Indian-origin Ankur Shiv Bhandari, Who Graduated From DU, Leads Chancellor Race At Oxford University

The Chancellor’s election is currently underway at Oxford University, which is ranked among the top varsities in the world. The names of 38 finalists have been released in this race for the Chancellor’s selection of which several are of Indian origin. The leading Indian-origin candidate in this race is Ankur Shiv Bhandari, the first Indian-origin mayor of Bracknell Forest in Berkshire. Apart from this, international entrepreneur Professor Nirpal Singh Paul Bhangal and medical specialist Pratik Tarwadi are also included in the list.

Bhandari, who is leading in the race for Chancellor of Oxford University, was born in Faridabad, Haryana. He received his early education from St. Anthony Secondary School and DAV Public School, Sector-14, Faridabad. After this, he received a graduate degree in Business Studies from the College of Business Studies (now Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies) of Delhi University. In the year 2001, he went to the United Kingdom to study MBA and completed his studies at Leicester Business School of DeMontfort University. He also completed postgraduation in teaching and has obtained a master’s degree in law.

Bhandari is a successful entrepreneur who runs a business in the field of shopper marketing and digital training. Earlier, he held senior positions in multinational companies like Procter & Gamble, Accenture, and WPP. He is also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Marketers based in London and has professional experience working in more than 50 countries of the world. He has been living in Bracknell for the last 17 years with his wife and two children.

The position of Chancellor is honorary and carries no remuneration. Lord Patten, who has served in the role for 21 years, is set to retire at the end of Trinity Term 2024. His successor will be chosen by university staff and graduates through an online vote. The selection of the new Chancellor is not only part of Oxford University’s traditions, but will also play a key role in shaping the academic and global future of this prestigious institution.