Farok J. Contractor, distinguished professor of management and global business at Rutgers Business School, assumed the presidency of the Academy of International Business (AIB) on August 1, 2021. With a membership of 3,500 professionals globally, the AIB comprises mainly academics and strategists studying global business, spanning 13 chapters across 89 countries.
Appointment and Recognition
Jeremy Clegg, outgoing AIB President, acknowledged Professor Contractor’s leadership and vision, particularly noting his contributions in South Asia. Professor Contractor, midway through a three-year term on the AIB’s Executive Board, becomes the second Rutgers Business School faculty member to hold this prestigious position.
AIB: Pioneering International Business Scholarship
Founded in 1959, AIB stands as a premier association of international business scholars and specialists, renowned for its publication of the Journal of International Business Studies (JIBS), a leading scholarly journal in the field.
Contributions and Achievements
Professor Contractor’s impact on AIB and international business scholarship is noteworthy. His endeavors include:
- Steering the AIB’s regional expansions in East Asia and South Asia.
- Early analysis of COVID-19 implications before it became a global public policy concern.
- Participation in AIB’s “Frontline IB” video series, offering insights from esteemed scholars.
- Recognition with a silver medal for scholarly contributions during JIBS’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2019.
Presidential Responsibilities
As AIB President, Professor Contractor will shape the strategic direction of the organization, ensuring effectiveness and efficiency. He will oversee international chapters and Special Interest Groups, facilitating collaborations and fostering scholarly exchange.
Vision for the Future
Professor Contractor aims to enhance AIB’s global footprint, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Efforts will focus on securing funding from foundations and Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBERs) to bolster AIB’s presence in these regions.
Legacy and Leadership
Professor Contractor’s tenure at Rutgers Business School has been marked by significant achievements, including chairing the International Business and Business Environment Department and serving as research director of Rutgers’ CIBER. His leadership has elevated Rutgers Business School’s standing in international business scholarship, continuing the legacy of excellence set by predecessors like John Dunning.
In summary, Professor Farok J. Contractor’s appointment as President of the AIB heralds a new chapter in the organization’s distinguished history. His leadership, coupled with a commitment to advancing international business scholarship, promises a vibrant future for the AIB and its global community of scholars and practitioners.
Leave a Reply