Global Talent Book 2025 by University of Exeter

THE EXETER MBA

Inspiring leaders for a better world

THE EXETER MBA

Responsible leadership and sustainable management is transforming business and society

Inspiring leaders for a better world

Foreword

Welcome to our MBA Class of 2025 Global Talent book, introducing you to exceptional people. It serves to present you with a group of ambitious, talented, and creative professionals who seek to advance their careers whilst taking up the responsibility of leading in a challenging global landscape.

The Exeter MBA is all about inspiring leaders for a better world. By joining the programme, these individuals have committed to helping create a fairer, more sustainable and healthier world. They have developed a better understanding of the ways in which rapid environmental, technological and societal changes impact and disrupt existing business models – and of how to manage such change. As part of their personal transformation, they have been supported through a challenging year of discovery, innovation, enterprise, collaboration and growth.

Our Class of 2025 MBA participants have come to Exeter from around the world. They brought with them an exceptional, diverse range of business and management experience, together with a curious mind, a sense of purpose and a responsible global outlook. They have since grown in responsibility, leadership skills and practical ability. I would like to recommend them to you, and hope you find opportunity to engage and work with this talented group of leaders.

If you would like to discuss how we can facilitate your talent search, please contact me.

Prof. Donald Lancaster Director of MBA Programmes

University of Exeter Business School Professor (Assoc), PhD, FHEA, FCIM, CMBE Fellow, Worshipful Company of Marketors

d.lancaster@exeter.ac.uk

The Exeter MBA tackles global business challenges

The world we live in is increasingly complex, risky, volatile and interconnected. More than ever, successful business leaders are those who understand the interconnections of our economies and societies and the ways through which global economic, societal, financial, environmental and technological challenges disrupt established businesses and strategies.

The Exeter MBA is built around the key values that define our elite Russell Group Business School: responsible leadership, sustainable management, innovation, technology, knowledge and practice.

Our participants graduate with a strong business acumen and the critical, analytical and leadership skills that are required to work and lead collaboratively. They are uniquely placed to appreciate how understanding the fundamentals of the world we live in can lead to innovation and business transformation.

Academically rigorous, yet experiential in nature

The Exeter MBA is a partnership between the University of Exeter Business School, leading global and other progressive organisations. Our partners are leaders in their field, yet at the forefront of change. They co-deliver the programme along with our expert faculty and set real-life business challenges.

Our Reputation

The University of Exeter is a Russell Group University and is ranked 13th in the UK’s 2025 Good University Guide.* The Business School is Triple Accredited, holding international accreditations from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), EQUIS and AACSB. Our dedication to sustainability and making the world a better place was integral to achieving Business School of the Year at the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) Awards, and internationally this commitment was recognised by our 1st place in the UK and 10th place globally in the Corporate Knights 2024 Better World MBA Rankings.

*The Sunday Times and The Times Good University Guide 2025

The Exeter MBA | Class of 2025

Graduates of The Exeter MBA are world-class

We equip professionals with the knowledge, tools and skills to harness innovative business thinking and new business models that can deliver organisational growth whilst addressing global economic, social, environmental and technological challenges. By engaging with our talent, your organisation will benefit from collaborative, aspiring business leaders equipped to drive and manage innovation and change.

Languages

• English (Fluent)

• Twi (Native)

Emmanuel Brimpong Akosah | Ghanaian

www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-akosah

Why an MBA?

I am pursuing an MBA to enhance my leadership skills, understand sustainable business practices, and bridge strategic management gaps. This program will equip me to become a responsible leader in promoting sustainability-focused business practices in the UK and beyond.

Career History

n Business Analyst (Client Projects), WestGate Insight Ltd, UK

n Business Analyst, National Service Scheme, Ghana

n Regional Census Officer, Ghana Statistical Service, Ghana

n Board Member, National Service Scheme, Ghana

n CEO, National Service Personnel Association, Ghana

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK

MSc in International Business (Management), Brunel University of London, UK

BSc in Agribusiness Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Achievements

n Automated verification system reduced verification time by 30% at Smarkets.

n Expanded Vanquis Bank loan product, adding 6,000 loans and £21M revenue.

n Improved NSS data accuracy by 25% with Registration Management System implementation.

n Led the National Service Personnel Association as National President, representing over 120,000 graduates in national decision-making.

Languages

• Turkish (Native)

• English (Fluent)

Emine Merve Azdiken | Turkish

www.linkedin.com/in/merve-azdiken

Why an MBA?

