Refer China: Prof。 Zhu Tian appointed CEIBS Vice President and Co-Dean

CEIBS Chairman Ding Kuiling (right) presents appointment certificate to Professor Zhu Tian (left)

CEIBS officially welcomed Professor of Economics, Santander Chair in Economics and current Associate Dean and Director of EMBA Programme Zhu Tian as new Vice President and Co-Dean of the school with a five-year tenure during a special handover ceremony on March 28.

Effective from April 1, 2025, Prof. Zhu will take over from Professor of Strategy Zhang Weijiong, who steps down after over two decades of service to CEIBS.

Prof. Zhu Tian joined CEIBS in 2005 as Professor of Economics and served as Chair of the Department of Economics and Decision Sciences from 2011 to 2016, after working at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for a decade. He is an expert on the Chinese economy and the author of Catching Up to America: Culture, Institutions, and the Rise of China.

The event was attended by school leaders, faculty and staff, as well as representatives from CEIBS' executive partners the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Handover and Appreciation Ceremony

Speaking at the event, Shanghai Jiao Tong University President and CEIBS Chairman Ding Kuiling noted that over the past 31 years, CEIBS has grown into a top-tier business school in both Asia and the world through the joint efforts of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and EFMD.

Prof. Zhang, who joined CEIBS in 1997, has played an indispensable role in the school's development, serving as the founding EMBA Programme Director, Associate Dean, and Vice President and Co-Dean. His contributions to curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and academic operations have been invaluable, Prof. Ding added.

Prof. Zhu, on the other hand, with his strong academic background and exceptional leadership, has made significant contributions to enhancing the quality of the EMBA programme and strengthening the school's research capabilities.

Looking ahead, Prof. Ding expressed hope that CEIBS will continue to build on its momentum by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with human intelligence (HI) to enhance management education. He emphasised the importance of fostering a learning environment where knowledge and character grow hand in hand, efficiency is balanced with a human touch, and technological advancements are guided by wisdom. He encouraged CEIBS to remain at the forefront of innovation in management education, shaping future leaders who are prepared to take on the challenges of their time. By doing so, CEIBS will play a key role in strengthening China-Europe strategic cooperation and contributing to a more interconnected global future.

CEIBS Chairman Ding Kuiling

Speaking on behalf of CEIBS' European Board members, EFMD Global VP Helke Carvalho Hernandes expressed deep admiration for Prof. Zhang's contributions to CEIBS over nearly two decades. She highlighted his strategic vision, adaptability to change, and pivotal role in shaping CEIBS into a globally recognised institution.

"Your professional depth is nothing short of commendable. From building a world-class faculty to shaping a leading programme, both in China and internationally your impact has been both profound and lasting," Ms. Hernandes said, adding that Prof. Zhang's financial discipline has laid a strong foundation for the school's long-term success.

EFMD Global VP Helke Carvalho Hernandes

In her remarks, CEIBS President Wang Hong praised Prof. Zhang for his immense contributions to CEIBS since its early days. With an entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering determination, he played a key role in expanding the school's global footprint and raising its profile, she said.

Over the past 20 years, Prof. Zhang has been an "indispensable steward" of CEIBS, dedicating himself to building a world-class platform for management education. His vision, innovation, and tireless commitment have been instrumental in shaping the school's success, President Wang noted.

She also recognised Prof. Zhu for his strong academic background and impactful research. Since becoming EMBA Programme Director in 2017, he has led the programme to steady growth and kept it at the forefront of China's executive education landscape, she noted.

Looking ahead, CEIBS' new leadership team will continue to drive the school forward, with a focus on deepening its Eight Strategic Priorities and embracing AI-powered innovation, President Wang continued. By accelerating internationalisation, digital transformation, and sustainability, CEIBS aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties between China, Europe, and beyond, while expanding its impact on the global stage of management education.

CEIBS President Wang Hong

CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin then highlighted that this is a historic moment for CEIBS, as the Vice President and Co-Dean role is being passed from an individual who has had an immeasurable impact on the school's very DNA to a successor whose talent and intellect inspire confidence in his ability to excel in his new role.

Hailing Prof. Zhang as a pioneer in Chinese management education, and his transformative contributions to CEIBS, President Turpin acknowledged Prof. Zhang's legacy in faculty recruitment, programme innovation, and overall institutional growth.

