Our Team
Rich Experience in International Education
Raghwa Gopal
CEO
Raghwa Gopal is a serial entrepreneur, academic, and software engineer by profession. Drawing from extensive business experience, Raghwa joined MSM from British Columbia’s Innovate BC, serving as president and CEO and helping companies start and scale to fuel technology development, commercialization, and adoption. As Accelerate Okanagan’s (AO) former CEO, he was a driving force in development of the tech sector with a CA$1.6-billion economic contribution.
Raghwa studied at New Zealand’s Central Institute of Technology, Australia’s Collier MacMillan School, and the University of the South Pacific. He has strong ties to higher education as a former lecturer of business at UBC Okanagan, computer science at the School of Arts and Sciences, and entrepreneur-in-residence at Okanagan College School of Business.
His board memberships span across multiple organizations, such as the University of British Columbia, India Canada Innovation Council, Women’s Enterprise Centre, and the Province of B.C.’s Emerging Economy Task Force.
Brig. Uttam Hukku (Veteran)
CEO, South Asia
Brig. Uttam Hukku is appointed as MSM’s new Chief Executive Officer -South Asia. Uttam brings a unique and disciplined perspective to his new role, with his distinguished background as a soldier and a seasoned professional with 31 years of expertise in strategic planning, and military operations. His military career includes representing his country as part of the UN peacekeeping force in Africa and 25 years of experience as a combat aviator in challenging terrains such as the Siachen Glacier. These milestones have honed his leadership, strategic planning, and crisis management skills.
Uttam’s milestones in military service include high-altitude operations in Ladakh and successfully executing training operations that earned commendations. This extensive experience in commanding Army Aviation units will significantly contribute to his role as CEO of South Asia. His proven ability to lead and motivate large teams, develop strategic plans, and implement innovative processes in the high-stakes environment of military operations directly translates to driving MSM’s strategic objectives and operational efficiency. Moreover, his expertise in procurement and supply chain management, combined with his practical problem-solving skills and a strong ethical foundation, will help ensure MSM’s growth and adherence to corporate governance. We see Uttam’s leadership fostering a culture of integrity, social responsibility, and excellence while enhancing MSM’s market presence and stakeholder relationships in South Asia.
David Towill
General Counsel
With an illustrious 27-year career as a commercial lawyer and entrepreneur, David brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the legal department. He is a distinguished graduate of the University of British Columbia and a respected member of the Law Society of British Columbia.
In his previous role as the managing partner of a full-service law firm for 17 years, David demonstrated exceptional proficiency in navigating complex commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, financial matters, and corporate law. Beyond his legal acumen, he has successfully founded and led businesses in the technology, manufacturing, and energy sectors. Notably, David served as the Chairman of the Board for a prominent energy company based in Calgary, guiding the organization through key strategic initiatives. Outside of his professional achievements, David embraces an active lifestyle, balancing his passion for golf and hockey with a holistic approach to life that includes a love for travel and fitness.
Arjun Majumdar
CFO
Arjun is a senior finance and general management executive with more than two decades of experience in various leadership roles in finance and business, notably in manufacturing, oil & gas, and service industries in the Middle East and internationally. At the helm of MSM’s thriving finance department, Arjun will take the lead in corporate finance, analytics, business planning, FP&A, and strategy in this crucial function, making MSM a fiscally sound and healthy organization and enabling it to compete sustainably in its space.
He has an established track record of business success as operation head, general manager, and chief financial officer for the international operations of Oman, UAE, and other multinational corporations. He has extensive hands-on experience in management, business leadership working with C-level business heads, banks and legal professionals, clients, and creditors, contributing to a wealth of operational and strategic fiscal goals. Arjun is a qualified cost and management accountant with an executive program in business management from IIM, Calcutta.
Dr. Amal Chandra Gogoi
CTO
Dr. Amal Chandra Gogoi, a seasoned IT professional with over two decades of global leadership experience, joins MSM as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), bringing a strong track record of implementing revolutionary projects. Previously, Amal served as Vice President – Delivery & Business Unit Head, where he sharpened his talents in managing large portfolios, generating revenue growth, and leading digital transformations. His notable achievements include rapidly assembling high-performing teams, doubling revenue streams within three years, and securing multi-million dollar opportunities.