Pursuing an MBA at the University of Exeter Business School is a transformative step to refine my leadership and strategic thinking, immerse myself in cutting-edge sustainable business practices, and connect with a vibrant global network, empowering me to drive meaningful impact in an evolving business landscape.

Career History

n Fund Specialist, Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (SDIF), Türkiye

n Assistant Revenue Specialist, Revenue Administration, Türkiye

n Intern, Central Bank and Istanbul Stock Exchange, Türkiye

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK Master’s Degree, Theory of Economics, İstanbul University, Türkiye

BA Business Administration and Economics, Anadolu University, Türkiye

Achievements

n One of several SDIF assigned directors imbedded across companies in the heavy industry, healthcare and tourism sectors, in efforts to eradicate illegal activities and ensure ongoing adherence to government policy.

n Contributed to the development of a comprehensive department guide for new hires and third parties; incorporating detailed descriptions of department workflows and processes.

n Honoured with a High Honour Certificate for outstanding academic achievement at Anadolu University.

Languages

• English (Native)

• Punjabi (Native)

• Kiswahili (Conversational)

• Spanish (Conversational)

Kavneet Kaur Bamrah | Kenyan

www.linkedin.com/in/kkbamrah

Why an MBA?

The Exeter MBA is instrumental in obtaining the skillset and network I require to move to the next stage in my life and career. My goal is to cultivate leadership skills and qualities to prepare myself for both personal and professional growth.

Career History

n General Manager, Solex Motors Ltd, Kenya

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK

BA (Hons) Law and Criminology, University of Kent Law School, UK

Achievements

n Led the introduction of new customer service, anticorruption and anti-bribery policies & business continuity plan (BCP).

n Transformed operational systems and workflows to better utilise and conserve resources.

n Secured eight major tenders with large corporations by proactively achieving the necessary company certifications.

n Introduced higher standards of online and in-person communication and client handling with major client corporations.

n Spear-headed annual volunteering and conservation projects eight years in a row in liaison with Rhino Ark Organisation; an environmental organisation devoted to conserving nature and animals within those habitats in Kenya, such as the Aberdare’s (Rainforest).

Languages

• English (Fluent)

• Hindi (Fluent)

Ritam Bhattacharya | Indian

www.linkedin.com/in/ritam-bhattacharya-840a3033b

Why an MBA?

I am pursuing an MBA at the University of Exeter to enhance my strategic and leadership skills, enabling me to lead with impact and responsibility. The Exeter MBA’s focus on experiential learning and sustainability aligns with my goals for meaningful career growth.

Career History

n Assistant Manager, Business and Media, PivotRoots, India

n Manager, Business Strategy, Merkle, India

n Senior Business Analyst, Edexell Educare, India

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK

BTech Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, India

Achievements

n Managed the business and led a team of 15 for the biggest ecommerce brands in India like Myntra and Tata Cliq.

n Helped in building brands of leading startups of India like Dream11 and Purpple.

Languages

• English (Native)

• Spanish (Intermediate)

Grant Bruno | American

www.linkedin.com/in/grantbruno1

Why an MBA?

The Exeter MBA aligns perfectly with my ambition to bridge the gap between technology, finance, and social innovation. It offers the platform to refine my leadership, strategy, and business acumen for driving sustainable growth and impactful change globally.

Career History

n Co-Founder & Community Leader, Wikolo Super App Inc., USA

n Data Analyst & Consultant, CleverCognitive, USA

n Business Development & Head Data Analyst, Clipmedia.ai, USA

n Chief of Staff & Business Development, Timeless Ventures, USA

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK Bachelor of Science in Financial Economics, Kingston University, UK

Achievements

n Co-founded and scaled Wikolo Super App Inc., securing $1.5M in funding, identifying new business opportunities for over 106m users, and establishing strategic partnerships with CellFunds, the University of Oregon, and the University of Notre Dame.

n Conceptualised and delivered a digital transformation project at Clipmedia.ai, driving a product with $5M revenue potential.

n Led the launch and implementation of nine projects at Timeless Ventures, influencing over $500K capital allocation.

Languages

• English (Native)

• Yoruba (Native)

Aisha Oluwabukola Farooq | Nigerian

www.linkedin.com/in/aisha-m-farooq

Why an MBA?

I chose The Exeter MBA to deepen my understanding of sustainable business practices and digital transformation. The program’s focus on responsible leadership aligns with my vision of creating scalable solutions while navigating the complex intersection of technology, policy, and social impact in Africa’s evolving digital economy.

