New ICS

We have new Dean for ICS.  Our new Dean is Chris Ahmadjian, professor of Organizational Behavior.  She has had extensive experience in Japan and will symbolize the new ICS in Asia and in the world.

Dean Hiro Takeuchi who developed a concept of ICS (Building one bridge and best of both worlds) and has made it happen over the past 10 years will step down in March, 2010.  Under him, we have tried to build a new institutions of professional school which offers MBA program in English.

I think this turnover of leadership at ICS is great, as I am firmly convinced that the major driving force to renew the institution is the departure of the old leadership and the take over by the new leadership.  (I am one of the members who joined ICS when we began ICS in 2000. So I am one of the old group! or come close to that!)

With Chris as a leader and the young leadership team, the ICS will have a new image and new vision.

Dean Takeuchi will join Harvard Business School as full professor in the summer of 2010.  I think this is such a wonderful move and I admire Dean Takeuchi for his willingness to take up a challenge.  I personally think that there are no better people than Dean Takeuchi who can build bridge between Japan and the world. His move is so inspirational.

As I reflect my own career, I cannot imagine how much I owe Dean Takeuchi.  He is the one who introduced me to Professor Michael Porter when I was struggling with my doctoral dissertation, to Dr.Kenichi Ohmae, then office manager of McKinsey & Co., Inc, and the World Economic Forum. He is one of the people  that have expanded the horizon for me so much and have encouraged me to explore the world.  I do not think I can thank him (and others who have done so for me) enough.  At the same time, I hope I can do the same for the younger generation.