About Firoz
Dr. Firoz Khan is a seasoned marketing and education leader with over 30 years of blended academic and corporate experience across global marketing, luxury and fashion retail, and higher education leadership. He has extensive industry exposure as a fashion buyer and merchandise planner for multinational retail organizations, bringing strong commercial acumen and market insight. Dr. Khan is the Founder Director of Cosmoversity, an online-first global education platform focused on democratizing access to international higher education through UK and European qualifications.
He has served in senior academic roles including Senior Faculty at Westford University College and Associate Professor at MIT ADT University, where he taught subjects such as Digital Marketing Strategy, International Marketing Management, Strategic Marketing Management, Marketing Research, Retail Management, and Luxury Retailing. His academic contributions include curriculum development, mentoring postgraduate research students, conducting research, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Khan is also a published researcher and author with several academic publications indexed in reputed journals and publishers such as Springer and Routledge. His research interests include consumer behavior, marketing analytics, digital marketing, supply chain applications of machine learning, and organizational culture.
Services Offered
Business Strategy Consulting
High-level strategic guidance to improve competitiveness, market positioning, business models, and long-term growth.
Digital Strategy Consulting
Guidance on digital transformation, platform selection, tech adoption, and aligning digital tools with business objectives.
Go-to-Market Strategy Consulting
Planning and execution of market entry, including customer segmentation, positioning, pricing, and channel strategy.
Operations Consulting
Improvement of day-to-day business functions through workflow analysis, resource optimization, and performance enhancement.
Market Research
Study of market trends, customer preferences, competitive landscape, and demand to inform business strategy and product development.
Expertise
check_circle Marketing Strategy
check_circle Digital Marketing
check_circle Market Research
check_circle Marketing Analytics
check_circle International Business
check_circle Entrepreneurship
check_circle Higher Education
check_circle Curriculum Planning & Development
check_circle Consumer Behavior & Theory
Professional Summary
Dr. Firoz Khan has more than three decades of professional experience spanning higher education leadership, academic teaching, research, and international retail industry operations. His career includes leadership positions in universities, faculty roles teaching marketing and business subjects, and earlier corporate roles in global retail organizations focusing on merchandising, buying, and marketing strategy. He currently leads Cosmoversity as Founder Director while continuing his work in research, mentoring, and academic program development.
Work History
Founder Director
Cosmoversity
2026 - Present
- Founder of Cosmoversity, an SPEA-approved higher education institution focused on expanding access to global education through an online-first model offering UK and European qualifications. Leads institutional strategy, partnerships, brand development, and growth initiatives supporting learners across UAE, MENA, and emerging markets.
Senior Faculty
Westford University College
2023 - 2025
- Teaching at undergraduate and master’s levels across digital marketing, international marketing, strategic marketing, retail management, luxury retailing, and international business. Responsibilities include curriculum design, academic committees, research supervision, mentoring, and program development.
Associate Professor
MIT ADT University
2019 - 2020
- Delivered teaching and research in marketing analytics, marketing research, digital marketing analytics, and marketing management. Supervised students, published research, and contributed to academic development and research funding initiatives.
Assistant Professor
Dnyansagar Institute of Management and Research
2015 - 2019
- Contributed to teaching, research, curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, and institutional strategy within a research-led academic environment.
Executive Director
Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS Pune)
2011 - 2015
- Provided overall leadership including strategic planning, revenue generation, financial management, organizational development, and program operations.
Senior Lecturer – Marketing & Retail Management
Choice College of Arts, Science and Commerce
2008 - 2011
- Taught undergraduate and graduate courses, conducted research, supervised students, developed curriculum, and organized academic seminars and conferences.
Buying Manager
Paris Gallery LLC
2001 - 2006
- Managed luxury fashion buying, assortment planning, supplier negotiations, sales forecasting, inventory management, trend analysis, and budget control for one of the UAE’s leading luxury retailers.
Merchandise Planner
Alshaya Trading Agencies Est. (Debenhams & Arcadia Division)
1998 - 2001
- Supported merchandise planning, forecasting, budgeting, stock management, promotions, KPI tracking, and coordination across retail and warehouse operations in the Middle East and Europe.
Direct Mailing Manager
Royal Condominium International
1997 - 1998
- Managed database procurement, direct mail campaigns, response tracking, sales forecasting, reporting, and coordination with marketing and mailing partners.
Education Summary
Dr. Khan holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Savitribai Phule Pune University, with research focused on consumer response to business development practices in hypermarkets. He also holds an MBA from the same university and a postgraduate diploma in International Fashion Marketing from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. His undergraduate degree is a BA in Geography from Savitribai Phule Pune University.
Education History
Ph.D. in Business Administration
Savitribai Phule Pune University
2015 - 2020
PG Diploma in International Fashion Marketing
Heriot-Watt University
2007 - 2008
MBA
Savitribai Phule Pune University
1994 - 1996
BA in Geography
Savitribai Phule Pune University
1991 - 1993
Publications Summary
Dr. Khan has authored and co-authored several academic publications in peer-reviewed journals and books, including works published by Springer, Routledge, and other international journals. His research topics include consumer behavior, marketing strategies, organizational culture, digitalization, and machine learning applications in business.
