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Rupal Gadhia
Head of Admissions and Financial Aid at Harvard Business School; Global SVP of Marketing
Rupal Gadhia is the new Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Harvard Business School, assuming the role in October 2023.12 Here are key details about her background and appointment:
Professional Experience
Gadhia is a Harvard Business School alumna, having graduated with an MBA in 2004.1 Her career has spanned various industries and roles:
- Marketing Leadership: Most recently, she served as SVP Global Head of Marketing for Robots at SharkNinja.3
- Brand Strategy: She held leadership positions at Interbrand and The Brand Union, focusing on brand and corporate strategy.3
- Management Consulting: Gadhia worked as a Lead Associate at Booz & Company.3
- Brand Management: Her post-MBA career began in brand management roles at Sara Lee and Campbell Soup Company.2
Appointment to HBS
Harvard Business School conducted a thorough search for this position, managed by Heidrick & Struggles.1 Gadhia succeeds Chad Losee, who led the office from 2016 to 2022.1
Role and Responsibilities
As Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid, Gadhia will:
- Oversee the admissions process to build high-quality MBA classes2
- Partner with various stakeholders including students, alumni, faculty, and administrators2
- Focus on increasing access and affordability of the MBA program1
- Work to remove financial barriers for applicants from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds2
Personal Background
Gadhia was born to Indian parents who left Uganda as refugees and settled in Rochester, NY.4 This diverse background likely contributes to her perspective on inclusivity and accessibility in education.
Approach to the Role
Gadhia expressed enthusiasm for her new position, stating, "Returning to HBS in this role is the opportunity of a lifetime. The School had such a profound impact on my life and career that leading the admissions effort was the unquestioned next step for me."1
Her appointment comes at a time when Harvard Business School is emphasizing the importance of developing leaders who can address global challenges.5
Highlights