Career History

n Chief Growth Officer, Krystal Digital Network Solutions Limited, Nigeria

n Managing Director, Etech Complete Solutions Limited, Nigeria

n Country Manager, ICDL Africa, Nigeria

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK

B.Sc. Business Administration, Bells University of Technology, Nigeria

Achievements

n Led two transformative national education initiatives: the “Internet for All” project providing free internet to 224 tertiary institutions, and TETFUND to train over 15,000 university staff in digital skills.

n Worked on ideation and implemented the Beneficiary Identification Management Service (BIMS), the digital backbone of Nigeria’s student loan scheme, revolutionising access to higher education financing.

n Transformed personal adversity into social impact by founding Femme Aid Foundation, which supports women, channelling my journey as a teenage mother into creating opportunities for others.

The world has enough people with all the answers. At Exeter we develop responsible leaders who are able to ask the right questions.”

Prof. Donald Lancaster

Exeter

MBA Programme Director

Languages

• English (Native)

Nathan Lee | British

www.linkedin.com/in/nathanwlee1

Why an MBA?

I am pursuing an MBA to deepen my expertise and transition into strategic advisory roles, guiding mission-driven organisations through digital transformations. For me success extends beyond academics – it is about personal growth and creating a meaningful impact in our ever-changing, complex world.

Career History

n Manager Data and AI Consultancy, Avanade, UK

n Sales Analyst, Serco Group, UK

n Data Analyst Intern, Kent County Council, UK

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK

BA Politics and IR with Data Analytics, University of Kent, UK

Numerous Microsoft Data & AI-related qualifications

Achievements

n Achieved four promotions in three years at Avanade, leading diverse teams and building strong client collaboration to deliver impactful data-driven solutions.

n Led the global incident management team, successfully securing contract renewals worth $22 million.

n Delivered a comprehensive reporting suite for National Highways, driving £15k cost saving efficiencies.

n Co-led a team that won Avanade’s Global Innovation Challenge, pitching the idea to the Gates Foundation.

Languages

• Thai (Native)

• English (Intermediate)

• Mandarin Chinese (Conversational)

Yenchit Meadsavapanmonkol | Thai

www.linkedin.com/in/yenchit

Why an MBA?

With my aspiration to use business as a tool to create positive impact, I aim to merge my strengths in user experience design and growth acceleration with a focus on sustainability. The Exeter MBA, with its emphasis on developing leaders who combine sustainability with business acumen, provides the ideal platform for me to deepen my skills and gain global exposure, enabling me to drive transformative change.

Career History

n Performance Marketing Project Owner, Northstar Digital Co., Ltd, Thailand

n Co-founder, Marketer and User Experience Designer, FitFriend (AP Thailand Plc), Thailand

n Marketing Team Lead, Repair Café, Thailand

n Business Consultant, Carechoice Thailand Co., Ltd, Thailand

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK Bachelor of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Achievements

n Northstar Digital: Generated annual revenue of £11.1 million, supported three businesses in reaching record-high revenue, with one achieving a 300% increase in sales.

n AP (Thailand) Plc: Established a new venture, FitFriend, which reached positive cash flow within 2.5 years.

n 2nd Runner-Up in Digital Opportunities for Talents (hosted by Shopee); worked as a business consultant, increasing revenue for a sustainable SME by 66.45% and boosting orders by 112.30%.

Languages

• English (Native)

• Serbian (Native)

• French (Conversational)

• Spanish (Basic)

Lara Mikeljevic | British & Serbian

www.linkedin.com/in/lara-mikeljevic

Why an MBA?

I embarked on The Exeter MBA programme to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become a future female leader and role model in technology that promotes sustainable change in corporations. The programme will provide me with a comprehensive understanding of business management principles and leadership skills, enabling my transition into a programme manager role as an immediate step.

Career History

n Senior Consultant, IBM, UK

n Summer Intern, AXA XL, UK

n Business Intern, Amicus Investment Management PTE LD, Singapore

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK Master of Arts (MA) History, University of Edinburgh, Scotland

Achievements

n Sole recipient of the 2024 IBM Executive and Exeter Business School MBA scholarship.

n Managed HMRC’s Single Trade Window rainbow bid team, consisting of four cross-functional teams (40+ people).

n Awarded Amazon’s All-Builders Welcome Grant to attend AWS re:Invent 2023, Las Vegas; invited back as a 2024 Alumni Mentor.

n Led the modernisation of NHS UK’s Breast Screening system, migrating to AWS Cloud and delivering five releases in four months, benefiting 3M patients.

n Led a $500,000 bid for a Generative AI Proof of Value to enhance the NHS App programme’s development speed and quality.

