The Indian School of Business (ISB) has announced the extension of Professor Madan Pillutla's tenure as Dean for a second five-year term. This decision, made by the institution's Executive Board, coincides with ISB's 25th anniversary celebrations, signaling strong confidence in Dean Pillutla's leadership to guide the school into its next phase of global influence.
Strategic Growth Under Pillutla's Leadership
During his initial term, Dean Pillutla spearheaded several major strategic initiatives that significantly transformed ISB's academic and operational landscape. Key achievements include the launch of the Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGP YL) and the introduction of the I-Venture Immersive (ivi), a pioneering residential program for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, Pillutla oversaw the development of ISB Discover, India's first practitioner-focused digital platform designed to translate faculty research into actionable business and policy insights. His tenure also involved a comprehensive curriculum redesign for the school's flagship Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), enhancing its relevance and global competitiveness. These efforts have notably elevated ISB's international standing, with its flagship PGP securing the 12th spot globally in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2026, and ranking 5th in the LinkedIn Top MBA Programs 2025 based on alumni career outcomes.
Expanding Access and Philanthropic Outreach
A significant focus during Dean Pillutla’s first term was on broadening access to world-class management education. This was achieved through enhanced scholarship support and a concerted effort to expand the school's philanthropic base. Increased fundraising from alumni, donors, and institutional partners played a crucial role in these initiatives.
Board's Confidence and Dean's Vision
Announcing the extension, Harish Manwani, Chairman of the Executive Board, Indian School of Business, remarked, “Professor Pillutla’s first term has been marked by several significant milestones for the school. Under his leadership, ISB has strengthened its academic and research standing, deepened its global partnerships, and continued to build on its reputation as one of the leading business schools in Asia.”
Manwani further highlighted the progress made in expanding ISB's program portfolio, enhancing student and alumni experiences, and reinforcing the school's role as a platform for thought leadership on national and global issues. “We look forward to the continued growth and impact of ISB under his stewardship in the years ahead,” he added.
Responding to the appointment, Professor Madan Pillutla expressed his gratitude: “It is an honour to continue serving the Indian School of Business for another term. I am grateful that the Board has entrusted me with the stewardship of this remarkable institution, and I thank our faculty, colleagues, students, alumni, and partners for their trust, support, and commitment to the school.”
Dean Pillutla affirmed his commitment, stating, “Together, we will continue to strengthen ISB's contribution to India's future by developing responsible leaders, generating knowledge that matters, and serving business and society.”
A Deep Connection to ISB
Professor Pillutla's association with ISB dates back to its inception, where he taught the founding batch of the PGP and served as the Area Leader for Organisational Behaviour. Before assuming the deanship at ISB, he held distinguished academic and administrative positions, including a professorship in Organisational Behaviour at the London Business School (LBS).