GMAC Announces New Board Members and Member Schools, Enhancing Talent Pipeline Focus

Strengthening the Talent Pipeline: GMAC's Major Changes

Recently, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has taken significant steps to adapt to the evolving landscape of graduate management education. As a prominent global organization representing top graduate business schools, GMAC held its board elections and welcomed new faces to guide the association's efforts.

New Leadership

On July 17, 2025, GMAC introduced its new leadership team. Catherine Duggan, previously serving on the Board since 2022 and the Dean of the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, has been appointed as the Chair of the Board. Joining her are esteemed professionals such as David Bach from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Jake Cohen from the Sloan School of Management at MIT, and Ian Fenwick from the Sasin School of Management at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. Notably, Ana María Zermeño Padilla, previously elected in 2023, is returning for her first full term after being re-elected.

These changes bring a wave of fresh perspectives as GMAC continues to confront the changes in management education. Duggan expressed her enthusiasm, highlighting the necessity of adapting to new talent mobility, technological advancements, and the growing emphasis on skill development in shaping global management education.

Membership Expansion

In addition to the leadership changes, GMAC proudly announced the University of California, Riverside School of Business as its newest member institution, marking the 228th member. The school has recently inaugurated a new facility, showcasing its diverse portfolio of master's programs that signify its dedication to comprehensive management education. This recognition underscores GMAC's role in providing invaluable resources and a global network advantageous to member schools as they strive to sustain high academic standards and ethical practices in graduate programs.

Embracing Innovation

Amidst these pivotal changes, GMAC also emphasized its commitment to innovation within the management education realm. Earlier this year, the organization launched Advancery, a cutting-edge, AI-powered tool designed to guide prospective students throughout their journey in business education. This tool aims to offer personalized guidance, aiding students in identifying necessary skills, receiving program recommendations, and strategizing their applications—all through a single platform.

The objective is clear: to simplify the process for applicants exploring business education pathways while nurturing a more robust national and global pipeline for business schools. This initiative reflects GMAC's mission to connect talented individuals with business education, especially in an era where management education's transformative power is pivotal amidst uncertainty.

Acknowledging Past Contributions

While embracing the future with new board members and schools, GMAC acknowledges past contributions as well. The council expressed gratitude to outgoing Chair Themin Suwardy from the Singapore Management University, who will continue serving in an advisory capacity for another year. Additionally, they recognized Martin Boehm from Hult International Business School and Giuseppe Soda from Bocconi University for their invaluable service as they complete their terms.

Looking Ahead

Catherine Duggan, in her inaugural address as Chair, reinforced the critical nature of GMAC's work in connecting talent with business education. She emphasized the importance of acquiring leadership skills and recognizing opportunities and risks that many may overlook in complex environments. This sentiment resonates particularly in today's climate, where adaptability and insight are essential for business leaders.

As GMAC charts its path forward, the collaborative efforts of its new board members will undoubtedly enhance the organization's ability to cultivate culturally competent and globally aware leaders for tomorrow's challenges. By harnessing the collective insights from various seasoned professionals across continents, GMAC is poised to make a profound impact.

To learn more about GMAC's mission, member schools, and upcoming events—including conferences in Asia, Europe, and the annual conference in Philadelphia—visit GMAC.com. Through such initiatives, GMAC continues to bridge the gap between future leaders and the educational resources they need to succeed in the ever-evolving business landscape.