In the world of business and education, very few names evoke the sense of purpose, grit, and visionary zeal as Tarundeep Singh Anand. Founder and Chairman of Universal Business School (UBS), Tarun’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—a tale stitched together with perseverance, global success, and a relentless passion to transform management education in India.
At a time when most teenagers are unsure of their next step, a 17-year-old Tarun Anand was already hustling on the streets of Mumbai, going door-to-door to sell smart deposits for HSBC. The year was 1990. Most people would have given up after a few slammed doors, but not Tarun. That early experience in sales taught him lessons in resilience, people skills, and the art of persuasion—skills that would become the foundation of his meteoric rise in the corporate world.
From the Stock Market to the World Stage
Tarun’s career trajectory took an unconventional turn early on when he worked as a research assistant to the controversial yet influential Harshad Mehta. Focused on evaluating stock-picking parameters, this experience sharpened his analytical abilities and gave him an insider’s view of India’s financial markets. After earning his MBA from SPJIMR, Tarun’s corporate journey began with Ford Brothers (Philip Capital) and quickly advanced when he was picked up by Standard Chartered Bank.
His strategic acumen didn’t go unnoticed. Soon, Reuters India recruited him, and it didn’t take long before he was entrusted with global responsibilities. He moved to the UK to lead the Global Emerging Markets division, opening doors to a world of cross-border business strategy and international exposure.
By the time he was asked to relocate to New York, Tarun had already traveled to over 50 countries across five continents. His global experience culminated in leading Thomson Reuters’ $2 billion treasury business across 136 countries. In a landmark move, he also played a critical role in structuring a joint venture with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange—a feat that showcased his deep understanding of complex financial ecosystems.
The Call to Build a Legacy
Despite reaching the upper echelons of the global financial world, Tarun felt a deeper calling. In 2008, he returned to India—not for another corporate role, but to fulfill a long-cherished dream of creating a world-class educational institution. While still holding an executive role at Thomson Reuters, where he served as Chairperson and MD for South Asia from 2009 to 2012, Tarun began laying the foundation for what would become India’s first green B-school.
The transition wasn’t easy. Balancing a demanding global leadership role with a grassroots educational initiative required not only vision, but also tremendous discipline and personal sacrifice. Yet, in March 2012, Tarun took a bold leap—leaving his corporate career to dedicate himself full-time to Universal Business School.
From 9 Students to a Global Education Hub
UBS started modestly, with just 9 students in its inaugural batch. But Tarun’s commitment to excellence and innovation in education soon caught attention. Today, UBS boasts a vibrant community of over 600 students and has built academic partnerships with some of the world’s leading universities in the UK, USA, France, Switzerland, Mexico, Spain, Italy, and Bulgaria.
Unlike many institutions that focus solely on infrastructure or rankings, UBS stands out for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global learning. It is India’s first green B-school, designed to harmonize with nature and provide a learning environment that is not just intellectually stimulating but also environmentally responsible.
Students from across five continents have chosen UBS for its international curriculum and future-ready pedagogy. Its alumni network spans over 20 countries, making it one of India’s most globally connected business schools. This global footprint is no coincidence—it’s a direct reflection of Tarun’s own journey and philosophy of education that transcends borders.
Not Just a School, But a Movement
Under Tarun’s leadership, UBS has become much more than an educational institution—it’s a movement to redefine how business is taught and learned in India. The school’s joint degree programs, real-time business projects, and sustainability-focused initiatives are just a few examples of how UBS blends academic rigor with real-world relevance.
Tarun believes in nurturing leaders who can think globally and act ethically. He often says that education is not just about degrees, but about developing a mindset that can solve complex global challenges with clarity, compassion, and creativity.
A Role Model for Aspiring Leaders
What makes Tarun’s story resonate so deeply is not just the scale of his achievements, but the human values that underpin them. Whether it was knocking on doors as a teenager, navigating global financial markets, or building a B-school from scratch—Tarun has always led with humility, purpose, and an unshakeable belief in the power of education.
In an era where many chase quick success, Tarun Singh Anand stands out as a symbol of long-term vision, resilience, and meaningful impact. His journey is a testament to what one can achieve when driven by purpose and anchored in values.
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