Professor K. R. S. Murthy served as Director of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) from February 1991 to February 1997, a period marked by significant institutional transition aligned with India’s economic liberalisation . His leadership focused on redefining the institute’s academic orientation from a predominantly public-sector and sectoral focus towards a market-oriented, industry-relevant management education framework.

During his tenure, Professor Murthy strengthened core functional areas such as finance, marketing, and strategy, while also facilitating the establishment of new domains like strategic management. He played a central role in curriculum redesign for the Post Graduate Programme (PGP), introducing industry-relevant electives in areas such as corporate finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and marketing specialisations. He also supported the development of doctoral education and emphasized the need for research-oriented and contextually grounded pedagogy.

Executive education was expanded through Management Development Programmes (MDPs) and post-experience training initiatives, particularly for government and public sector officials. Notably, the establishment of the Centre for Public Policy ensured continuity of IIMB’s engagement with public services while adapting to changing economic priorities.

Professor Murthy actively promoted collaborations with international institutions such as McGill University and MIT, enhancing the institute’s global engagement. He also facilitated seminars, faculty development, and consultancy interactions with industry practitioners to bridge academic and practical domains.

The interview reflects themes of institutional transformation, curriculum reform, faculty restructuring, industry integration, public policy engagement, and the balance between global competitiveness and indigenous intellectual traditions, underscoring his role in shaping IIMB’s modern trajectory.

Snippets from Interview