IIHE appoints Shehan Kumar as Chief Executive Officer

The Imperial Institute of Higher Education (IIHE), one of Sri Lanka’s established private higher education institutions with three decades of academic excellence, has announced the appointment of Shehan Kumar as its new Chief Executive Officer.

A recipient of the Outstanding Young Persons of Sri Lanka (TOYP) award, Kumar brings over 25 years of global corporate experience spanning the information technology, technology services and education sectors. He has built a career around brand development, business growth, organisational transformation and leadership, contributing to the success of several multinational and local organisations.

Kumar’s professional journey includes leadership roles at prominent organisations such as EY Global Delivery Services, Pearson Lanka, 99X, Seylan Bank and Softcodeit Solutions. His experience combines strategic business leadership with expertise in marketing, communications, customer experience and building high-performing teams.

He holds an MSc in Strategic Marketing and is a fully qualified marketer from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK.

His broader leadership experience includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS), and Deputy General Manager of the European Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka. Prior to joining IIHE, Kumar served briefly as Chief Operating Officer of NEXT Campus.

Founded in 1996, IIHE has established itself as a private tertiary education provider in Sri Lanka, offering programmes ranging from foundation and undergraduate qualifications to postgraduate and doctoral studies, alongside professional and corporate training. With its focus on accessible, internationally recognised education, the institution is well positioned to pursue further growth in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

Commenting on his appointment, Kumar said: “I am honoured to lead IIHE towards a new chapter of growth and establish it as a leading name in higher education, both in Sri Lanka and beyond. I want us to challenge conventions, embrace new opportunities and build a culture where innovation and excellence thrive. Most importantly, I want IIHE to be a place where we don’t just award qualifications, but transform lives, unlock potential and empower the next generation to shape the future.”

Kumar’s appointment is expected to support IIHE’s continued development, with a focus on strengthening its market positioning, expanding its programme portfolio, deepening industry engagement and enhancing the overall student experience.

Beyond his corporate career, Kumar is widely known as Sri Lanka’s most active Quiz Master, as well as a Corporate Trainer, Speaker and Visiting Lecturer. He has conducted training programmes for leading corporates and educational institutions across Sri Lanka, covering leadership, personal branding, executive presence, communication and career development.

He also serves on the Board of Governors of Wesley College, his alma mater, and as Vice President of its Parents-Teachers Association, reflecting his continued commitment to education and youth development.

His appointment marks a new chapter in a career that brings together business leadership, brand building and professional development, with a renewed focus on shaping the future of higher education in Sri Lanka.