Gaurav Gupta

Gaurav Gupta is managing director and head of research and development at Kotter, a change leadership and strategy execution consultancy. With global business experience translating strategy into implementation for clients in diverse industries, Gupta is recognized for his work in organizational transformation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in physics from Middlebury College and a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from Cornell University, an academic background that informs his analytical, evidence-based approach to change management.

Gupta draws on experience working in more than 10 countries and expertise across multiple business functions to collaborate with leaders on transformation initiatives. He has worked with clients in industries including food and beverage, oil and energy, healthcare, chemicals, and finance. Prior to joining Kotter, Gupta led operations for the European office of Stroud International, a management and operations consulting firm. At Kotter, he leads research and development, conducts observational research, develops new approaches, advises clients, and shares insights on change leadership and strategy execution through speaking engagements and publications.

Gupta is coauthor of the book "Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile Times," written with Kotter founder John P. Kotter and managing director Vanessa Akhtar. The book examines how to create non-linear, dramatic change in organizations and explores the emerging science of change for building organizations that adapt rapidly. Gupta has written extensively on change management, leadership, and business improvement in outlets including Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, Chief Executive, and Forbes, and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and Crain's Chicago.

Gupta is a keynote speaker and industry expert who addresses topics such as business leadership, organizational resilience, and strategic leadership. He also serves as an executive board member for the nonprofit Medic to Medic, which sponsors medical students in Uganda and Malawi. Gupta advises executives on navigating volatility and building organizational resilience, drawing on scientific rigor, global perspective, and practical experience in every engagement.