SPJIMR Dean Varun Nagaraj Appointed to AACSB Board of Directors
In a landmark development for Indian business education, Varun Nagaraj, Dean of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This appointment marks a historic first, as SPJIMR becomes the inaugural Indian business school to be represented on the AACSB Board in its 110-year history.
A Global Milestone for Indian Business Education
The AACSB, recognized as the world's leading standard-setting body for business education, has welcomed Dr. Nagaraj to its global board, where he will represent the Asia Pacific region. His three-year term is set to commence on July 1, 2026. This move underscores the growing influence of Indian institutions in shaping global educational standards.
Lily Bi, President and CEO of AACSB, extended congratulations, stating, "On behalf of AACSB's global community, we extend our sincere congratulations to Dean Varun Nagaraj on his appointment to the Board of Directors. As we celebrate 110 years of advancing quality and impact in business education around the world, this milestone marks another meaningful chapter in our history. Dean Nagaraj's leadership and perspective will further strengthen AACSB's mission to connect, elevate, and transform business education globally, and we are proud to welcome representation from India to our Board for the first time."
Aligning Vision with Global Impact
Dr. Nagaraj expressed his enthusiasm for the role, highlighting the alignment between SPJIMR's ethos and AACSB's objectives. "I look forward to collaborating with colleagues worldwide to elevate the impact of business schools. SPJIMR's commitment to wise innovation and societal impact closely aligns with AACSB's vision of driving meaningful change in business and society," he said.
As a practitioner-academic, Dr. Nagaraj brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has served as Dean of SPJIMR since 2021 and is a Professor of Information Management. His career spans over three decades, including leadership roles as CEO of venture-funded start-ups and public companies, and as a Partner at PRTM Management Consulting. His research focuses on responsible innovation, product management, and entrepreneurship, with publications in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Product Innovation Management and California Management Review.
Educational and Professional Background
Dr. Nagaraj's academic credentials are equally impressive:
- BTech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Bombay
- MS from North Carolina State University
- MBA from Boston University
- PhD from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University
About SPJIMR and AACSB
SPJIMR is a leading postgraduate management institute in India, recognized globally for its innovative and socially conscious approach. It holds the international 'Triple Crown' of accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA, and is ranked among the top business schools worldwide by publications like the Financial Times and Business Today.
Founded in 1916, AACSB is a global organization dedicated to advancing excellence in business education through accreditation, thought leadership, and transformative learning initiatives across more than 100 countries. Dr. Nagaraj's appointment not only highlights his personal achievements but also signals a significant step forward for Indian business schools on the international stage.
