Professor Pankaj Chandra served as Director of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) from December 2007 to September 2013, during a transformative phase in the Institute’s development. Trained in management and associated with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad prior to his tenure at IIMB, his academic interests encompassed operations management, strategy, and institutional development.

During his tenure, Professor Chandra led the articulation and implementation of a long-term institutional vision (2008–2009), emphasising sustainability, global engagement, technological integration, and transformative education. He played a key role in strengthening the Institute’s academic portfolio through the introduction of the Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP) in 2009 and the expansion of doctoral (FPM/PhD) education, with a focus on methodological rigour and increased enrolment.

His contributions extended to curriculum and institutional reforms, including the introduction of a tenure-track system, restructuring of faculty recruitment processes, and enhancement of faculty evaluation and research support mechanisms. He also fostered international collaborations through partnerships with global institutions and facilitated faculty exchange initiatives.

Professor Chandra promoted research-led academic culture by recruiting globally trained faculty, instituting research chairs, and strengthening doctoral training. He also expanded executive education offerings (MDPs/OBPs) and consultancy engagements with industry.

Reflecting on his tenure, he emphasised leading change over maintaining the status quo, fostering institutional cohesion, and positioning IIMB as a globally relevant research-driven management school. His leadership contributed significantly to enhancing IIMB’s academic reputation, international standing, and long-term strategic direction.

Snippets from Interview