Professor Krishna Palepu Retires from Harvard Business School
Professor Krishna Palepu has retired from Harvard Business School (HBS). He concluded a remarkable 41-year career. Palepu served as a senior associate dean for international development. He was also a mentor and a beloved teacher.
A Legacy of Teaching and Research
Palepu joined HBS as a doctoral student in 1979. He became a faculty member in 1983. His work profoundly shaped how students learned about business. His focus areas included corporate strategy and governance. He also deeply explored emerging market strategies. Palepu taught in multiple programs. These included MBA, executive education, and doctoral courses. He also directed several executive education programs.
He was a prolific researcher. Palepu authored over 90 case studies. He published numerous articles and books. His work often appeared in top academic journals. These included the Harvard Business Review and the Journal of Accounting Research. His 1997 book, Business Analysis and Valuation, is widely used. It is a standard text in business education globally. Meanwhile, his 2005 book, Winning in the Emerging Markets, was also highly influential.
Pioneering Global Business Insights
Palepu’s research was forward-thinking. He focused on global businesses. A key area was corporate governance. He also studied challenges in developing countries. His work explored how companies could thrive in complex environments. Furthermore, he often discussed the role of institutions in business success. He advised corporations on their strategies. This included guidance on entering and operating in new markets.
Palepu contributed significantly to HBS’s global reach. He helped establish the school’s Asia-Pacific Research Center. This center is located in Hong Kong. He also played a vital role in developing programs for India. His efforts helped expand HBS’s presence worldwide. He believed in understanding local contexts. This belief informed his teaching and research methods.
Impact on Students and Colleagues
Students and colleagues remember Palepu fondly. His kindness and humility were well-known. He dedicated himself to student success. He advised many doctoral students. Many of them now hold prominent academic positions. His guidance helped shape the next generation of business leaders. Colleagues recognized his collaborative spirit. They valued his thoughtful insights.
Tarun Khanna, a fellow HBS professor, praised Palepu. Khanna noted Palepu’s ability to inspire. He emphasized Palepu’s profound impact on others. Jay Lorsch, another HBS colleague, highlighted Palepu’s teaching excellence. He described Palepu as a warm and caring individual. These sentiments reflect the high esteem Palepu held within the HBS community.
Looking Ahead
While Professor Palepu has retired, his influence remains. His groundbreaking research continues to inform business practices. His dedication to teaching created a lasting legacy. Harvard Business School will feel his absence. However, his contributions will endure. He shaped thinking on global strategy. He also advanced corporate governance. His work helped prepare countless students for leadership roles. He leaves behind an impressive career.