As CTO, Amal will craft and execute MSM’s technology vision and strategy, reporting directly to the CEO. His mandate encompasses overseeing all technological aspects of the business, from managing budgets to making strategic investments aligned with organizational objectives. With a keen focus on leveraging blockchain and artificial intelligence, Amal is well-equipped to guide the company towards harnessing cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
Amal’s leadership extends beyond technological prowess; he is a people-focused leader known for integrating diverse teams seamlessly and fostering a culture of excellence. With his proven ability to navigate complex technological landscapes and drive business growth, Dr. Amal Chandra Gogoi is poised to lead the organization into a new era of technological innovation and sustainable growth as its Chief Technology Officer.
Sobhana Jaya-Madhavan
CIO
As Chief Impact Officer, Sobhana Jaya-Madhavan will lead the company’s global impact initiatives, focusing on strategic planning, fostering innovation, and championing collaboration, reconciliation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She will also be engaging in global advocacy, and driving cross-functional collaboration. Her leadership will be key in aligning MSM’s impact goals with its corporate strategy and fostering an inclusive work environment.
Sobhana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Calicut University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India. Her extensive career includes nearly 20 years in the BC Public Service, senior roles in the private sector, and serving as AVP of External Relations and Adjunct Faculty at Simon Fraser University.
She is also a respected public speaker and dedicated volunteer, holding pro bono roles at HashHack Code and the BC-India Business Network. Her contributions to government and community relations have earned her several prestigious awards, including the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award and the Woman of the Decade Award from the Women Economic Forum
Lauren Legroun
CBO, Global Markets
Lauren Legroun is M Square Media’s Chief Business Officer, Global Markets . A former CEO of the University of Europe for Applied Sciences and GUS Germany GMBH (Global University Systems Headquarters in Germany), Lauren will spearhead MSM’s global expansion strategy across business verticals.
With more than 15 years in the education industry, Lauren has held senior leadership positions across higher education, enterprise, and education technology companies. With a proven record of driving growth and scaling businesses to deliver success across B2B, B2C, and B2G channels. Most recently, she devoted two years with Coursera on the edtech innovation front, partnering with universities on digital transformation and leading the Coursera for Campus business in EMEA.
Lauren will lead the development and implementation of MSM’s overall sales strategy and execution plan across the globe, leading the sales front and diligently monitoring current trends to maintain the company’s competitiveness in the international education market.
Suneetha Qureshi
PRESIDENT, MSM
Suneetha Qureshi has more than 15 years experience in the international education sector. She resides in India and leads MSM’s extensive back of the house operations, including MSM’s human resources, financial management, information technology, and marketing, communications and social media activities. She has an impeccable track record of successfully launching the representative offices in Asia and Africa of many North American and European higher education institutions. Her key strengths include hiring, training, and developing teams, as evidenced by the successful results of the dedicated in-country college and university client teams.
She is a motivational supervisor who inspires service excellence among MSM staff and rewards high-performing employees with growth opportunities. Suneetha also leverages her excellent leadership, strategic visioning and operational management skills as a critical member of the MSM executive team. She has taken the lead in developing a number of initiatives at MSM, including building robust standard operating procedures, the Rise ‘n Shine team engagement platform, and the organization’s data analytics and audit segments. Among her many talents, Suneetha is a motivational speaker, lecturer and entrepreneur and is proficient in six languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Gujarati, and Marathi.
Chirag Mehta
Managing Director, South Asia
Chirag brings a wealth of experience in the education industry as MSM’s Managing Director, South Asia. Previously serving as Vice President, he led initiatives for both MSM Global Marketing Office and MSM Unify in India. His tenure as Director of Client Success at MSM GMO saw him effectively manage client relationships while overseeing global sales and services. Renowned for his unwavering enthusiasm and impeccable organization, Chirag profoundly understands international education systems, processes, and institutional requirements.
Earlier in his career as a General Manager at MSM, Chirag played a vital role in directing the company’s daily operations. In this capacity, he provided strategic guidance and supervised in-country teams supporting partner institutions across the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Europe. Chirag also played a key role in establishing and nurturing in-country offices in Africa and the Indian Subcontinent, thereby contributing to the expansion of MSM’s global footprint.
