Niku Banaie

Niku Banaie is the CEO and Founder of The Upside®, a global strategy and innovation consultancy established in July 2013, dedicated to creating positive impacts on the world. Prior to this role, Niku was a Partner at Tapestry Mobile from November 2013 to October 2015 and served as a consultant for various clients, including adidas. Niku’s career also includes significant positions at Isobar, where contributions included Chief Innovation Officer and Managing Director of Farfar London, as well as Vice President of Strategy & Innovation. Earlier experience includes serving as Managing Partner at Naked Communications Europe from July 2003 to December 2007. Niku holds an MA (Distinction) in Design Studies from Central Saint Martins, University of The Arts London, and a BSc (Hons) in Business Administration from the University of Bath. Further professional development occurred at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, in June 2022.