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GMAC Welcomes New Leadership

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has taken significant steps to modernize its governance structure as it navigates the rapidly evolving landscape of graduate management education. This organization, which connects future business leaders with educational opportunities, recently announced the results of its board elections, highlighting the dynamic changes in the institution's leadership.

New Board Members

Catherine Duggan, who has been a member of the GMAC board since 2022 and currently serves as the director of the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, has been elected as the new board chair. The board also welcomes distinguished new members:

• - David Bach, President of the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland
• - Jake Cohen, Senior Associate Dean at the Sloan School of Management, MIT
• - Ian Fenwick, Director of the Sasin School of Management at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand
• - Ana María Zermeño Padilla, who was reelected as she continues her important role at Tecnológico de Monterrey's EGADE Business School in Mexico.

These appointments mark a fresh chapter as GMAC begins its newest term of service, which officially commenced on July 1, 2025.

Expansion of Member Schools

In addition to these leadership updates, GMAC proudly announced the University of California, Riverside School of Business as its 228th member school. The university, recognized for its newly launched facility and diverse master's programs, signifies a commitment to advancing management education. By joining GMAC, UC Riverside aims to leverage the association's extensive global network and resources, aligning with the mission of providing high-quality educational opportunities in a competitive marketplace.

Joy Jones, the CEO of GMAC, expressed excitement about these developments. She stated, "This is one of the most dynamic and fast-changing times we've seen, with significant shifts in talent mobility, technological advancements, and a renewed focus on skill development reshaping global business education."

Innovative Tools and Efforts

As part of its ongoing commitment to adapt and thrive, GMAC has launched Advancery, an AI-driven tool designed to assist prospective learners in navigating their business education journeys. This platform offers a personalized experience, integrating skill identification, program recommendations, and application strategies into one coherent solution.

Catherine Duggan emphasized the importance of this innovation, stating, "The transformative power of graduate management education is clearest in complex environments and during periods of uncertainty. When matched with the right management program, students develop skills that enhance their leadership abilities, making them capable of seizing opportunities and mitigating risks effectively."

Acknowledging Past Contributions

As GMAC embraces new leadership, it also honors the contributions of outgoing board members, including Themin Suwardy, who previously served as board chair and will remain on the board in an advisory role. The organization appreciates the dedication of those who have helped shape its direction and future endeavors, including Martin Boehm and Giuseppe Soda, whose terms have concluded.

In closing, GMAC's mission to connect talent with business education has never been more vital. As the organization continues to evolve, the newly appointed board members and member schools will play a crucial role in meeting the demands of future learners, ensuring they receive the best education available to prepare them for leadership in the global economy. For more information about GMAC and its initiatives, visit GMAC.com.