VMPL
New Delhi [India], February 24: In 2026, leadership is defined by vision, innovation, and measurable impact. Across industries, a new wave of entrepreneurs is challenging norms, building scalable ventures, and shaping the future of business. This list recognises five emerging leaders whose strategic thinking, resilience, and forward-looking approach make them the ones to watch this year.
1. Saurav Kumar Sinha | Managing Partner - JSD Restaurants & Cafe LLP

Saurav Kumar Sinha is emerging as one of India's most dynamic hospitality innovators, transforming experiential dining through The Barbeque Company. As Managing Partner of JSD Restaurants and Cafe LLP, he has positioned the brand at the forefront of India's evolving F&B scene.
Over the past two years, Sinha has driven strategic expansion, reinforcing the brand's presence in high-growth eastern markets such as Dibrugarh, Guwahati, and Siliguri. Within Delhi NCR, The Barbeque Company has achieved notable success with openings that redefine experiential dining.
Looking ahead, Sinha is preparing a wave of new launches over the coming months -- including locations in Muzaffarpur, Jalandhar, and Mohali -- underscoring his commitment to national growth.
A core driver of this momentum is product innovation. Concepts like "BBQ Beer Bash Live," which pairs unlimited beer with interactive live grills, and the fast-growing BBQ Express format showcase Sinha's sharp insight into urban diners' preferences, appealing to social, experience-seeking audiences.
Sinha's journey into hospitality is rooted in a bold career shift. A former IT professional in Bengaluru, he ventured into the F&B industry driven by a passion for memorable dining experiences. After navigating early challenges and pandemic disruptions, he refined a resilient expansion strategy focused on tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
With an unwavering focus on quality, innovation, and scalable experiences, Saurav Kumar Sinha embodies the next generation of restaurateurs -- and is truly one to watch in 2026.
2. Garvit Arora | Founding Partner - Divyansh & Garvit India and DAGA LABEL

In India's rapidly evolving luxury fashion landscape, Garvit Arora, Founding Partner of Divyansh & Garvit India and DAGA LABEL, emerges as a visionary entrepreneur redefining Indian menswear. An alumnus of Istituto Marangoni and National Institute of Fashion Technology, he masterfully blends European luxury design principles with India's storied textile heritage, elevating his brands into globally competitive powerhouses.
Divyansh & Garvit India, his couture flagship, specializes in architectural wedding couture, precision tailoring, and textile-first designs crafted exclusively for high-net-worth clientele--think bespoke sherwanis with intricate hand-embroidery and innovative fabric fusions that marry Milanese silhouettes with artisanal Indian weaves. Running parallel, DAGA LABEL powers the commercial and wholesale arm, fueling nationwide scalability. Today, this ecosystem boasts 33 B2B stores across India, with a bold international wholesale roadmap accelerating.
Arora's design prowess shines in celebrity and cinema realms, including costume work for Deewaniyat and Masti 4, alongside upcoming Bollywood ventures. The brand has outfitted luxury wedding ensembles for families linked to cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, such as celebrations tied to Arjun Tendulkar, underscoring its elite HNI foothold. Advancing its luxury retail ambition, the forthcoming flagship store in Noida Sector 32 will house couture ateliers, premium streetwear capsules, community fashion events, and an in-house cafe--mirroring experiential trends from global icons.
With e-commerce rollout, retail expansion, international B2B growth, and celebrity tie-ups on deck, Garvit Arora is constructing a vertically integrated Indian luxury design empire. His enduring vision: a sustainable, world-class menswear brand balancing aspirational allure with scalable operations--positioning him as a top emerging leader for 2026.
3. Varun Yadav | Chairperson and Co-Founder - Shri Khushal Das University

