Nitin Nohria

Nitin Nohria is a distinguished academic and leader in the field of management, best known for his tenure as the 10th Dean of Harvard Business School (HBS) from 2010 to 2020. Born and raised in India, Nohria pursued his undergraduate studies at the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay, where he earned a degree in chemical engineering before moving to the United States to complete his Ph.D. in management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management. His academic work focuses on leadership, corporate transformation, and the dynamics of human motivation in organizational settings.

During his decade as Dean of HBS, Nohria spearheaded initiatives that significantly shaped the school’s direction and global reputation. He introduced an emphasis on cultivating ethical leadership, highlighted by the establishment of a required course on leadership and corporate accountability. Nohria also prioritized global outreach, expanding HBS’s influence through the launch of research centers worldwide and fostering stronger ties with international business communities. Additionally, under his leadership, HBS made significant strides in advancing gender diversity among its students and faculty, working towards a more inclusive culture in the business school environment.

Nohria has authored and co-authored numerous books and articles on leadership and business strategy, including "Paths to Power: How Insiders and Outsiders Shaped American Business Leadership" and "What Really Works: The 4+2 Formula for Sustained Business Success." His research emphasizes the intersection of strategy, organizational behavior, and personal values in fostering leadership that balances both economic and social impact.

In 2020, Nohria stepped down as Dean and later joined companies and advisory boards, including his role as Executive Chairman at Thrive Capital. He continues to be a thought leader on topics related to leadership, ethics, and organizational behavior, frequently contributing to discussions on the future of business education and the importance of ethical stewardship in management.