INSEAD APPOINTS J. FRANK BROWN DEAN

Fine Print: Ok everyone, does anyone know why this happened? It's a bit smoke and mirror to me. Dean Hawawini wasn't their guy for some reason. What does that say about the school, the board or the culture/vision direction that was going on? The only bit of info I have is from Forbes. Insead Looks Beyond Academia For New Dean

December 16, 2005
Global Business Executive to Head Leading International School of Management

INSEAD has appointed J. Frank Brown as its next Dean. Brown, currently the Global Leader of Advisory Services for PricewaterhouseCoopers, will bring to INSEAD over 26 years of experience working in international markets, building leadership programs and heading client service-oriented businesses. Brown will serve as the school’s second American Dean since its creation 45 years ago, succeeding Gabriel Hawawini, the Dean since 2000. The appointment of an external business executive as Dean marks a major change for INSEAD which has traditionally filled the position internally, from its own faculty.

“Taking advantage of the worldwide market is no longer a luxury for companies, it is a necessity,” said Brown. “I have spent the better part of my career working with business units, colleagues and clients based in Europe, Asia and beyond, where the paradigms for doing business differ dramatically from one region to the next. INSEAD’s international perspective and multicultural environment is what first attracted me to become involved in the school. The fact that it has so fully and uniquely embraced the needs of a diverse and global marketplace is why I am so excited to be INSEAD’s next Dean.” Brown has been a part of the broader INSEAD community since 2000, serving most recently as a member of the INSEAD Board and as Chairman of the school’s U.S. Council. As Dean, he will be charged with leading an institution with a rapidly expanding global footprint. Under the tenure of Gabriel Hawawini, the school expanded beyond its European roots developing a comprehensive, fully connected campus in Asia in 2000. In addition to the dual-campus model, the school’s alliance with Wharton, formed in 2001, has enabled faculty to conduct research, and students to take courses, across three continents.

“Dean Hawawini made the concept of a business school for the world a reality,” continued Brown. “As Dean, I will continue to champion that vision and the unique value it provides to organisations that recognize the importance of developing the world’s next generation of leaders: skilled transcultural executives.”

Brown’s tenure as Dean will begin in July 2006. He retires at the end of June from PricewaterhouseCoopers where, during his 26 year career, he led the firm’s Assurance and Business Advisory Services, Transactions Services and Corporate Development practices. Most recently, he headed the firm’s $3.5 billion Advisory Services operating unit.

“We chose Frank Brown to lead INSEAD because he embodies the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of this school,” said Cees J.A. van Lede, Chairman, INSEAD Board of Directors. "Frank’s long career is indicative of someone willing to take risks and pioneer initiatives that span many geographies. His tenure at PricewaterhouseCoopers is also a testament to his fundamental belief in the value of developing the next generation of world business leaders. He will be a great advocate for our model, a critical bridge to the business community and, like Dean Hawawini, a strong visionary for our future.”

“INSEAD is the one true business school for the world,” said Gabriel Hawawini, Dean of INSEAD. "That belief is as much shaped by our student body and faculty as by our global locations. Our vision is a school with no dominant culture - where students and faculty contribute different perspectives to help shape the kind of dialogue sparked only by true diversity. Having worked with Frank over the last few years, I know that he will add yet another important perspective to that dialogue.”

Brown is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut State Societies of Certified Public Accountants. He is Chairman Emeritus of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New York and member of both the Iona College Board of Trustees and Bucknell University Business Advisory Board. Brown received his B.S.B.A. from Bucknell University and attended the Wharton Business School's Advanced Management Program.