André Branch // Guest Speaker
André Branch is a seasoned C-Suite executive with over 25 years of leading and building brands in the consumer packaged goods and luxury sectors. Most recently, he served as the General Manager of M.A.C. Cosmetics in North America, where he spearheaded the brand’s transformation and resurgence of growth by localizing innovation, leveraging AI and proprietary digital technology, enhancing supply chain capabilities, and upgrading the retail experience.
Before joining M.A.C. Cosmetics, Branch held significant roles at companies like Kraft Foods, Diageo, and L’Oréal. At L’Oréal, he ran Digital and Ecommerce Operations for the USA, enhancing the organization’s digital skillset and Amazon presence. He also led iconic luxury brands such as Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, Diesel, Stella McCartney, and Ralph Lauren. After L’Oréal, André joined The Nature’s Bounty Co. as the CMO of the Consumer-Packaged Goods division and then became President of E-Commerce, overseeing a pure-play, global ecommerce business.
André’s tenure at Diageo saw him overseeing leading spirit brands, including Cuervo tequila, Smirnoff vodka, Captain Morgan rum, and Johnnie Walker scotch whisky. In his final role at Diageo, he was the Global Marketing Head of the Diageo Reserve Portfolio, a collection of luxury spirits.
Branch is also an independent board director for Signet Jewelers, Partnership with Children, and The Apollo Theater. He began his career as a CPA in Audit for Deloitte & Touche and holds a BA in Economics from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Student Speakers
Michael Hartt, BBA ’25
Michael is a graduating BBA student from Detroit, Michigan. While at Michigan Ross, Michael served as the BBA program ‘s student body president, doubling the amount of student programming and creating inaugural student advocacy efforts.. After graduation, Michael will work as the chief of staff for The Coalition for Property Tax Justice, a collective of 15+ grassroots organizations formed to address property tax injustice in Detroit.
Christian Brymer, MBA ’25
Originally from Virginia, Christian graduated magna cum laude from The Ohio State University in 2016. He then spent seven years as a logistics officer in the Marine Corps, supporting operations across California, Germany, and multiple West African countries. At Ross, he has served as a vice president within the Armed Forces Association and as a Multidisciplinary Action Projects coach, mentoring MBA1s through real-world consulting projects. Christian and his wife, Theresa — an Ann Arbor native — have been married for five years. Together, they are raising their three wonderful daughters, Frida, Judith, and Clara. In his free time, Christian enjoys exploring the outdoors, cooking, homebrewing, and creating lasting memories with his family and friends.
Jaden Douglas, BBA ’25
Jaden is a graduating dual-degree BBA and Bachelor of Musical Arts student from Wayne, Pennsylvania. While at Michigan Ross, Jaden served as vice president of undergraduate engagement with the BBA Council, vice president of professional activities with Delta Sigma Pi, senior advisor with APEX Consulting, and was a 2024 Magnify Fellow. Jaden is also a proud four-year member of the Michigan Marching Band cymbal section. After graduation, he will be joining McKinsey & Co. in Philadelphia. Jaden is deeply thankful for the unwavering support of his family, the friendships that made Michigan Ross feel like home, and the faculty who inspired and guided him every step of the way.
Priya Varshika Ganji, MM ’25
Priya is from Northville, Michigan, but originally hails from India, having moved to the United States in 2011. A proud Wolverine, she earned dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Michigan in 2024; a BS in information technologies from the School of Information, and a BS in economics from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. During her time in the Master of Management Program at Michigan Ross, Priya expanded her global perspective through a study abroad program in Milan, Italy, where she explored family businesses and entrepreneurship — an interest she hopes to pursue in the future. Beyond her academic pursuits, Priya channels her creativity into illustrations and is passionate about Ann Arbor’s vibrant restaurant scene.