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Nikhil Kolar

Operator

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 Jun 11, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated Jun 15, 2026

Role
Product Manager
Company
Based
Seattle, Washington, United States
Connections
3
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

  • Senior Product Manager

    Microsoft Advertising · prior to Microsoft AI

  • Product Manager

    Microsoft · earlier tenure

Expertise & education

Expertise

Programmatic AdvertisingArtificial Intelligence in AdTechMachine LearningAd Targeting and OptimizationData PlatformsAudience IntelligenceProduct ManagementDigital Advertising

Speaking topics

AI in AdvertisingMachine Learning for Ad OptimizationProduct Management in AdTech

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
Connection details