Varun Yadav, Chairperson and Co-Founder of Shri Khushal Das University, Hanumangarh, Rajasthan represents a new generation of Indian education leaders who combine institutional governance with entrepreneurial agility. With a strong presence across higher education, K-12 schooling, and ed-tech, he has steadily built an integrated education ecosystem rooted in accessibility, employability, and innovation.
At SKD University, Yadav has focused on strengthening multidisciplinary education aligned with NEP-2020, promoting skill-based learning, industry integration, and rural outreach. His leadership emphasizes bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application, ensuring students graduate not just with degrees, but with capabilities. Under his stewardship, the university has expanded its academic offerings while positioning itself as a progressive private institution in Rajasthan.
Beyond higher education, he is associated with institutions such as Good Day Defence School and Ghaziabad Public School, reflecting his commitment to shaping student journeys from foundational schooling to professional readiness. His involvement in emerging education technology platforms further signals a forward-looking approach, integrating AI and digital transformation into traditional learning models.
What makes Varun Yadav one of the "5 Emerging Leaders to Watch in 2026" is his vision of building education hubs beyond metropolitan India -- empowering semi-urban and rural youth with world-class opportunities. By focusing on scalability, quality governance, and student-centric growth, he is shaping institutions that aim to compete nationally while serving locally.
As India's education landscape undergoes rapid transformation, leaders like Varun Yadav stand at the intersection of policy, innovation, and grassroots impact -- redefining how modern Indian institutions evolve.
4. Udit Sabharwal | Founder & Executive Chef - The Salt House Catering Services

In India's rapidly evolving luxury catering and event hospitality industry, Udit Sabharwal, Founder & Executive Chef of The Salt House Catering Services, is redefining premium culinary experiences with global expertise and innovative execution. With a strong academic foundation including a B.Sc. degree and a prestigious diploma from Hotel School The Hague, Netherlands, Udit blends international culinary techniques with authentic Indian catering traditions.
Carrying forward a family legacy that began in 1984, Udit has transformed the business into a modern, high-end catering brand known for delivering luxury wedding catering, corporate event catering, bespoke private event catering, and premium hospitality solutions across India. In July 2023, he formally incorporated USPS Foods India Private Limited, marking a structured expansion into large scale professional catering services. The strategic rebranding to The Salt House Catering Services in 2025 further strengthened the brand's positioning in the premium catering and luxury event dining segment.Beyond catering, Udit has demonstrated strong business acumen by contributing to global collaborations. Between 2023 and 2025, he underwent specialized business development training with MK Illumination, leading India market research and successfully facilitating the company's India incorporation, showcasing his expertise in international hospitality collaboration and market expansion strategy.
Today, The Salt House Catering Services is recognized for delivering customized catering experiences, sustainable event catering solutions, seasonal ingredient driven menus, and high end wedding and corporate hospitality services. Udit's focus on quality, innovation, and personalized service continues to set new benchmarks in India's catering industry.
With a perfect blend of heritage, global culinary education, and forward-thinking entrepreneurship, Udit Sabharwal is emerging as a key name shaping the future of luxury catering and event dining in India.
5. Umesh Agarwal | Founder & CEO - Business Referral Ocean and a renowned Serial Entrepreneur.

Umesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Business Referral Ocean (B₹O) and a renowned Serial Entrepreneur, International Trade Expert, and Business Mentor, is redefining global commerce by bridging markets, promoting sustainability, and empowering Indian entrepreneurs. With over 20 years of experience in international trade, gemstones and jewelry business, China import-export consulting, and sustainable product innovation, Umesh has built a diversified business ecosystem spanning multiple industries.
Beginning his journey at just 18 in his family's gemstone and jewelry enterprise, Umesh developed early expertise in cross-border trade, global sourcing, and international business expansion, visiting six countries by the age of 21 to establish strategic partnerships. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he founded Business Referral Ocean (B₹O), a powerful business networking and referral platform in India that helped entrepreneurs generate leads, partnerships, and revenue during uncertain times.
As an environmental advocate, he launched Bamboolastic, promoting affordable eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes to combat plastic pollution, and Uplaksh Lab Grown Diamonds, championing sustainable diamonds and ethical luxury alternatives to traditional mining.
Through platforms like Connecting China, China Chalo, China Ka Visa, China Se Import, China Se Import Seekho, Chineseseekho.com, Your China Office, and Chinaniwas.com, Umesh has simplified India-China trade, import consulting services, China sourcing solutions, and business delegation management, enabling startups and enterprises to access global markets efficiently.
An upcoming author of "Fail to Success," Umesh advocates entrepreneurial resilience, believing that failure is a stepping stone to growth. His mission continues to empower Indian businesses with global trade opportunities, sustainable business models, and strategic mentorship, positioning him as a transformative force in India's modern entrepreneurial landscape.
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