From Indian Classrooms to Global Boardrooms: Where These Top CEOs Studied
Did you know that Indian talent is leading some of the world’s biggest companies? It’s true! The journey often starts right here in India, in classrooms and universities that help shape future leaders. Let’s explore where nine amazing Indian-origin CEOs studied before taking charge of global giants.
1. Sundar Pichai (Google & Alphabet):
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Where He Studied: Sundar Pichai’s journey began at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT KGP), where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He then went to Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in the USA for further studies.
2. Satya Nadella (Microsoft):
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Where He Studied: Satya Nadella first studied Electrical Engineering at the Manipal Institute of Technology (now part of MAHE) in Karnataka, India. He later moved to the USA, earning degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
3. Parag Agrawal (Former Twitter CEO):
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Where He Studied: Parag Agrawal is another IIT graduate, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). He completed his PhD at Stanford University, USA.
4. Shantanu Narayen (Adobe):
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Where He Studied: Shantanu Narayen earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad. He then pursued an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s from Bowling Green State University, USA.
5. Arvind Krishna (IBM):
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Where He Studied: Arvind Krishna completed his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). He later earned his PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.
6. Leena Nair (Chanel):
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Where She Studied: Leena Nair is an engineering graduate from Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, affiliated with Shivaji University. She also holds an MBA from XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, one of India’s top business schools.
7. Revathi Advaithi (Flex):
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Where She Studied: Revathi Advaithi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani. She later completed her MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management (now part of Arizona State University), USA.
8. Laxman Narasimhan (Starbucks):
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Where He Studied: Laxman Narasimhan holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP). He earned his Master’s from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
9. Sanjay Mehrotra (Micron Technology):
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Where He Studied: Sanjay Mehrotra graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani. He then went on to earn Master’s degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, USA.
Honorable Mention: The IIT Powerhouse
Notice a pattern? Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) like Kharagpur, Bombay, Kanpur, and Madras feature strongly. These institutions are famous worldwide for producing top-notch engineers and problem solvers. Degrees from BITS Pilani and COEP Pune also shine brightly on this list.
The Global Finishing Touch
While their Indian education provided a strong base, most of these leaders also pursued advanced degrees (like MBAs or Masters/PhDs) at leading American universities such as Stanford, Wharton (UPenn), Berkeley, Illinois, and Chicago Booth. This mix of top Indian and global education equipped them for global leadership.
Inspiring Journeys
The stories of these CEOs show us that world-class education is available right here in India, acting as a powerful launchpad. Combined with hard work, ambition, and further learning, graduates from Indian universities are reaching the very top of the world’s biggest companies. They are proof that talent nurtured in Indian classrooms has the power to lead on the global stage!