Deepika Naidu

Feature article written by Xinwe Liu (11/21/23)

RAPSIG would like to welcome back Deepika Naidu as VP of Programming.

Dr. Deepika Naidu is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Nevada, Reno. She was drawn to the marketing field during her undergraduate studies due to a fascination with international marketing. Intrigued by the dynamics of American companies like McDonald’s and KFC adapting their strategies in Indian markets, she cultivated a deep interest in understanding how cultural nuances influence marketing decisions and developed a curiosity for the dynamics of global marketing.

Over the years, Dr. Naidu has evolved her interest in consumer behavior and retailing and developed a passion for the subtleties of shelf placement and store displays. Drawing from her experience at General Mills, where she contributed to optimizing shelf placements for new products and crafting compelling endcaps and pop-up displays, she finds the behind-the-scenes efforts that retailers and manufacturers invest can greatly influence consumer choices. Additionally, Dr. Naidu believes that there is substantial untapped potential in studying how consumers respond to various types of mannequin displays, especially with the diverse sizes.

Her best advice for PhD students is…”Pay attention to surprising observations in the marketplace, as these often lead to compelling research opportunities”

Her advice to Ph.D. students emphasizes paying attention to surprising observations in the marketplace, as these often lead to compelling research opportunities. Her accomplishments include the recent publication of the first essay of her dissertation in a special issue of the Journal of Advertising. She finds joy in celebrating accomplishments by either indulging in a happy hour at a local restaurant or exploring new hiking trails. Her diverse set of non-academic interests includes hiking, crocheting, and avidly watching NBA games.