DAVINDER KUMAR | HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS
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Davinder is a strategic communications leader with nearly two decades of experience in media, human rights, international development, and international higher education.
As Head of Communications at Shift, Davinder leads the development and implementation of the organization’s global communications strategy. His focus is on strengthening Shift’s voice, visibility, and influence with key stakeholders, including governments, international institutions, businesses, civil society, and financial institutions, to advance implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Davinder brings a strong track record shaping narratives, building influence, and aligning communications with mission and impact across diverse sectors and geographies. He has worked extensively at the intersection of policy, systems change, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, with communications expertise spanning media relations, digital strategy, multi-channel campaigns, brand development, and reputation management. Prior to joining Shift, Davinder was Vice President of Corporate & Public Relations at INTO University Partnerships, a global education services provider, where he built a global PR function, elevated INTO’s brand in key markets, secured unprecedented media profile, led strategic communications for university partners, and oversaw the digital transformation of communications channels.
Previously, Davinder spent a decade at Plan International — one of the world’s largest child rights and humanitarian organizations — where he held various senior roles including Head of Global Media and Public Relations. He supported external engagement across 80+ countries and contributed to global advocacy campaigns on child rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
Originally trained as a journalist, Davinder has been published by The Guardian, CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera, and was a finalist for the Guardian International Development Journalism Award. He is a Chevening Human Rights Scholar, holds an MA in Human Rights from the University of Essex, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Throughout his career, Davinder has used communications and advocacy to help organizations navigate complexity, build alliances, and stay grounded in values of dignity, justice, and accountability.
