Suresh Kumar to Join GW School of Business as Distinguished Visiting Professor of International Business
Former Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service to meld Policy and Practice, Strategy and Global Execution Perspectives
WASHINGTON – The man President Obama tapped to steward the country’s exports and lead the nation’s global network of trade specialists—“America’s Sales Force” as he called it—has accepted the position of Distinguished Visiting Professor with The George Washington University School of Business. In his new role, Suresh Kumar will leverage his vast cross-sectoral experience to deliver new strategy and policy approaches, and practical “how to” solutions, to the next generation of leaders.
“At GWSB, we are committed to bringing leaders in business and government from the most powerful institutions in the country to establish thought leadership, and provide the most practical and relevant education in the world,” said Doug Guthrie, dean of the George Washington University School of Business. “Suresh Kumar is uniquely qualified to shape emerging dialogue, meld policy with practice and bring the latest learning to our students. We are thrilled to have him working with us.”
A true global leader, Mr. Kumar’s long career in international business, commercial diplomacy economic development and business education provide him with the diverse and indispensable tools to serve as a strategic partner to Dean Guthrie in building out GWSB’s internationalization strategy. Until recently, Suresh spearheaded U.S. exports and trade promotion as Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS). Under his leadership, the USFCS delivered unprecedented results- more than doubling facilitated exports, job creation and ROI- every $ invested in the USFCS returned $215 by way of facilitated exports in 2011. The changes initiated during Mr. Kumar’s tenure resulted in the USFCS assisting over 20,000 companies in transactions and collaborations to achieve 14,650 export successes in 2011.
“I am bullish on America having seen first hand the clamor for our products and services, and the awe inspired by US quality business education. We have the opportunity to develop business leaders and influence global trade for years to come” said Professor Kumar. “I am delighted to join the GW team. Leveraging the schools unique assets at the intersection of business, government and society to develop next generation leaders endowed with new business approaches and enhancing global competiveness is always energizing. Doing this and assisting the school to expand globally is exciting and truly special.”
Mr. Kumar’s time leading the Worldwide Consumer Pharmaceutical business of Johnson & Johnson, as President and CEO of the management consulting firm Kaizen Innovation LLC, and his deep relationships with global business and government leaders complement GWSB faculty to bring real life perspectives into course material and the classroom. Mr. Kumar’s experiences and contributions to global trade will make case studies and discussions in and beyond the classroom come alive. He will feature prominently in GWSB’s Executive Spotlight videos, which will be incorporated into the new creative suite of online graduate degree programs.
Mr. Kumar has contributed much to public service, private enterprise and the social sector. His credibility and relationships with business and government leaders worldwide allows him to build collaborations. A leader, executive, and ambassador for business, Mr. Kumar is a confidante who influences governments and private sector alike. Prior to serving in the Administration, Mr. Kumar spent thirty years as an international businessman, consultant and professor of management. He has led US business across all continents. Early in his career he served as a sports and news anchor on national television in India.
Mr. Kumar joins a select group of leaders that include Chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke and Bank of America Chairman and former DuPont CEO Chad Holliday to share first hand insight gained as leaders in the public and private sectors with students and executives and in course materials. GWSB, faculty and students will benefit from the strategic direction Mr. Kumar will provide in his role as professor, partner, advisor and mentor.
GW’s School of Business is an international leader in education and research, which prides itself on training future leaders to be global problem solvers and socially responsible managers. The school leverages its prime location—in the heart of Washington—by attracting visiting scholars and leaders in the business community to work, teach and engage with students on campus. The depth and variety of its academic and professional programs, including five specialized master’s programs, provide rich opportunities for academic engagement and career development for students in the school’s core Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration and doctoral programs.
For more information about the GW School of Business visit: http://business.gwu.edu/
-GW-
Posted by gwsb on June 22, 2012 | Filed under: GWSB News,Press Releases.
