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Rupal Gadhia

Head of Admissions and Financial Aid at Harvard Business School; Global SVP of Marketing

Rupal Gadhia is the Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Harvard Business School (HBS). Here are some key details about her:

Background and Education

  • Gadhia is an alumna of Harvard Business School, having graduated with an MBA in 2004.12
  • She was born to Indian parents who left Uganda as refugees and settled in Rochester, NY.2

Professional Experience

  • Prior to her current role at HBS, Gadhia had a long career in marketing and branding.2
  • Her post-HBS career began in brand management with Sara Lee and Campbell Soup Company.14
  • She later worked as a management consultant at Booz & Co. (now part of PwC).34
  • Gadhia held leadership positions at brand consulting firms like Brand Union and Interbrand.14
  • She served as Global Vice President of Brand and Digital Marketing at Genpact.4
  • Her most recent role before joining HBS was Senior Vice President and Global Head of Marketing for SharkNinja's robots and home environment categories.24

Current Role at Harvard Business School

  • Gadhia assumed the role of Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at HBS in October 2023.14
  • In this position, she oversees the MBA admissions process and works to increase access and affordability for applicants from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.14
  • She was chosen after a national search conducted by executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.2

Personal

  • Gadhia is 44 years old (as of 2023).2
  • She is the first person of Indian descent to hold the top admissions job at Harvard Business School.2

Gadhia's appointment to this role marks a significant milestone for HBS, given her diverse background and extensive experience in marketing and brand strategy.

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
Harvard Business School Names A New MBA Admissions Chief
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
Harvard Business School Names Rupal Gadhia New Head of MBA ...
Harvard Business School Names Rupal Gadhia New Head of MBA ...
Sep 5 · clearadmit.com
Meet the New HBS Managing Director of MBA Admissions and ...

Related Questions

What are Rupal Gadhia's main goals for her tenure at Harvard Business School?
How did Rupal Gadhia's background in marketing prepare her for her new role?
What challenges does Rupal Gadhia anticipate in her new position?
How does Rupal Gadhia plan to increase diversity in the MBA program?
What strategies will Rupal Gadhia use to make the MBA program more affordable?
Rupal Gadhia
Rupal Gadhia, photo 1
Rupal Gadhia, photo 2
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Location

Newton Centre, Massachusetts, United States