Patrick Mullane Appointed President and CEO of the Center for Creative Leadership

Patrick Mullane Takes the Helm at the Center for Creative Leadership

On November 6, 2026, the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL)® announced the appointment of Patrick Mullane as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Mullane steps into the role following the retirement of Martin Schneider, who led CCL for nearly four years before retiring in August 2026. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for CCL as it continues its commitment to leadership development across the globe.

Patrick Mullane, a Harvard Business School alumnus, comes to CCL after spending over a decade at Harvard Business School, where he was the Executive Director of the Harvard Business School Online Executive Education program. In this capacity, Mullane played a crucial role in the expansion and growth of online and continuing education programs, making him well versed in the ever-evolving educational landscape.

Previously, Mullane’s career was rooted in service as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, and he has substantial experience as an entrepreneur, operations leader, and CEO. His diverse background positions him uniquely to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for CCL.

Mullane expressed his enthusiasm for the new role stating, “I believe that high-quality leadership is one of the most precious and valuable resources in the world. This belief is part of what drew me to CCL. Leadership has the power to shape culture, drive performance, and maintain stability even when the world experiences turmoil.” CCL is dedicated to collaborating with organizations worldwide to foster this kind of leadership.

Peter Richardson, Chairman of the Board at CCL, shared his enthusiasm for Mullane’s appointment. “After a thorough search process, we are pleased to welcome Patrick as CCL’s next President and CEO. He brings a strategic vision, deep expertise in executive education, and a passion for developing leaders who can make a difference.” Richardson emphasized that Mullane is eager to work alongside CCL’s teams and clients to build upon the legacy of the organization and further its mission into the future.

Mullane's appointment comes at a critical time when rapid technological advancements and increasing economic and geopolitical complexities demand more from today’s leaders. To meet these evolving needs, CCL has invested in innovative leadership programs. Notable recent initiatives include