New Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Rupal Gadhia: Insights into My MBA Career

Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Harvard Business School (HBS) has announced the appointment of Rupal Gadhia as the new managing director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid. As an HBS alumna herself, Gadhia brings her extensive expertise in strategic marketing efforts to her new role.

Having graduated from HBS in 2004, Gadhia fondly reminisces about her time as a student, including the Tuesday night dinners with her section mates. Originally from Rochester, NY, she shares her background and upbringing, highlighting her journey from being an engineer to transitioning into marketing and brand management roles at prominent companies such as Sara Lee and the Campbell Soup Company.

Gadhia’s professional experience also includes stints in management consulting at Booz & Company, as well as brand consulting at the Brand Union and Interbrand. Most recently, she led marketing efforts at Genpact, a B2B company focused on digital transformation, and at SharkNinja, where she spearheaded the marketing strategy for their robotics and home environment products.

Despite her impressive marketing background, Gadhia chose to pursue the admissions role at HBS because she believes it aligns perfectly with her skills in marketing and social enterprise. Her deep connection to the school and her desire to contribute to its impact for future generations were the driving forces behind her decision.

Gadhia sees tremendous opportunities in MBA Admissions, particularly in showcasing the benefits of an HBS MBA and promoting the important role of business in addressing societal issues. She emphasizes the importance of community values while also striving for diversity and inclusion in admissions.

In her new role, Gadhia’s primary focus will be to learn from the current MBA team and gain a thorough understanding of how the program operates and recruits talented students. She aims to leverage her marketing expertise to further enhance the admissions process.

Outside of work, Gadhia enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their five-year-old twin daughters. She also finds solace in artistic activities such as woodworking and painting.

With Rupal Gadhia at the helm, HBS is poised to continue its tradition of excellence in MBA admissions and financial aid, while also championing diversity, inclusion, and social enterprise.