Ketan Malhotra

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta

“Brewer of ideas and beers, witty speaker, empathetic leader – now crafting business strategies.”

Hometown: Ambala Cantt, Haryana

Fun Fact About Yourself: From brewing hops to throwing chops, I do it all – silver medalist at International Karate Summit at Nepal and a brown belt to prove that!

Undergraduate School and Major: B.Tech in Food Technology from National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-K)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Manager – Craft Brewer at AB InBev

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Calcutta’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Coming from a hands-on industry like craft brewing, I wanted a program that offered both intensity and reflection. IIM Calcutta’s MBAEx stood out not just for its one-year structure and academic rigor, but for its legacy of shaping grounded, analytical leaders. There’s also something uniquely inspiring about studying in Kolkata—a city that, like brewing, blends tradition with creativity. It felt like the perfect place to ferment fresh ideas and redefine my professional journey.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Calcutta? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? Joining the Lattice 2025 organizing team has been one of the most transformative parts of my journey here so far. It began with an election pitch and soon turned into the challenge of planning IIM Calcutta’s biggest business conclave. From working with industry leaders and faculty to aligning teams and managing timelines, every step demanded adaptability and ownership. Balancing it all with academics wasn’t easy—but that’s where the learning was. It taught me how to lead without a title, think on my feet, and push through ambiguity. More than anything, it reminded me that real growth lies just beyond comfort.

What has been the best part of studying business in Kolkata? Studying business in Kolkata has been a lesson in contrasts—in the best way possible. Inside IIM Calcutta, the pace is relentless, filled with cases, deadlines, and constant intellectual stretch. But step outside, and the city slows you down. Its old-world charm, cultural depth, and reflective rhythm offer a quiet counterbalance to campus life. That blend of academic rigor and Kolkata’s thoughtful stillness taught me not just how to think fast, but how to think deeply—and reminded me that great leadership is as much about awareness and empathy as it is about analysis and action.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my proudest career moments was leading the transformation of Seven Rivers Brewing Co. from a boutique brewpub into a high-performing craft beer hub. As Head Brewer, I not only scaled operations by 40%, but also delivered tangible product impact and launched over 10 craft beer styles grounded in customer feedback and market trends. One such product—Munich Helles—was picked up for consideration at a commercial scale, bridging the gap between brewpub innovation and large-format branding. The role pushed me to balance creativity with consistency and shaped my approach to scalable, customer-first innovation.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: One of the most fulfilling aspects of my MBA journey has been the chance to step up as a communicator. Whether presenting at workshops, college events, or leading project pitches, I’ve had multiple opportunities to refine my public speaking skills. One such standout moment was during the Managerial Communication course, where we were challenged to craft a compelling narrative and convince an audience within just 3–4 minutes. It pushed me to think sharply, speak with intent, and connect emotionally with listeners—under time pressure and reminded me that the ability to tell a story well is one of the most powerful tools a leader can have.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? Our favorite hangout spot is the quiet lakeside near the Joka metro. After long hours of cases, quizzes, and deadlines, it’s the perfect place to just breathe. Some of us grab chai, others debate life or careers, but mostly—we go to slow down, laugh a little, and remind ourselves there’s more to this MBA journey than just academics.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I hope to step into a product or brand management role within the consumer goods or Alco-Bev space—industries I understand not just professionally, but intuitively. Having spent years brewing craft beers, leading operations, and experimenting with what consumers truly crave, I’ve come to value the intersection of creativity and business impact. This MBA journey has added layers to that understanding—strategy, market insight, financial thinking. Now, I want to build brands that aren’t just consumed, but experienced. Roles that let me stay close to the consumer, lead with empathy, and shape products people remember—that’s where I see myself next.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MBA CLASS OF 2027: STUDENTS TODAY, LEADERS TOMORROW, INNOVATORS ALWAYS

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