Published Works
An investigation into the effects of Dundee's cultural and economic revitalization on independent food enterprises: A Critical Review of the Worldwide Literature
Article person Kenj IGilani S. A.Tantry AKhan FMulla TAskri SHandhiArmosh F
calendar_today 3/8/2026
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: Springer
Volume/Issue: N/A
Pages: 453–464
ISSN: N/A
Abstract expand_more
Waste disposal has always been a challenge for organisations around the world, especially, the widely accepted detrimental consequences to the environment from inefficient waste management. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are heavily focused on global sustainability where responsible waste management is heavily embedded in these goals. A review of worldwide studies related to waste management is conducted in this paper to identify the level of development of solutions in improving waste management practices. The research method adopted in the review of studies exhibited characteristics of a systematic review which was based on the steps of (1) Does the research investigate innovations for improving waste management systems? and (2) Was the study conducted during the period 2000–2023? A thematic analysis (TA) method was adopted to analyse the reviewed studies based on the criteria of Year, Geography, Research Method adopted, Problems identified for waste management systems and the solutions/innovations developed to overcome the problems for each reviewed study. For all the reviewed studies, an inability amongst the public or businesses to dispose of waste appropriately in terms of metal, glass, plastic, medical and general waste was highlighted as a major issue in waste management. Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based waste management programs were identified as common solutions amongst the reviewed studies. It should be noted that the highlighted findings from the reviewed studies on challenges and solutions for waste management were not exclusive to a business context. However, limited/no solutions for waste management were identified amongst studies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Therefore, a paucity in literature was identified for studies investigating challenges and solutions related to waste management for businesses based in the UAE. Based on the findings from the literature review, a ML based program was developed and proposed for waste management in the context of the UAE and possibly the rest of the world. The findings from this research make policy based (UN SDGs) and practice based (Waste Management ML program to improve business efficiency) contributions through the development of a Waste Management ML program.
The application of Machine Learning in supporting supply chain management operations in the manufacturing sector based in England
Article person Tantry AKhan FGilani S. A.Peel R
calendar_today 3/8/2026
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: Springer Nature
Volume/Issue: N/A
Pages: N/A
ISSN: N/A
The factors that encourage and hinder the tourism industry's use of augmented reality technology by UK-based clients
Book Chapter person Javeria AseerAnsarullah TantrySayed Abdul Majid GilaniFiras ArmoshTausif MullaFiroz KhanRichard Peel
calendar_today 3/8/2026
Book: Not specified
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: Not specified
Chapter: N/A
Abstract expand_more
In many developing countries export earnings account for a large amount. The use of technology in travel is demonstrated by the increasing acceptance of augmented reality, which seems promising and provides opportunities for further research. This study uses a systematic strategy to investigate augmented reality research, concentrating solely on travel-related literature. The United Kingdom is examined concerning the adoption of augmented reality. Furthermore, the influence of incredibly captivating visuals and the difficulties presented by technology on the intention of consumer preference are examined. Research is examined using a range of papers from pertinent databases. The results show that consumers’ trip experiences are positively impacted by the immersive photos and visual content produced by augmented reality. However, the risk of sensitive personal data being compromised and the end users’ lack of technology literacy have a detrimental impact on the users’ intentions. Based on the results, future research directions are recommended to further enhance the dynamic travel landscape. Travel agents, tour operators, and other travellers will find these results helpful.
I Must Buy So I Don’t Die – Panic Buying and Change in Consumer Behavior During COVID-19 in the Pune Metropolitan Region
Article person Firoz KhanRoshan KaziAneta SzymanskaArchana Singh
calendar_today 3/8/2026
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: Indian Journal of Marketing
Volume/Issue: 53/12
Pages: 45–62
ISSN: 0973-8703
Abstract expand_more
This article aims to deepen understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 and panic buying behavior of consumers. The study investigates how psychological factors, perceived product scarcity, and prevailing social conditions during the pandemic influence consumer purchasing patterns. Using a descriptive and conclusive research design, the study employed cross-sectional quantitative methods and structural equation modeling (SEM) to validate the model. Findings indicate that negative emotions such as stress and anxiety, along with perceived scarcity and social conditions, significantly influence panic buying behavior. Gender was also found to play a moderating role in these relationships. The research provides insights for retail managers and policymakers to better understand consumer purchasing patterns during crises and improve strategic decision-making.
Evolution of Organizational Culture and Structure in Teal Organizations
Book Chapter person Aneta SzymańskaFiroz KhanPushpa Anant
calendar_today 3/8/2026
Book: Not specified
Publisher: Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group)
ISBN: Not specified
Chapter: N/A
Abstract expand_more
This chapter explores the evolution of organizational culture and structure in teal organizations, highlighting how self-management and entrepreneurial culture influence organizational transformation in the context of Economy 4.0. The study discusses emerging organizational models that emphasize decentralization, employee empowerment, and adaptive management approaches to respond to dynamic economic environments.
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