Looking forward, President Turpin expressed his confidence in Prof. Zhu, highlighting his academic credentials, leadership experience, expertise in China's economy, and deep understanding of CEIBS' mission as a bridge between China, Europe, and the world.

"His ability to decode China's economic development for both Chinese and international audiences speak to his incredible intellect and his gifts as a communicator. Even more, they epitomise what CEIBS is – a bridge between China, Europe, and the rest of the world that makes each side more understandable to the other," President Turpin stated. "We look forward with great anticipation to your success and guiding our school to a new chapter."

CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin

CEIBS Vice President and Dean Frank Bournois then paid a special attribute to the outgoing Vice President and Co-Dean by summarising his contributions with the eight letters of his name "Weijiong" - each representing a defining quality of his leadership: W for "wisdom"; E for "experience"; I for "initiative"; J for "judgement"; I for "innovation"; O for "outreach"; N for "nurturing", and G for "global perspective".

"Taking initiative is one thing, but having innovation as a constant, steadfast approach to driving the school forward is another," he said.

In welcoming Prof. Zhu, Prof. Bournois highlighted his deep expertise in economics and his global academic background. "I'm so happy to see this moment of transition between the two Co-Deans, and feel immensely fortunate to be surrounded by two trusted colleagues and friends who share a deep passion for our school," he concluded.

CEIBS Vice President and Dean Frank Bournois

Prof. Zhang, in his farewell address, reflected on his journey with CEIBS and expressed gratitude for the support he had received throughout his tenure. He pointed out that the most fulfilling aspect of his life has been the opportunity to work, strive, and grow alongside a group of ambitious, idealistic, and wise individuals. "I feel an immense sense of joy seeing CEIBS' success today."

While acknowledging increasingly fierce competition in management education and the ongoing transformation driven by AI, Prof. Zhang expressed his commitment to continuing to contribute, striving to help CEIBS to become a respected international business school in the world.

CEIBS Professor of Strategy and outgoing Vice President and Co-Dean Zhang Weijiong

Prof. Zhu, in his inaugural speech as Vice President and Co-Dean, acknowledged Prof. Zhang's immense contributions to the development of CEIBS, especially his dedication, hard work, kindness, and leadership. In the face of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, which present new challenges to teaching, research and course operations, Prof. Zhu vowed to work with the school's leadership and contribute to the achievement of CEIBS' "15th Five-Year Plan" and secure another 30 years of excellence.

Professor of Economics and new CEIBS Vice President and Co-Dean Zhu Tian

Speaking on behalf of CEIBS faculty, Professor of Accounting and Associate Dean (Case Centre) Chen Shimin highlighted Prof. Zhang's indelible contribution to CEIBS through his passion for work, international perspective, and unwavering commitment to the school's interests while leading the EMBA programme. He also praised Prof. Zhu for his serious and meticulous approach, describing him as an academic leader with a practical, classically Chinese mindset. Looking ahead, Prof. Chen expressed confidence in the new leadership team, and looked forward to their collaborative efforts in leading CEIBS to a brighter era.

Professor of Accounting and Associate Dean (Case Centre) Chen Shimin

Speaking on behalf of CEIBS faculty, President's Assistant and Director of Dean's Office Xu Huijuan reflected on her 24 years of working with Prof. Zhang, highlighting his visionary leadership and meticulous attention to detail. She also expressed confidence that Prof. Zhu, with his global perspective and local insights, will bring new momentum to CEIBS' academic pursuits.

President's Assistant and Director of Dean's Office Xu Huijuan

The ceremony concluded with a series of gift presentations to Prof. Zhang for his decades of service, and warm congratulations to Prof. Zhu on his new appointment. This leadership transition marks an important milestone in CEIBS' ongoing commitment to excellence in international management education.

Group photo

In her closing remarks, President Wang Hong stated that the new Management Committee would follow the Board's guidance in line with the school's motto of "Conscientiousness, Innovation and Excellence" to drive innovative development and promote economic and cultural exchange between China, Europe, and the rest of the world, with the aim of making CEIBS one of the most respected business schools in the world.

Co-founded by the Chinese government and European Union (EU) in 1994, CEIBS has campuses in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Accra in Ghana, and Zurich in Switzerland. CEIBS is committed to educating responsible leaders versed in "China Depth, Global Breadth" and serves as an important platform for exchange and co-operation between China, Europe and the world.

Refer China

Prof。 Zhu Tian appointed CEIBS Vice President and Co-Dean

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