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Urvi Kelkar
Global Sustainability & Social Impact
Professional Background
Urvi Kelkar is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of extensive experience in responsible business, philanthropy, and impact investing. She leverages her rich background to tackle pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges that our global society currently faces. Throughout her career, Urvi has honed her skills in strategy, program management, partnership building, and impact measurement while working with a diverse array of renowned organizations, including Visa Inc., AB InBev, SABMiller, Tesco, and many others.
Her portfolio spans multiple sectors such as digital payments, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and retail, while her project footprint has extended across various geographies, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This diverse international experience allows her to offer unique insights and approaches tailored to the distinct needs of various markets. Urvi's ability to fuse analytical rigor with genuine empathy and excellent interpersonal skills underscores her commitment to fostering sustainable growth in the businesses and communities she supports. Her entrepreneurial mindset drives her to innovate and adapt in an ever-evolving landscape.
Education and Achievements
Urvi's educational foundation is rooted in her Bachelor's degree in Media & Communication from the prestigious University of Mumbai. This academic background has equipped her with critical skills in communication and storytelling, essential for influencing stakeholder engagement and driving initiatives within organizations. She furthered her professional development through Leadership Development at Landmark Education, enhancing her leadership abilities and deepening her understanding of impactful team dynamics.
Throughout her career, Urvi has held various prominent roles that exhibit her competencies in sustainability and impact assessment. As the Director of Impact Assessment in the Social Impact division at Visa, she spearheads initiatives that measure and assess the societal effects of the company’s projects, ensuring alignment with ethical practices and sustainable development goals. Her former role as Global Sustainability Manager at Anheuser-Busch InBev exemplifies her capability to manage large-scale sustainability initiatives that resonate across global supply chains.
Urvi made significant strides in her capacity as Livelihoods & Economic Impact Manager at SABMiller, where she focused on enhancing economic opportunities for marginalized communities through innovative business models. As the Responsible Sourcing Manager at Tesco PLC, she developed robust frameworks for ethical sourcing that strengthened supplier partnerships while safeguarding sustainable business practices across the food supply chain. Additionally, she contributed to transformative projects during her time at Forum for the Future and Impactt Limited, where she implemented cutting-edge social innovations and drove performance improvements.
Notable Contributions
Urvi's work is heavily centered on measurable outcomes and sustainable practices. She has been instrumental in developing frameworks that not only foster corporate social responsibility but also generate real-world impact. By promoting responsible investments and innovative business strategies, Urvi has helped numerous organizations align their operations with global sustainability goals, specifically the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Her unique capability to balance analytical skills with heartfelt empathy allows her to connect with diverse stakeholders, fostering collaborative partnerships that yield substantial benefits for both businesses and the communities they serve. Urvi’s passion for responsible business practices has positioned her as an influential leader in the field. Many of her initiatives have garnered recognition, underscoring her commitment to promoting social responsibility and advancing equity in various sectors.
Achievements
- Impact-driven Leadership: Urvi has a proven track record of steering impactful programs that positively influence communities.
- Global Experience: Her extensive international experience equips her to devise context-specific solutions tailored for diverse markets.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Urvi is known for her exceptional ability to foster partnerships that bridge gaps between corporations and communities.
- Innovative Frameworks: She has played a pivotal role in creating frameworks that promote sustainable sourcing and ethical investment.
- Recognition & Influence: Her contributions have been recognized across various platforms, establishing her as a key thought leader in responsible business practices.
