AACSB undertakes rebranding as ambitions broadened

The move involved input from students, the business community, employees, and a global membership network. It also includes the appointment of a new CEO, the celebration of AACSB’s centennial, and the announcement of an industry-wide vision for business education.
“The world is changing at a tremendous rate, and it is our job as educators to lead and shape that change,” said Thomas Robinson, president and CEO of AACSB. “The industry identified this imperative through the launch of the Collective Vision, and since then, momentum has been building. AACSB knew more was needed to unify the industry and demonstrate the value, relevancy, and impact of business education—and to have a voice globally and locally in the regions we serve.”
AACSB says it has become an industry-wide global “connector”, uniting the best minds in business education—and business—to prepare the next generation of business leaders.
“AACSB’s centennial was a moment of pride and reflection,” said Santiago Iñiguez, chair of the AACSB board of directors and president of IE University. “This turning point was spurred by a desire to do more to meet the changing needs of society and business, to reach out to new stakeholders, and to tap the limitless potential of the next generation of students.
“Our new brand is the embodiment of this new trajectory, and the first of many steps the organisation will take to fulfil our deep-rooted commitment to connecting the industry around a common goal: transforming business education for global prosperity.”
AACSB says it will continue to refine its global portfolio of services while inviting leading educators and business innovators to become part of the movement through its Business Education Alliance. Examples include the fostering of engagement with educators and industry. Through its Business Practice Council and Co-Lab conference, AACSB connects the business industry with educators to help shape the future of business education, co-create knowledge, and work together to address the needs of business and society. The AACSB Bridge Program connects senior business executives to classrooms as a trained faculty, providing students worldwide with access to industry insights and practices.
It says it is accelerating innovation through new ways of thinking and doing, ensuring the success of business and future business leaders.
“Across global events such as ICAM 2017, the AACSB Dean’s Conference, topic-focused seminars, and through BizEd magazine, industry leaders share best practices and diverse perspectives. AACSB’s annual innovations that inspire challenge showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of business schools around the world,” it said.