Shobha Kansal

Shobha Pai Kansal is a distinguished business professional, with over a decade of expertise in the CPG sector (consumer packaged goods) and nearly ten years of experience in academia. Currently serving as the Director of Category Leadership at the Kraft Heinz Company for the past three years, Shobha thrives in her role's people management aspect, guiding her team towards personal and professional growth by leveraging their unique strengths, skills, and backgrounds.

Prior to her tenure at Kraft Heinz, she pursued a full-time graduate program at the University of Cincinnati, culminating in a Master's in Sociology in 2019. Before her time in academia, Shobha honed her skills at Procter & Gamble for nearly a decade, spanning roles in Cincinnati, Boston, and Fayetteville, Arkansas across sales, omnicommerce, brand strategy, and shopper psychology. Her academic journey began with a double major at Indiana University in Finance and Spanish, a testament to her enduring passion for learning.

During her graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati, Shobha developed a profound interest in examining societal inequality through a sociological lens, delving into how such disparities impact our daily lives. Motivated by this passion, she continued her academic journey into a PhD program, driven by a desire to utilize her doctoral degree in fostering a brighter future for working families.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Shobha finds immense joy in spending time with her family. Whether it's sharing laughter over a home-cooked meal or embarking on adventurous outings together, family time holds a special place in her heart. Alongside nurturing these bonds, Shobha is also passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, finding solace and strength through regular workouts that invigorate both her body and mind and is a certified yoga instructor. When she's not breaking a sweat, you'll often find her volunteering in her community, especially at her children's school. With a balanced blend of family, fitness, and volunteering, Shobha embraces each day with gratitude and enthusiasm.