Guest in Classroom #5: Vishal Gajjar, Director Quality & Sustainability, Purchasing at Lidl (Schwarz Group), Inspires MBA Students

The MBA students of Pforzheim University had the unique opportunity to engage with Vishal Gajjar, Director at Lidl and a proud alumnus of the MBA program at Pforzheim University. His return to campus was marked by a compelling lecture on some of the most pressing issues in modern business practices, including strategic sustainability, compliance and regulations in supply chain, circular economy, and living wages in the banana supply chain.
"Stay with the basics and stay humble", Vishal Gajjar's remarkable journey from being a student at Pforzheim University to becoming a prominent leader at Lidl is a testament to this philosophy. His humble demeanour and profound expertise captivated the audience by setting a perfect example for future business leaders.
During his talk, Vishal emphasized the critical importance of sustainability in the current business landscape. He showcased company’s dedicated efforts to integrate sustainable practices into their operations, highlighting various sustainability initiatives and achievements. 
Vishal introduced the MBA students to the strategic sustainability framework, a comprehensive model to balance profitability with sustainability. He detailed how this framework guides decision-making processes, ensuring that economic activities also benefit society and the environment. "Our aim is to create long-term value that transcends mere financial gains," he explained.
One of the highlights of Vishal's lecture was his discussion on the circular economy. He explained company’s approach to minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency by adopting circular economy principles. This strategy involves reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials to create a sustainable business model that significantly reduces waste. Vishal's insights offered a clear vision of how businesses can operate sustainably while remaining profitable.
In a powerful segment of his talk, Vishal addressed the importance of ensuring living wages for workers in the banana supply chain. He shared the challenges that companies face and the successes achieved in implementing living wage practices.  “We are finding ourselves in the time of a paradigm shift where more ethical business practices must be considered as one of the key strategic business parameters” he stated. His commitment to ethical practices underscored the role of business leaders in promoting social justice and equity.
Vishal's visit was more than a lecture; it was an inspiring session that left a lasting impact on the students. His practical insights and real-world examples provided valuable lessons on how to integrate sustainability and ethical practices into business operations. The students were not only informed but also motivated to pursue careers that contribute positively to society and the environment.
The MBA students at Pforzheim University extend their heartfelt gratitude to Vishal Gajjar for sharing his knowledge and experience. His visit exemplifies the power of alumni engagement in shaping the future of business education. 🌍

Text: Avik Chakraborty, Class of 2026
Photos: Fei Teng, Class of 2026