IMT Ghaziabad set to welcome back Dr. Atish Chattopadhyay to lead Institutional Growth

Dr. Atish Chattopadhyay Rejoins IMT Ghaziabad: In a significant move for Indian management education, Dr. Atish Chattopadhyay, a distinguished academic leader, is set to rejoin IMT Ghaziabad as Director in February 2025. His return marks a new era for the prestigious institution, as he also integrates IMT Dubai with its Ghaziabad campus. This homecoming follows his earlier tenure as IMT Ghaziabad's Director (2016–2018), during which he spearheaded several transformative initiatives, setting a strong foundation for the institution's future growth.

Dr. Chattopadhyay's career, marked by his leadership at SPJIMR Mumbai, MICA Ahmedabad, JAGSoM Bengaluru, and Vijaybhoomi University, is a testament to his ability to globalize management education, reshape curricula, and foster industry collaborations. His leadership consistently elevated these institutions into the top echelons of business education in India and beyond.

A Proven Trailblazer in Management Education

Dr. Chattopadhyay's career is a testament to his ability to redefine management education. A firm believer in global integration, industry-driven pedagogy, and innovative learning, he has successfully transformed multiple institutions.

SPJIMR: Redefining Global Relevance

During his tenure as Professor of Marketing and Deputy Director at SPJIMR Mumbai (2007-2015), Dr. Chattopadhyay played a pivotal role in the institute's rise to the Top 10 business schools in India. Under his leadership, SPJIMR launched the Global Fast Track Programme, enabling students to undertake advanced specialization courses in top U.S. universities such as Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Darden, and Purdue.

Additionally, he focused on social responsibility and innovation, introducing flagship courses like Sustainability & Social Responsibility (SSR) and Design Thinking & Innovation (DTI), which later gained international recognition in AACSB's 'Innovations That Inspire' list.

MICA Ahmedabad: Strengthening Digital Leadership

As Dean of MICA (2015–2016), Dr. Chattopadhyay overhauled the admissions process, expanded student placements, and pioneered India's first curriculum for Digital Marketing specialization. His strategic vision attracted top industry leaders to MICA's advisory board, ensuring real-world relevance for students.

IMT Ghaziabad (2016–2018): A Period of Transformation

In his first tenure as IMT Ghaziabad's Director, Dr. Chattopadhyay revitalized the institution's standing among India's top business schools. His contributions included:

• AACSB Accreditation: Positioning IMT among the elite global B-schools.
• Revamping Curriculum: Introducing a contemporary, industry-focused approach.
• Faculty Excellence: Enhancing research and academic contributions.
• Global Engagement: Expanding partnerships with top international universities.

His emphasis on faculty collaboration and institutional growth laid a strong foundation for IMT Ghaziabad's ascent in global rankings.

JAGSoM & Vijaybhoomi: A Vision for the Future

From 2018 to 2024, Dr. Chattopadhyay led a transformative journey at JAGSoM Bengaluru, helping it secure AACSB accreditation across two campuses in India—an achievement unmatched in Indian business education. His focus on Industry 4.0-driven curricula led to innovative career tracks in MarTech, FinTech, and HRTech, positioning JAGSoM as an emerging global player.

At Vijaybhoomi University, where he served as Founding Vice-Chancellor (2020–2024), he championed India's first liberal professional university. Aligning the university with NEP 2020, he developed a multi-intelligence model, allowing students to explore majors in Business, Music, Data Science, Law, and Design. This unique approach fostered interdisciplinary learning and self-discovery, setting a precedent for higher education in India.

Back to IMT Ghaziabad: What Lies Ahead?

Dr. Chattopadhyay's return to IMT Ghaziabad in 2025 is pivotal as the institute seeks to solidify further its position among the world's leading business schools. His leadership will focus on:

1. Strengthening Global Collaborations

With an established network of partnerships—including SUNY Albany, Texas A&M, KEDGE Business School, and HSLU Lucerne—he is expected to expand IMT's global footprint, bringing in new collaborations that enhance student exposure.

2. Industry-Centric Learning for the AI Era

Recognizing the growing influence of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) in business, Dr. Chattopadhyay is likely to integrate AI-driven tools into the curriculum while emphasizing human empathy and creativity, ensuring students remain relevant in the tech-driven corporate world.

3. Merging IMT Dubai with IMT Ghaziabad

A significant challenge—and opportunity—awaits him in integrating IMT Dubai with its Ghaziabad campus. Given his past successes in managing multi-campus institutions (JAGSoM's dual AACSB accreditation), he is well-equipped to synchronize programs, faculty, and student exchange between the two campuses.

4. Expanding IMT's Thought Leadership

Dr. Chattopadhyay's insights into higher education trends, future-ready curricula, and management pedagogy will ensure IMT Ghaziabad remains a thought leader in business education.

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Over a career spanning 25 years, Dr. Chattopadhyay has earned widespread recognition, including:

• First Y K Bhushan Memorial Award (2022) for contributions to management education.
• AACSB Hall of Fame Induction for leading multiple institutions to global accreditation.
• Spearheading JAGSoM's inclusion in QS World Rankings for Masters in Marketing, Analytics, and Finance.

Beyond titles and accolades, his legacy lies in the thousands of students and professionals who have benefited from his visionary leadership.

The Road Ahead

Dr. Atish Chattopadhyay's return to IMT Ghaziabad is more than a leadership appointment—it's the reunion of a visionary with an institution poised for greater heights. With his blend of academic excellence, entrepreneurial thinking, and unwavering commitment to student success, IMT Ghaziabad is set to embark on an exciting new chapter of innovation, global expansion, and industry alignment. Under his leadership, the institution's focus on student success remains steadfast.

As the education landscape evolves rapidly, one thing remains certain: under Dr. Chattopadhyay's leadership, IMT Ghaziabad will not just keep up—it will lead the way.