The University of Pretoria (UP) has announced that after a local and international search, Professor Nicola Kleyn has been appointed as dean of its Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). Professor Kleyn’s appointment is effective from 1 April 2015, prior to which she will work as dean elect alongside the business school’s current dean, Professor Nick Binedell. 

“Professor Kleyn has many years of experience and has been a key figure at GIBS since its inception. Her academic record speaks for itself. I am very pleased that she has accepted this critical leadership role at the business school,” says UP’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor De la Rey. “I would like to congratulate Professor Kleyn on her appointment, welcome her to the team of deans at UP, and offer our continued support to GIBS as it continues on its path to building a globally competitive and internationally recognised business school for business leaders,” she added.

Commenting on her appointment, Professor Kleyn said, “I’m honoured to be assuming the role of dean at GIBS. The continued growth in demand for our MBA and corporate programmes is testimony to our country’s and continent’s need to develop leaders who can not only build competitive organisations, but contribute to the dialogue and economic growth that are so necessary.”

Professor Binedell remarked, “I am delighted with Nicola’s appointment. She has substantial business school experience and I am confident she will make a significant contribution to business education in South Africa.”

Professor Kleyn, who joined GIBS in 2000, was Deputy Dean and Executive Director: Academic Programmes prior to her appointment as dean. Previously she was an associate professor of marketing at GIBS with a particular interest in the areas of marketing strategy, customer focus, branding and ethics. She holds the degrees BCom, BComHons, and MBA (obtained from Wits), and completed her doctorate at UP. Before joining academia her career in commerce included heading up learning and development at Investec Bank.