Karen Ludwig
Vice President, Strategic Alliances
Karen Ludwig is M Square Media’s Vice President for Strategic Alliances. Karen will be in charge of forging new partnerships and empowering diverse talent amid the company’s extensive growth in Canada and worldwide. She will work to attract top talent from around the world, connect with key stakeholders in education, industry, and government, and find innovative solutions to Canada’s skills gaps.
Previously a Member of Parliament, Karen represented the federal electoral district of New Brunswick Southwest in the House of Commons from 2015 to 2019 – the only woman elected to represent this federal riding to date. During her tenure, she observed numerous complex challenges affecting global education, such as international student mobility.
Prior to entering politics, Karen was the Associate Dean of Faculty Development at Yorkville University and taught at the University of New Brunswick in the Master of Education and MBA programs. After serving in government, she returned to Yorkville as Vice-President for Growth Initiatives.
Anuj Bhasin
Vice President, Strategic Growth and Partnership
Anuj Bhasin brings 18 years of experience in government affairs, international trade, and marketing, with a focus on the education sector in India and South Asia. Previously, as Sector Leader for Education with the Government of Canada, Anuj led strategic engagement plans and fostered collaborations between Canadian and Indian educational institutions. His strong client servicing and networking skills demonstrably fueled sector growth.
In his new role, Anuj is committed to accelerating revenue generation, project acquisition, and global market expansion. He plans to maximize returns from university partnerships, forge strategic alliances, and secure projects in key regions like Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. In addition, he aims to reach international markets such as Australia, the UK, France, and Germany. Anuj’s strategic acumen positions him perfectly to lead MSM’s growth initiatives, ensuring continued success for the organization.
Chris Elam
Associate Vice President Business Development-USA
Chris Elam is MSM’s Associate Vice President of Business Development-USA. With an impressive background spanning over two decades in executive-level management within the higher education sector, Chris brings to the table a rich tapestry of skills in team leadership, project management, and achieving top-tier sales results.
Chris’s extensive experience and proven expertise in navigating the complex landscape of higher education management make him a perfect fit for MSM’s strategic objectives. In his role, Chris will be instrumental in steering MSM’s business development efforts, crafting strategies that enhance our partnerships with educational institutions across the USA, and driving the company’s mission to facilitate access to quality education worldwide. His leadership qualities and strategic vision are expected to play a pivotal role in MSM’s journey towards achieving remarkable growth and success in the coming years.
Hersha Pandya
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PARTNER RELATIONS-
UK
Hersha Pandya is the Executive Director for Partner Relations, UK for M Square Media (MSM). She holds a Master of Laws degree specializing in Intellectual Property Law. She has an extensive background in law, business, and education.
Based in the UK, just outside London, Hersha is a dynamic and focused professional with two decades of experience working for higher education systems. She was the director of undergraduate programs at the University of Hertfordshire, the international regional director at the University of Greenwich and, most recently, director of HE Partnerships at ICEF. She brings to MSM her proven success in developing strategies and campaigns with universities to promote education in an international and national forum.
As executive director for Partner Relations, UK, Hersha will lead MSM’s business development activities in the UK and EU (primarily Ireland) and the signing of new educational institutions to all of MSM’s services.
Joshua Fuqua
Executive Director Business Development, University Partnerships
Joshua Fuqua is MSM’s Executive Director for Business Development, University Partnerships. Bringing over a decade of experience in the higher education sector, Josh steps into this role equipped with a history of significant achievements and a proven track record of success. Joshua’s expertise lies in leading strategic enrollment initiatives, driving new business development efforts, and cultivating strong university partnerships.
His role involves working closely with partner universities to develop and implement strategies that enhance enrollment and foster long-term partnerships, leveraging his experience to benefit all stakeholders within the MSM ecosystem. Joshua’s ability to navigate the complexities of higher education, combined with his innovative approach to business development, positions him as a key player in MSM’s continued growth and success in the global education market.
Sam Fleischmann
Director University
Partnerships
Sam Fleischmann is MSM’s Director for University Partnerships. Sam is a dynamic and dedicated education professional with over two decades of experience assisting international students in their pursuit of higher education. He brings to MSM his extensive experience in developing global pathway programs and forging strong connections with US institutions. Sam’s wealth of experience in researching, sourcing, and developing new partnerships with higher education institutions in the US, will be a major asset in the development, management, and implementation of MSM’s regional partnership strategies.
