There is something genuinely refreshing about seeing long-term dedication rewarded in the corporate world. In an era where job-hopping every two years has become the standard for career growth, a tenure that spans nearly two decades stands out.
This week, EY India made a significant move in its leadership structure by promoting Sunaina Uppal to the position of India Director – Brand, Marketing & Communications (BMC). For those who follow the marketing movements within the Big 4 professional services firms, this appointment signals a vote of confidence in stability and deep institutional knowledge.
Sunaina isn’t a new face at the firm. She has been associated with EY since 2006, a timeline that suggests she has seen the company navigate through massive global economic shifts, digital transformations, and the evolving landscape of professional services in India. Before this elevation, she served as Associate Director, a role where she contributed extensively to the firm’s marketing and communications initiatives.
Taking to LinkedIn to share the update, Sunaina kept it brief but enthusiastic: “I am happy to share that I’m starting a new position as India Director – Brand, Marketing & Communications at EY!”
The Value of the “Homegrown” Leader
Why does a promotion like this matter? When a company promotes a leader who has been in the trenches for 19 years, it usually results in a seamless transition. External hires, while often bringing fresh perspectives, have to spend the first six to twelve months just understanding the culture and the unwritten rules of the organization.
Sunaina, conversely, likely knows the brand’s DNA better than anyone. Her rise from Associate Director to Director suggests a career built on consistent delivery rather than flashy, short-term wins. In a complex matrix organization like EY, having a leader who understands the history of the brand is invaluable when plotting its future.
What the Role Entails
The mandate for a Director of Brand, Marketing, and Communications in a firm like EY is no small feat. It is vastly different from marketing a consumer product. In professional services, the “product” is trust, expertise, and people.
Sunaina’s new role will likely involve steering the narrative of how EY positions itself against aggressive competitors. It requires a mix of high-level business strategy and on-the-ground tactical execution. According to industry data, she brings a robust toolkit to the table, including expertise in strategic partnerships, financial analysis, and project management.
These skills are critical because marketing in 2026 isn’t just about events or press releases; it is about data-driven storytelling. The fact that her background includes “financial analysis” and “analytical skills” is telling. It suggests a marketing approach that is accountable to the bottom line—something that partners and stakeholders in a consulting firm prioritize heavily.
Looking Ahead
Leading the brand voice for one of the world’s largest professional services networks in a market as dynamic as India requires a steady hand. The Indian market is currently a hotbed for consulting, with rapid digitization and a startup ecosystem that requires new types of advisory services.
With her extensive background in event planning and business strategy, Sunaina is well-positioned to bridge the gap between traditional corporate reputation management and the new-age digital demands of the industry.
It will be interesting to see how EY’s communication strategy evolves under her directorship in the coming quarters. For now, this serves as a great example of how patience, loyalty, and consistent performance can still lead to the top of the corporate ladder.
Congratulations to Sunaina Uppal on a well-deserved promotion.
