Alumni Series #12

Meet Srinivas Rajan, Quality Management Advisor, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

He joined Great Lakes Institute of Management straight out of engineering college, driven by passion and a strong desire to make his mark in the world of management.

Reflecting on his experience, he shares, "Great Lakes, as a newly emerging business school then, provided the ideal learning platform, allowing students to shape their own learning journeys through the courses, faculty, and industry interactions they desired. The opportunity to engage with top-notch industry professionals and thought leaders created an exceptional environment for learning the art and science of management in an intensive one-year format."

During his time at Great Lakes, Srini (as he is fondly known) was part of several campus firsts, helping conceptualize the cultural festival, forming the institute’s first music band, and organizing an annual B-school event that fostered holistic student expression. Notably, he was also the lead singer in the original Great Lakes anthem, an impromptu creative collaboration that remains a cherished memory for the Class of 2006.

Graduating as the Gold Medalist in the Strategy, OB, and HR concentration, Srini began his corporate career with Siemens, where he spent a decade in various leadership roles across India and China. His work spanned strategy, business development, transitions, quality management, and process excellence.

Seeking to broaden his impact, Srini pursued a Master's in Public Administration from Columbia University and now serves as the Quality Management Advisor in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). His current focus areas include supply chain digitalization, data analytics, governance reform, and streamlining global partnerships to enhance operational efficiency within the UN ecosystem.

Having lived in four countries across three continents, and worked across peacekeeping, development, and humanitarian contexts, Srini thrives on the challenges of the international development sector, where he channels his management expertise toward advancing global good.

Beyond work, Srini is a proud father of twin daughters, a music enthusiast, and a Karate instructor with over three decades of experience. A student of world politics, he dreams of making public administration more effective, equitable, and accessible, and continues to dedicate his career to this mission.