • Advanced to Regional Head of Innovation, amplifying creativity across APAC
  • Picked up PR Asia award, PR Agency of the Year, Cannes Lion, One Show and PR Week Global Award for Railroad Ties and PR Week Global Awards, Sabre Awards and IPRA Golden Awards for Who Sprinkled Salt on My Cake (Dementia Awareness).
Academic Background
M.A. in Digital Media Management Innovation & Technology
Hyper Island
B.Th. (Hons)
Rhema Bible Training Centre
B.A. (Hons) Political Science / Journalism
Murdoch University
Advanced Diploma in Vocal Performance
Creative Arts School
Uma's diverse educational background combines technical expertise in digital media with humanities and creative arts, providing a unique foundation for her multifaceted career. This interdisciplinary approach enables her to bridge technology, business strategy, and creative expression in innovative ways.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
The Female Idea (2017-Present)
A vanguard initiative that elevates female creativity and leadership in the global arena.
RuddRudd Pte Ltd (2012-Present)
Creator of ReadingPANTS™, revolutionising phonics education worldwide.
KVUR (2020-Present)
Co-founder of a creative solutions agency working with global and regional MNC clients.
Brand Portfolio
Health & Wellness
  • Johnson & Johnson (Acuvue Lenses & Robotics)
  • Pfizer (Pain management, overall brand)
  • Sanofi (Vaccine & policy)
Beauty & Fashion
  • Lancôme, Shiseido, Clé de Peau
  • Pond's, L'Oreal, Olay
  • FANCL
Automobile
  • Audi, Subaru
  • Volvo, Toyota
Travel & Hospitality
  • Hilton, Kempinski, Ascott
  • Holiday Inn, IHG
  • Air New Zealand, Scoot
Logistics & ESG
  • DHL, UPS
  • World Electric Car Board
FMCG
  • Pokka, Coca Cola
  • Sprite, F&N
Financial Institutions
  • DBS, Citibank, RHB
  • Maybank, Standard Chartered, OCBC
Technology
  • Singtel
  • IBM (WATSON)
  • Microsoft, Dell
Published Works
"Hey Pastor! Your Church is Going Out of Business"
A strategic guide for religious organizations facing modern challenges.
"Who Killed Death?"
A children's book on grief and understanding loss.
10 Things Brands Could Do To Survive A Crisis
Covid Playbook for brands navigating unprecedented challenges.
"The Spotted Zebra" by Penguin Random House
A narrative that explores themes of diversity and individuality.
Speaking Engagements & Thought Leadership
AI Discourse
Actively involved in delivering keynotes and workshops globally on AI trends in the future of marketing and business.
Industry Expertise
Engaged by brands and governments across Asia and the Pacific to address women leadership, beauty & trends, education, and technology.
Professional Organizations
Influential member of the Asian Professional Speakers Singapore and Keynote Women Speakers.
Uma is recognized as a thought leader who bridges the gap between emerging technologies and practical business applications. Her speaking engagements focus on helping organizations understand and leverage AI and digital innovation to drive growth and transformation.
Board Positions & Leadership Roles
Singapore Management University
Board Member, advising on curriculum development for Marketing & AI
Global Leadership Summit APAC
Executive Committee Member, shaping leadership discourse in the Asia-Pacific region
Asian Professional Speakers Singapore
Influential member, contributing to the development of speaking professionals across Asia
Keynote Women Speakers
Esteemed speaker and member, advocating for gender inclusivity and empowering women speakers globally
National Crime Prevention Board
Board Member, contributing to strategies for crime prevention and community safety
The Digital Ethics and Sustainability Committee
Member, promoting ethical practices and sustainability in digital innovation
Personal Passions & Multilingual Proficiency
Languages
  • English
  • Bahasa Malaysia
  • Bahasa Indonesia
  • Hebrew
Interests Outside Advertising
  • Co-producer and singer in best-selling a cappella albums with Agapella
  • Consultant to tech developers, demystifying technology into business opportunities
  • Active blogger and recognised LinkedIn influencer on disruptive innovation
Contact Information
Phone
+65 91093871
Social Media
X: @umaruddchia
IG/FB: @umaruddchia
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/umaruddchia
Blog
medium.com/@uma.tan