Business School alumni shine with category win and finalist honour in NISAU Achievers Honours 2026

Niti Paul (MBA, 2011) was named the winner of the Business and Enterprise category, and Sorav Jain (MSc International Marketing Management, 2003) was also recognised as a finalist.

The annual awards, organised by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) celebrate outstanding Indian alumni of UK institutions who have made remarkable contributions in their fields, described by them as ‘trailblazers, Innovators and thought leaders, shaping India's future and setting global discourse’.

Niti Paul is a senior leader delivering large-scale strategic transformations across multiple industries. Operating at Board level, she shapes enterprise strategies, leads complex global portfolios, and builds high-performing teams that drive sustainable, scalable growth.Her leadership spans enterprise-wide transformations, client value creation frameworks, and future-focused business strategies — enabling organisations to compete and thrive in rapidly evolving markets.

Beyond her executive role, Niti drives the vision behind MohPra — an impact-led framework and platform dedicated to unlocking potential at every stage of professional growth, from students and early-career professionals to career transitionioners and senior leaders. MohPra bridges education, industry, and real-world leadership through structured advisory, strategic career direction, and exposure to complex business environments. Its ambition goes beyond progression to true transformation — equipping individuals with the mindset, resilience, and capability to lead with clarity and confidence in an increasingly dynamic world.

Alongside this work, Niti contributes as a mentor on the Leeds MBA at Leeds University Business School, supporting the development of globally minded, purpose-driven leaders prepared to operate at the highest levels.

“Leaving India to pursue my MBA at the University of Leeds was a defining moment — a leap of faith driven by ambition and belief in growth beyond borders. The experience shaped not only my understanding of business strategy, but my philosophy of leadership. True transformation begins within — with purpose, courage, and empathy. The Leeds MBA equipped me not just to navigate complexity, but to lead through it. Start where you are. Build what you believe in. Lead beyond expectations.That is the mindset I carry into every boardroom — and the mindset I hope to pass on to every Leeds student.”

A leading digital marketing entrepreneur and educator whose global edtech platform, has trained over 300,000 learners across more than 30 countries, Sorav Jain completed his Masters in International Marketing Management at Leeds University Business School. He credits his time at Leeds as a foundation for the career that followed and this recognition as one of India’s most influential digital marketing leaders.

“My education was the seed that has grown into everything I’ve built today. Studying International Marketing Management at the University of Leeds gave me more than just a degree, it gave me perspective, structure, and global exposure at a time when digital marketing was still emerging in India. The academic environment was immersive and practical. It trained me to think critically, question assumptions, and approach marketing as both an art and a science.”

Congratulating these alumni, Pro-Dean International of Leeds University Business School Professor Iain Clacher said:
“On behalf of Leeds University Business School I would like to say how immensely proud we are of Niti’s outstanding achievement in winning her category, and of Sorav’s well‑deserved recognition as a finalist. The work for which they have been nominated for helps to expand access to education for a wider audience, and drives the personal leadership and development of the previously unheard – helping to build a more inclusive and equitable society for the future. We are truly proud to call them lifelong members of our global alumni community.”

Faculty International Manager Ellen Wang, who attended the ceremony on behalf of the Business School, commented:
“It was a genuine privilege to attend the India UK Achievers Honours 2026 event and to support such a special evening celebrating our alumni community. What meant the most to me was reconnecting with our graduates and hearing about the journeys they’ve taken since leaving us. I was particularly proud to see two of our Business School alumni nominated in the Business and Enterprise category, their recognition truly reflects the ambition, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to define our community.”

Niti and Sorav were celebrated alongside fellow members of the Achievers Class of 2026 at the NISAU grand Gala Ceremony on the 26th February 2026.