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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

Jun 26 · clearadmit.com
Admissions Director Q&A: Rupal Gadhia of Harvard Business School
Admissions Director Q&A: Rupal Gadhia of Harvard Business School
Sep 19 · news.harvard.edu
Rupal Gadhia to head MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at HBS
Rupal Gadhia to head MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at HBS
Sep 19 · Harvard Gazette
Rupal Gadhia to head MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at HBS - Harvard Gazette
Rupal Gadhia to head MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at HBS - Harvard Gazette
Sep 5 · clearadmit.com
Meet the New HBS Managing Director of MBA Admissions and ...
Meet the New HBS Managing Director of MBA Admissions and ...
Harvard Business School Names A New MBA Admissions Chief
Sep 5 · hbs.edu
Q&A With New Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial ...
Sep 5 · hbs.edu
HBS Names Rupal Gadhia New Head of MBA Admissions and ...
HBS Names Rupal Gadhia New Head of MBA Admissions and ...

Related Questions

What are Rupal Gadhia's main goals for MBA admissions at Harvard Business School?
How did Rupal Gadhia's previous roles prepare her for her current position?
What strategies will Rupal Gadhia implement to increase access and affordability for HBS students?
How has Rupal Gadhia's career evolved since her MBA at Harvard Business School?
What challenges does Rupal Gadhia anticipate in her new role?
Rupal Gadhia
Rupal Gadhia, photo 1
Rupal Gadhia, photo 2
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Location

Newton Centre, Massachusetts, United States