“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 Vice-Chancellor 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 the MBA and our corporate programmes is testimony to our country and continent’s need to develop leaders who can not only build competitive organisations, but contribute to the dialogue and economic growth that is so necessary.”
Dean 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 in marketing at GIBS with a particular interest in the areas of marketing strategy, customer focus, branding and ethics. She holds a BCom, a BCom (Hons), an MBA (Wits) and completed her Doctorate at the University of Pretoria. Before joining academia her career in commerce included heading up learning and development at Investec Bank.