Languages

• English (Fluent)

• Hindi (Native)

• Kannada (Native)

Neha Nanjundaiah | Indian

www.linkedin.com/in/neha-nanjundaiah-764a5762

Why an MBA?

Pursuing an MBA is a great way for me to blend my marketing skills with technical knowledge in the global business landscape. In this journey, I aim to think strategically, become more entrepreneurial, strengthen decisionmaking skills, and lead responsibly—all of which are key for making a positive impact and building a sustainable IT business.

Career History

n Senior Regional Marketing Specialist, Axis Communications, South Asia

n Channel Marketing Manager, IBM India Pvt Ltd, India & South Asia

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK

BE Telecommunications, PESIT, India

Achievements

n Boosted partner registrations to 30% by launching automated marketing campaign for partner retention in South Asia region.

n Organised large-scale regional marketing events resulting in the highest footfall for the organisation.

n Implemented product launch strategies in the Indian market for IBM India business partners.

Languages

• Thai (Native)

• English (Proficient)

Pitt Porapakkham | Thai

www.linkedin.com/in/pitt-porapakkham-903756170

Why an MBA?

To expand beyond technical expertise in transfer pricing, develop a strategic mindset, and gain cross-functional management skills. I seek to grow as a leader capable of driving meaningful change and building a strong professional network in the global business landscape.

Career History

n Assistant Manager, Transfer Pricing, Deloitte, Thailand

n Senior Transfer Pricing Consultant, EY, Thailand

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK BBA, Finance major, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Achievements

n Secured a Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreement (UAPA) for a multinational client in Thailand, leading negotiations and benchmarking studies to ensure compliance with Thai tax regulations.

n Led a strategic transfer pricing realignment post-acquisition of Wongnai by Lineman, overseeing the functional restructuring to position Lineman as the primary entrepreneur and shift Wongnai’s role toward marketing and services.

Languages

• Kannada (Native)

• English (Fluent)

• Hindi (Fluent)

• Tamil (Fluent)

• Telugu (Basic)

Pooja Prasanna | Indian

www.linkedin.com/in/pooja-prasanna

Why an MBA?

An MBA equips me with advanced leadership skills and a holistic business perspective to drive sustainability and community impact. It enables me to integrate responsible leadership into strategic decisions, fostering business models that balance profitability with environmental stewardship and societal well-being.

Career History

n Senior Faculty, InsightsIAS, India

n Co-founder, Plastic Recycling MSME Unit, India

n Co-farmer, Regenerative Coffee Farming, India

n Policy Consultant, MLA, Government of Karnataka, India

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK

MA Sociology, Karnataka State Open University, India

BE in Information Science, SJCE, India

Achievements

n Authored a comprehensive Sociology book tailored for Civil Service aspirants, offering insightful analysis and strategic guidance for competitive examinations.

n Started a plastic recycling unit in a small garage, which has now grown and expanded to operate in two cities: Bengaluru and Mysuru.

n Mentored inmates nearing release in Tihar Jail, supporting their rehabilitation by helping them secure jobs and break the cycle of reoffending.

Languages

• English (Fluent)

• Hindi (Native)

Aniket Reddy | Indian

www.linkedin.com/in/aniket-reddy

Why an MBA?

Given my experience having worked with global enterprises, entrepreneurs and startup investors, I’ve had the chance to take on diverse roles in Marketing, Partnerships and Strategy. An MBA is a great platform to hone my skills and leverage previous experience to prepare for leadership roles.

Career History

n Head of Partnerships, LetsVenture Technologies, India

n Account Director, YourStory Media, India

n Project Manager, Planet Scuba, India

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK BBA, Finance and Marketing, Christ University, India

Achievements

n Developed highly profitable revenue streams during a period of downsizing at LetsVenture Technologies, following the downturn in the private equity market.

n Promoted to become the youngest Account Director at YourStory Media, India’s largest startup media company, where I handled enterprise accounts worth over USD 2 Million.

n Exhibited strong adaptability across sales, marketing, operations and strategic partnerships.

Languages

• English (Fluent)

• Hindi (Native)

• Gujarati (Native)

• Marathi (Native)

Shivani Somoshi | Indian

www.linkedin.com/in/shivani-somoshi-480348154

Why an MBA?

