Varun Karia from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai, has secured a place among the 50 Most Employable MBA Graduates of the Class of 2026. His story is one of purposeful ambition, blending a strategic, analytical mind with a deeply people-centric approach. He stands out as a leader who connects data insights with human reality. Scroll down to discover how Varun has built a career defined by execution excellence, empathy, and a genuine drive to create impact.
Build a real AI app, earn a certification in 21 days & stand a chance to win ₹2,00,000 — Join the challenge now!
The Ascent: From Pharma to FMCG
Varun’s journey is built on a unique foundation. With a B.Pharm graduate's analytical training, he charted a diverse professional path spanning logistics, brand marketing, and FMCG. His experience includes business development at a leading logistics company and brand marketing at Grade E, where he consistently delivered measurable results. This cross-industry exposure gave him a broad perspective before he joined JBIMS to sharpen his management skills.
His summer internship at Haleon saw him take on the role of a Sales and Marketing Intern. Here, he applied his strategic thinking to a global consumer healthcare leader, reinforcing his passion for building brands that connect with people.
The Inner Core: Purpose and Empathy
What defines Varun is a set of strengths critical for modern leadership. He possesses remarkable adaptability, a skill honed by moving successfully between the pharmaceutical, logistics, and FMCG sectors. He learns new environments quickly and delivers results. This is complemented by a deep-seated empathy. He connects with people at a human level, a trait he uses to build trust, understand customers, and mentor peers. His leadership roles also highlight an ability to inspire, fostering a shared purpose that motivates teams to excel.
His most significant achievement reflects his drive for social impact. While serving as the Vice-Chairperson of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Maharashtra State Branch, he led a student body of over 200 members. His focus was external. He actively spearheaded initiatives to raise awareness about vital topics like sanitation, menstrual hygiene, and sex education in underserved communities. This experience cemented his belief that leadership is about using one's position to make a lasting, positive difference while staying grounded.
The Employable Edge in an AI-Augmented World
In today’s AI-augmented business world, Varun’s key skill is his ability to merge data-driven insights with deep human understanding. He sees himself as the bridge between AI's precision and the human context. At Haleon, he put this into practice. He used data to identify high-potential retail segments, but he did not stop there. He validated these strategies by engaging directly with retailers to understand their realities, making the resulting plans both effective and relatable.
This human-centric core is evident in his actions. After joining JBIMS, he encountered an MBA aspirant who was struggling to prepare for entrance exams while working a part-time job. Despite his own packed schedule, Varun chose to mentor the student for free. They met late at night and over video calls. Varun shared his personal notes, broke down complex concepts, and provided crucial motivation. When the aspirant finally secured admission to a reputed B-school, Varun found his reward in the student's success. For him, this reinforced that true success is measured by the dreams you help others realize.
Varun Karia brings a rare combination to the table: the analytical rigor of a B.Pharm graduate, the versatility of a multi-industry professional, and the genuine connection of an empathetic leader. He is driven to build a career in sales and marketing that does not just drive growth but also improves lives. Managers can depend on Varun to not only interpret the data but also to understand the people behind it. He is a leader who builds trust, inspires teams, and is guided by a strong purpose to create value that lasts.
