Leanne Maciel Appointed as New Managing Director of Poets&Quants Following Sat Sharma's Departure

Poets&Quants Welcomes Leanne Maciel as New Managing Director

In a significant leadership transition, Poets&Quants announces that Leanne Maciel has been appointed as the new Managing Director, taking over from Sat Sharma, who has decided to step down after more than a decade of distinguished service. Sharma's contributions over the past eleven years have been instrumental in shaping Poets&Quants into a preeminent platform in business education, enhancing its reputation and reach among the global MBA community.

Throughout his tenure, Sharma has worked diligently to elevate Poets&Quants, insisting on high-quality content and fostering meaningful relationships with business schools and institutions worldwide. His efforts resulted in substantial growth, diversification, and engagement within the community, matching the evolving demands of prospective students. As he transitions out, Sharma will support Maciel and the leadership team, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities until his departure at the end of 2026.

Stepping into this vital role is Leanne Maciel, who joined Poets&Quants in 2019. With a robust background in commercial leadership and a personal journey as an MBA graduate, Maciel brings not only her expertise to the role but also a unique perspective that resonates with the audience. Her prior experience with global brands like Procter & Gamble and Heineken underlines her capability in navigating the intricate landscape of business education.

Maciel has already established herself as a key player in shaping Poets&Quants' commercial strategy, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and broadening its partnerships within the business education ecosystem. This strategic insight positions her as an ideal leader to guide Poets&Quants into its next era, fostering further connections and maximizing the impact of its offerings.

Working closely with the experienced leadership team, including Editor-In-Chief Marc Ethier and Executive Editor Pola Lem, Maciel aims to expand upon the organization’s established strengths while continuing to adapt and innovate. This collaborative effort is focused on not just sustaining but enhancing Poets&Quants' influence and contribution to prospective students, educational institutions, and the broader business community.

Poets&Quants, part of Times Higher Education, has firmly established itself as an independent media platform dedicated to comprehensive coverage of business education. It delivers vital news, in-depth rankings, and insightful analysis to audiences globally. From guiding hopeful MBA candidates to informing industry professionals about the latest trends, Poets&Quants continues to be a crucial resource in the rapidly evolving landscape of business education.

Leanne's ascension to the role of Managing Director comes during a period of significant transformation in the education sector, highlighting the importance of agile leadership that embraces change and fosters growth. Sat Sharma leaves behind a legacy of innovation and commitment; under Maciel's stewardship, Poets&Quants is poised to embark on new challenges and opportunities, ensuring its ongoing relevance and excellence in business education.