I am passionate about supporting companies in influencing their consumers to make more sustainable choices. I aspire to take on marketing roles within organisations that prioritise long-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. My goal is to create and implement strategic plans that foster a holistic and sustainable ecosystem.

Career History

n Senior Executive, Nykaa, India

n Account Manager, Monk Entertainment, India

n Engineer, Solar, DNV, India

n Business Development, Consul Neowatt Power Solutions (Fuji), India

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK BTech, Electronics and Communications, Jaypee University, India

Achievements

n Boosted Nykaa Fashion’s owned brands by planning and executing data-driven ad videos and images tailored to seasonal trends and business needs, significantly increasing website traffic, sales, and brand awareness.

n Experienced at leading quality, tailored and profitable, end-to-end data driven digital advertising projects and campaigns for 20+ premium brands, overseeing the entire lifecycle from ideation to final postproduction.

n Due diligence at DNV, providing clients an overview of the solar plant by stating risks with the necessary mitigation.

Languages

• Thai (Native)

• English (Intermediate)

• Chinese (Beginner)

Jirasri Srisuma | Thai

www.linkedin.com/in/jirasri-srisuma

Why an MBA?

The Exeter MBA program offers a transformative experience designed to shape not only my future career but also my life trajectory, fostering personal and professional growth. This will help me to emerge as a highly capable leader, ready to make a meaningful impact.

Career History

n Client Delivery, Standard Chartered Bank Public Company Limited, Thailand

n KYC Operator, Deutsche Bank, Thailand

n KYC Analyst, HSBC, Thailand

n R&D Supervisor, ACK Food Tech Co., Ltd., Thailand

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Achievements

n Spearheaded Client Database Optimisation: Led the migration of HSBC’s client database to a global platform, enhancing data centralisation, compliance, and efficiency.

n Process Standardisation and Efficiency Improvement: Standardised the client screening process with a new checklist, reducing processing time and ensuring quality.

n Earned a promotion to a supervisory role, showcasing expertise, leadership, and operational excellence.

Languages

• Hindi (Native)

• English (Fluent)

Kartik

Suri | Indian

www.linkedin.com/in/kartik-suri07

Why an MBA?

The Exeter MBA will equip me with the knowledge to succeed. Modules on entrepreneurship, business strategy, operations, and finance will provide me with a solid foundation for turning my ideas into a successful venture.

Career History

n Co-founder, Suri Enterprises, India

n Digital Marketing Specialist, Beyond Computers, India

n Business Development Executive, Magnum Technologies, India

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK

Achievements

n Co-founded and grew a commercially successful sustainable garments manufacturing company that prioritises eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and zero-waste processes.

n Worked with prominent fashion brands to produce high-quality, eco-friendly garments, building strong partnerships with ethical fabric suppliers and ensuring responsible sourcing.

n Created and implemented digital marketing strategies for diverse range of B2C startups driving business success through targeted campaigns and data-driven approaches.

Languages

• Chinese (Native)

• English (Fluent)

Ting Yin | Chinese

www.linkedin.com/in/Ting-Yin

Why an MBA?

The Exeter MBA and my past work background are a perfect match and complement each other. My goal is to use my new knowledge when I return to the business world and take on more responsibilities and open more possibilities for my career going forward.

Career History

n Channel Operations Director, Sichuan Huada Quantum Technology Equipment Co., Ltd., China

n Head of Southwest Region, Sales & Business Development, STELUX Holdings International Co., Ltd., China

n Provincial Operations manager, BaoCheng International Group, China

n Sales Department Manager, IKEA International Group, China

Education Highlights

The Exeter MBA, University of Exeter Business School, UK Diploma in Public Relations and Management, Chengdu University of Technology, China

Achievements

n Led the group’s Southwest China Branch from a loss of 2 million RMB to a profit, within two fiscal years.

n Achieved annual sales target of 180million RMB through the effective leadership and management of my 300 people team.

n Established good cooperative relationships with many industry partners such as Hong Kong Wharf IFS, China Resources Group Vientiane City, COFCO Joy City, Kering Group and Richemont Group.

Business Support Group

At the heart of The Exeter MBA is the Business Support Group, a panel of organisational leaders looking at some of the most pressing issues facing business to ensure relevance to the MBA programme. Our members’ invaluable experience and external perspective help make sure the programme’s strategic direction is informed by best practice and reflect the needs of the people and organisations we serve.