After two transformative years leading DIA Brands, Sutapa has stepped down from her role as Managing Director, marking the end of a significant chapter in Malaysian brand consulting.
Under her leadership, DIA Brands entered a new phase of growth, blending strategic brand thinking with cultural intelligence. Her departure comes after a career spanning over 25 years across marketing, communications, and brand consultancy, one that has left an undeniable mark on Malaysia’s brand landscape.
When Sutapa took the helm at DIA Brands in 2022, she brought with her deep expertise from her years as Head of Strategy and Brand Consulting at Leo Burnett Malaysia, and later as General Manager, Strategic Communications at Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
It was this strategic acumen that made her a perfect fit for DIA Brands, a consultancy known for its disciplined yet creative approach to brand transformation. Sutapa’s impact at DIA was both cultural and commercial. She championed data-backed storytelling and creative bravery, encouraging teams to balance business insight with human emotion.
Legacy of Leadership and Accolades
A decorated industry leader, Sutapa has consistently been recognized among Malaysia’s top marketers.
She clinched the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the Year title at the Malaysian CMO Awards 2021 and has been featured multiple times in MARKETING Magazine’s CMO Coffee Table Book, which celebrates leaders shaping the region’s marketing future.
Known for her mentorship and commitment to developing young marketing talent, Sutapa has also been a frequent speaker at industry forums, including the Malaysia Media Conference and CMO Roundtables, where she shared insights on brand strategy, leadership and sustainable growth.
Before DIA, Sutapa’s years at Leo Burnett Malaysia were pivotal. She spent more than a decade shaping brand strategy for leading FMCG and corporate clients, building a reputation for blending insight-driven strategy with impactful storytelling.
Her move to the client side at TNB showcased her ability to translate brand thinking into business transformation. At TNB, she helped elevate the utility giant’s global brand ranking from 24th to 16th, increasing brand value by over 70%, and leading purpose-driven campaigns that repositioned the company for the digital era.
Sutapa’s leadership has consistently reflected three core principles: clarity of purpose, empathy for audiences, and belief in creativity as a business tool. Her departure from DIA Brands leaves a legacy of both strong results and a culture that values curiosity, collaboration, and courage.
As one of Malaysia’s most awarded marketers, her career stands as a blueprint for future leaders who want to combine strategic rigour with creative intuition.
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