Discover HKBU

A visionary at the helm: Leading the School of Business on a new journey

31 Mar 2025

4-School-of-Business-1 4-School-of-Business-1
Professor Han Zhang became Dean of the School of Business in January 2025.

 

Professor Han Zhang officially assumed the role of Dean at the School of Business of HKBU earlier this year, ushering in a new chapter of growth and collaboration with his visionary leadership. With distinguished academic credentials and a wealth of global experience, Professor Zhang brings not only strategic insight but also an unwavering commitment to innovation.

In the days following his inauguration as Dean, he travelled to Zhuhai and Guangzhou to meet with MBA alumni, which made a strong first impression on him. “I was impressed by the alumni's deep affection for the School and the reflection of its culture: ‘young, dynamic, committed, with great potential and many opportunities’,” he said.

A leading scholar in information systems, Professor Zhang previously held the Steven A. Denning Professorship of Technology & Management at the Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology, where he also served as Faculty Director of the Denning Technology & Management Programme. His move to HKBU signals a return to Asia with the ambition to make a meaningful impact. “Hong Kong, one of the most beautiful and dynamic cities in the world, is an opportunity in itself,” he said. “Our Business School is strategically located in the Greater Bay Area, giving us unparalleled access to talent and the chance to shape the future of business education in the region.”

4-School-of-Business-2 4-School-of-Business-2
Professor Han Zhang led a delegation from the School of Business and MBA alumni to visit a technology company to explore the latest technology innovations and brand-building strategies in the industry.

 

Fostering transdisciplinary excellence

Among his top priorities is enhancing the School’s brand by launching distinctive flagship programmes. A prime example is the upcoming Executive MBA (EMBA) programme in partnership with the School of Communication. “In a digital and AI-driven world, the programme will focus on social media, AI, and communication,” Professor Zhang explained.

He also envisions growth in the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programmes through collaborations with institutions in mainland China, as well as spearheading the development of a Taught Postgraduate (TPG) programme on AI for Business. “Our Information Systems group may be small, but this new initiative will put us at the forefront of integrating AI into business education,” he added.

Transdisciplinary education is another cornerstone of Professor Zhang’s vision. He applauds the University’s commitment to the seven Transdisciplinary Second Majors (TSMs), noting with pride that the School of Business will host the TSM in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, while playing a pivotal role in the other six TSMs as well. 

4-School-of-Business-3 4-School-of-Business-3
Professor Han Zhang shared his insights with the participants of the inaugural Startup Mentoring Forum.

 

Nurturing a vibrant research ecosystem

Professor Zhang is equally passionate about research. Drawing on his success founding the China Summer Workshop on Information Management (CSWIM), he is determined to cultivate a thriving research ecosystem at HKBU. His plans include launching research awards, internal seminar series, and more strategic use of research centres to facilitate impactful, transdisciplinary projects.

“I plan to work with my leadership team to create and implement strategies that will not only help our faculty members achieve their personal career goals, but also excel in the Research Assessment Exercise, which is important to the success of the School and the University,” he said.

Inspiring leadership through sports

At the heart of his leadership philosophy is the concept of servant leadership - the idea that the Dean’s role is to serve and uplift his colleagues. “When people feel respected and valued, they are naturally motivated to contribute to our collective success.” This ethos underpins his efforts to cultivate a collegial and supportive community within the School.

Outside of academia, Professor Zhang’s passion for sport, particularly his two-decade devotion to the San Antonio Spurs, also inspires his leadership style. “The Spurs’ 2014 championship team showed how important every player is,” he reflected. “That’s exactly how I see our School – we win together, and we face challenges together.” He believed that the team’s collective efforts will drive the School to new heights.