Prof. (Dr.) Sibichan K. Mathew is among India's most respected academics in the fields of fashion business, retail management and entrepreneurship. With over three decades of experience at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), he has played a pivotal role in shaping fashion management education in India. His leadership positions at NIFT have included Chairperson of the Department of Fashion Management Studies, Head of Research & IPR, Head of Academic Affairs, Head of Industry & Alumni Affairs, and Director In-Charge of NIFT Kangra.

A Ph.D. in Management with advanced international training in fashion management, retailing and marketing across Europe and the United States, Dr. Mathew has guided numerous doctoral scholars and contributed extensively to research in fashion marketing, consumer behaviour, retail innovation, branding, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies in fashion business. He has served on several national committees related to fashion education, curriculum development and policy formulation, and is widely recognised for strengthening industry-academia engagement in the fashion sector. At WUD, he brings exceptional academic leadership, research expertise and deep industry insight to the next generation of creative business professionals.

Dr. Nitin Gupta is an experienced academic leader and institution builder with over 22 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. As Professor and Dean of the School of Business at the World University of Design, he provides strategic leadership in shaping future-ready management programs that integrate business, innovation, and sustainability.

His areas of expertise include Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International Business and Strategy, Finance and Accounting, with a research focus on sustainable economic development in emerging economies. He earned his doctorate as an ICSSR Fellow (Government of India) and has contributed extensively through research publications, edited books, patents, copyrights, and the supervision of doctoral scholars.

With international academic experience in Africa, Dr. Gupta brings a strong global perspective to management education. He has served on key academic and accreditation committees and has worked closely with professional bodies, including the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).

Aastha Deshpande is an Accessory Designer from NIFT. She has worked as a Visual Merchandiser & Space Planner in prominent retail companies such as Pantaloons, Fabindia & Citylife after pursuing MBA. She has 7 years of industry experience in creating window designs, space layouts, Store Designs for retail sector, integrating design with the retail , marketing & consumer experience.

Ankit Garg brings over 15 years of combined industry and academic experience, blending practical insight with academic depth. His career spans leadership roles in IT, financial services, and startups, including positions as IT Manager, Business Head, and client engagement roles in asset management and private banking. In academia, he has taught and mentored B.Tech and management students, leveraging his interdisciplinary background to connect technical and business concepts. At WUD, he focuses on developing students’ analytical thinking, leadership, and industry readiness.

Shweta Dahiya is an accomplished academician with over 12 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. Her areas of expertise include entrepreneurship, human resource management, sustainability, rural development, and enterprise development. She has authored books, published extensively in reputed journals, and led government-funded research projects on women’s entrepreneurship and sustainable value chains. She has submitted her Ph.D. thesis to Savitribai Phule Pune University, focusing on the legal and regulatory framework of Producer Companies, with particular reference to Farmer Producer Organizations.

A PhD in Marketing from Business School, Middlesex University, UK, Dr. Khaneja is a leading expert in design research with particular focus on the emotional well-being of consumers. She has published in the domains of physical environment design, consumers’ emotional well-being, branding, consumer behaviour, relationship marketing etc.

Dr. Abhinav Gupta is working as an Assistant Professor in School of Business with World University of Design, Sonipat, Haryana. He is a management professional with more than 10 years of experience in industry and academics in the area of Marketing, Banking etc. He did his Ph.D. from SRM University in the domain of Green Marketing. He has published several papers in reputed academic journals and presented papers in conferences. He has also worked in Banking sector with Axis Bank in Retail Banking operations.