Moreover, his expertise in US pathway program development and assistance in global pathway development, including obtaining necessary recognition and accreditation to ensure recognition in major study destination markets such as the US, UK, Canada, and Asia, perfectly aligns with MSM’s mission to provide quality education to students around the world.
May Arthur
Vice President, Global Partnerships
May is a seasoned international education business executive with almost 30 years of experience. She has held several leadership roles dedicated to growing and retaining the international students population at partner universities.
Her broad areas of expertise include business development, organizational leadership, strategic planning, and global operations. She excels at developing and supporting partnerships with universities and managing global recruitment initiatives.
She has also been an active member of several renowned industry organizations, including NAFSA: Association of International Educators, English USA, American International Recruitment Council (AIRC), and the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA).
Avinav Sharma
Executive Director-Global Events
Avinav Sharma’s professional journey spans over a decade in the field of international education. He specializes in guiding students across diverse regions, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and the US. With a background in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Guru Nanak Dev University, Avinav further refined his skills through targeted short courses in Business Analysis Career Start and Information Technology Leadership at Charles Sturt University.
In addition, Avinav was formerly the Head of Strategy and Business Operations at MSM Unify. He was a key player in creating and overseeing the innovative Edtech platform MSM Unify. Passionate about AI and machine learning, he focuses on optimizing student applications, agent/program matching, and timely commission payments. In addition to his certifications and accomplishments, Avinav is a forward-thinking strategist shaping the future of international education.
Prajna Nanda Nayak
Vice President, People and Culture (Global)
Prajna Nanda Nayak has assumed the role of Vice President – People and Culture, Global at M Square Media. His responsibilities include overseeing recruitment and retention efforts, managing benefits administration, handling hiring and onboarding processes, implementing performance management systems, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and facilitating training and development initiatives. He is also responsible for driving strategic planning, fostering an inclusive organizational culture, and developing policies. His role is integral to creating a workplace that is equitable, inclusive, and supportive for all employees.
With over 20 years of experience in HR management, including working with large companies and high-growth start-ups, Prajna has established himself as an expert in the field. He has a proven track record of building HR functions and teams from the ground up, overseeing organizations with 3,500+ employees, and driving improvements in retention, engagement, and performance. He is recognized for his strategic thinking and thought leadership, providing guidance and influencing leaders as a trusted business partner.
Aroon Kumar
VICE PRESIDENT, BRAND & MARKETING
Aroon Kumar, an esteemed marketing strategist, boasts an impressive 18-year career specializing in global brand management. His expansive skill set encompasses crafting unique marketing strategies tailored to diverse geographies, driving digital business growth, innovating in revenue planning, and utilizing advanced marketing technologies, which include AI-powered neuro-marketing. His deep understanding of consumer behavior, underpinned by robust analytics-driven insights, sets him apart in the field. His exemplary contributions to multi-geography marketing campaigns have earned him numerous global accolades, including being named among India’s Top 50 CMOs and receiving the prestigious Asia’s Best Marketer award.
A distinguished alumnus of premier institutions like Harvard Business School, IIM-Calcutta, and Mudra Institute of Communication Ahmedabad, Aroon’s influence in the marketing technology sector is globally recognized, as underscored by his inclusion in Onalytica’s “Top 50 Global MarTech Influencers” list in 2017 and 2021. Aroon’s comprehensive expertise, multiple global recognitions, and steadfast commitment to innovation make him an invaluable asset to any progressive, global organization.
Dean Duperron
CHAIRMAN, MSM HIGHER ED
Dean Duperron has more than 34 years of experience in the education industry, overseeing a global network of campuses emphasizing the cohesiveness between academic and vocational disciplines. He has diverse business experience, spanning operations in trades, retail, wholesale, real estate investing, market investing, party and event planning, and mentoring entrepreneurs.
He successfully built two college systems including Sprott-Shaw Community College, which he bought in 1991 and transformed into a profitable operation with 29 Canadian campuses (26 in British Columbia and three in Alberta). He also founded Sprott-Shaw Degree College, now known as Ascenda College, the first private community college in B.C. to be granted the right to confer bachelor’s degrees.
Dean was born in Alberta and grew up in Vancouver. He studied biochemistry and computer science at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. Today he lives in the Greater Vancouver area with his wife, Sherri, and their three children.