Marian Cooray

Before starting her PhD at UNSW Business school, Marian had more than a decade of industry experience as a Vice President at the largest conglomerate in Sri Lanka. She held the positions of Chief Bancassurance Officer, Vice President of Finance, and Head of Digital Sales in the insurance, hotels and resorts, travel, and tourism industries. Marian is also a champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and has pioneered several initiatives to empower women. She has received several awards, including the Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana Award for Women Professionals, the Young Executive of The Year award at the 7th Asia Trusted Life Agents and Advisers Awards, the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Award, and the Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund (Sylff) award.  

Marian's research interests lie in the role of digital technology in addressing climate change, with a special focus on developing countries. Additionally, she is passionate about making digital solutions inclusive of minority groups.

Marian has a multi-disciplinary background, being a member of CPA Australia and a Chartered Accountant. The individual holds a Master's degree in Pre-Doctoral Business Studies from the University of New South Wales- School of Management and Governance, a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Colombo, and a Bachelor's degree in Business Economics from the University of Colombo. Additionally, she has experience as a visiting lecturer for professional qualifications and an MBA program affiliated with Staffordshire University, UK.