Coventry University Appoints Yashodhara Dasgupta

Coventry University has appointed Yashodhara Dasgupta as Managing Director of its India Hub, bringing her extensive experience in public policy & bilateral relations to the role.

Yashodhara Dasgupta, Managing Director of Coventry University’s India Hub

Launched last year, the Hub in New Delhi has a focus on building relationships between Coventry University Group and key organisations within India while intensifying research links between the country and the UK.

Yashodhara’s appointment comes at an exciting time for UK-India collaboration with the countries announcing a new trade deal this week, which could boost trade by more than £25billion by 2040.

India is a key part of the Coventry University Group’s strategy to expand its global footprint, with Coventry University set to become the first English university to be granted a licence to open a campus in India’sGIFT City. The branch campus will be at the heart of the smart city in the Indian state of Gujarat and could see the first students enrolled and learning in 2026.

With a decade of experience specifically in the UK-India corridor, Yashodhara joins the Group from the UK-India Business Council, where she headed their India advocacy department progressing British industry engagement and priorities in India.

Prior to this, Yashodhara was part of the UK’s Department for Business & Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in India, leading strategic advice and programming on the bilateral trade policy agenda including the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

Through her career, Yashodhara has worked at the intersection of politico-economic, bilateral relations and, policy related impact on business, including stints at the US-India Business Council, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India and The Economic Times.

Yashodhara said: “I am delighted to lead Coventry University’s India Hub and have the opportunity to build impact-driven collaboration between the University and India. Higher education, skilling, R&D and innovation are central pillars of India’s vision for progress – Coventry University’s excellence across these areas makes it a natural partner. I look forward to deepening our engagement, particularly against the backdrop of the UK-India FTA announced this week – it clearly demonstrates the priority both governments are placing on this relationship.”

Professor Richard Wells, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) at Coventry University Group, said: “The opening of our Hub in New Delhi last year signifies the importance Coventry University Group places on our relationship with India and the incredible benefits we believe our international approach can have, both for our students in the UK and the organisations we work with across the globe.

“With her background in the field of international trade, her work with organisations across a variety of sectors and her forward-thinking leadership experience, we believe Yashodhara will excel in her new role.”