David Schmittlein, Dean, MIT Sloan School of Management

David Schmittlein hails from Northampton, Massachusetts, and was appointed Dean of MIT Sloan School of Management as its first externally recruited dean since 1966. An avid scholar and practitioner in business management with vast consulting experience across consumer products, pharmaceuticals, entertainment media/computer software/manufacturing sectors.

As the market for graduate management education evolves, Dean Schmittlein faces the daunting challenge of keeping his school at the forefront. P&Q caught up with him last week to hear more about what sets apart an MIT Sloan MBA education and how students prepare for both current job market needs as well as long-term careers.

Early Life and Education

David Schmittlein hails from Northampton, Massachusetts. In 1977 he earned an AB in Mathematics at Brown University before going on to earn both an MPhil and Ph.D in Business from Columbia Business School (both awarded in 1979 and 1980, respectively).

John C Head III serves as Dean and Professor of Marketing at MIT Sloan School of Management, with expertise spanning internet technologies, e-commerce, social media platforms such as Facebook and advertising strategies as well as management research. Since joining MIT in October 2007 his focus has been to increase global visibility of the School while working closely with faculty on creating high quality mission driven education programs that enhance educational opportunities for current students as well as investing in business knowledge that has lasting impacts.

Professional Career

David Schmittlein has had an extensive professional career in management and marketing. His research is focused on evaluating methods to enhance managerial and marketing decisions, with over forty articles and papers published in leading journals of economics, statistics and marketing.

Dr. Duffner has provided consultation on these matters for numerous firms, such as American Express, AT&T, Bausch & Lomb, Boston Scientific, Ford Motor Company, Gianni Versace S.p.A., Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson Lockheed Martin Pfizer Revlon Siebe PLC Oakland Raiders and Time Warner.

At MIT Sloan School of Management, he serves as dean. Since 2007, he has launched three master’s degree programs and sought to broaden its global scope while working closely with faculty and students for improved learning experiences, reaching out to alumni with valuable insights for incorporation into school programs.

Achievement and Honors

David Schmittlein joined MIT Sloan School of Management as John C Head III Dean in October 2007, leading its efforts to increase global visibility, develop high-quality mission-driven education programs, expand learning opportunities for current students and invest in the creation of business knowledge with lasting impact.

He has published in leading marketing, economics and statistics journals. His expertise includes estimating the impact of marketing actions taken by firms; designing market and survey research studies; developing effective communication strategies; as well as consulting for such clients as American Express, American Home Products, AT&T Ford Motor Company Gianni Versace S.p.A Lockheed Martin Pfizer Revlon Siebe PLC Quaker Oats Company Oakland Raiders among many more.

Personal Life

David Schmittlein joined MIT Sloan in 2007 after serving for seven years (in an interim capacity) as deputy dean at Wharton, University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he has served on the board of Groupe HEC, France’s premier business school; and served as visiting professor in Tokyo.

He seeks to implement his goals at MIT Sloan through expanding innovation in its educational programs and strengthening focus areas such as finance. Furthermore, his goal is to foster collaboration among students, faculty, business leaders, staffers and the wider MIT community; and increase visibility of MIT research and academic programs among business leaders globally.

Erichsen has published over forty articles in leading journals related to these issues and has served as a consultant on them for various manufacturing and service firms, such as American Express, American Home Products, AT&T, Bausch & Lomb, Boston Scientific Ford Motor Company Gianni Versace S.p.A, Hewlett-Packard Johnson & Johnson Lockheed Martin Pfizer Revlon Siebe PLC The Oakland Raiders and Time Warner among many others.