Starting this October, Rupal Gadhia (HBS MBA ’04) will assume the role of Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Harvard Business School.
At the helm of HBS MBA admissions, Gadhia will be shaping future classes and continuing the mission to increase access to the program and its affordability, removing financial barriers for applicants and students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
“Business, and business leaders, are integral to solving the world’s most pressing issues, including significant global macroeconomic, social, and political challenges” said Jana Pompadur Kierstead, executive director of the MBA program in the school’s announcement. “Through her work, Rupal can ensure that our MBA program is accessible to all and grow the pipeline of leaders who will one day make a difference in the world.”
Gadhia returns to HBS with extensive extensive marketing, consulting and management experience. Her post-HBS career began in brand management with Sara Lee and Campbell Soup Company in 2004, followed by a move to Booz & Co as a management consultant. She then joined the Brand Union, managing North American strategy and research for consumer and corporate clients and was recruited to Interbrand to lead the relationship for two of their largest clients.
In 2017 she was recruited to Genpact as global vice president of brand and digital marketing and helped guide the company through a brand transformation, leading a global team. In her most recent role, Gadhia was senior vice president and global head of marketing for SharkNinja’s robots and home environment categories.
“Returning to HBS in this role is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Gadhia. “The School had such a profound impact on my life and career that leading the admissions effort was the unquestioned next step for me.”
The school conducted a thorough search for the position, managed by Heidrick & Struggles. Gadhia succeeds Chad Losee (HBS MBA ’13), who had headed the office from 2016 to the end of 2022.
See the school’s full announcement here. Learn more about Gadhia here.
