Nikhil Kolar
Nikhil Kolar is a product and technology leader working at Microsoft AI, where he focuses on applying artificial intelligence to advertising and media solutions. His work sits at the convergence of machine learning, programmatic advertising, and large-scale data systems, contributing to Microsoft's broader AI-driven advertising ecosystem that spans properties including Microsoft Advertising and related platforms. Kolar has built his career across product management and engineering roles with a consistent focus on AdTech, data platforms, and AI-powered products. His background reflects a trajectory through the evolving landscape of digital advertising, from programmatic infrastructure to the application of generative AI and machine learning in ad targeting, measurement, and optimization. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Kolar is recognized as a technically grounded product leader who bridges engineering depth with go-to-market thinking. His work at Microsoft AI positions him at the forefront of how large-scale AI models are reshaping advertising technology, audience intelligence, and publisher monetization.
Last updated Sep 27, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team
AI-drafted from public sources5 sources cited
- Years in industry
- 15 years
Bio
Nikhil Kolar is a product and technology leader working at Microsoft AI, where he focuses on applying artificial intelligence to advertising and media solutions. His work sits at the convergence of machine learning, programmatic advertising, and large-scale data systems, contributing to Microsoft's broader AI-driven advertising ecosystem that spans properties including Microsoft Advertising and related platforms. Kolar has built his career across product management and engineering roles with a consistent focus on AdTech, data platforms, and AI-powered products. His background reflects a trajectory through the evolving landscape of digital advertising, from programmatic infrastructure to the application of generative AI and machine learning in ad targeting, measurement, and optimization. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Kolar is recognized as a technically grounded product leader who bridges engineering depth with go-to-market thinking. His work at Microsoft AI positions him at the forefront of how large-scale AI models are reshaping advertising technology, audience intelligence, and publisher monetization.
Career
Vice President, Product Management – AI Growth Platforms
Roles with a cited source. All linked roles are in the Roles tab.
Expertise & education
Expertise
Speaking topics
Recognition
Notable achievements
- Product leadership at Microsoft AI contributing to AI-powered advertising solutions
- Career spanning the evolution of digital advertising from programmatic to AI-driven systems