This prestigious honor recognizes Professor Bach’s exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to international business education across continents.
The AIB International Educator of the Year Award is presented annually to an educational leader who has advanced outstanding international business programs, championed faculty excellence, and created transformative learning experiences for students through innovative curricula, global partnerships, and cross-cultural initiatives.
In selecting Bach, the AIB Fellows Committee praised his leadership roles at IMD, Yale School of Management, and IE Business School, where he spearheaded curricular innovations and strengthened each institution’s global impact. The Committee also commended his thought leadership in geopolitics and stakeholder management as well as his efforts to build global business education networks.
“To confront today’s challenges, the world needs international business leaders who can work across borders, industries, and stakeholders.”
“It’s an honor to receive this prestigious award. I’m grateful to the Academy of International Business and its selection committee for this recognition,” said Bach. “To confront today’s challenges, the world needs international business leaders who can work across borders, industries, and stakeholders. Throughout my career, I have worked to create opportunities for students and executives to broaden their vision and develop the leadership skills needed in today’s environment. On this journey, I have had amazing partners and made lifelong friends, and I am grateful for everything I have learned from them.”
As president, Bach has set an ambitious vision to make IMD the world’s most impactful business school and has led the development of its bold Real Impact Strategy. Under his leadership, IMD has won multiple awards for innovative pedagogy and cutting-edge executive programs, underscoring the school’s pioneering role in global management education.
Founded in 1959, the Academy of International Business is the leading association of scholars and educators in international business. Its mission is to advance research, improve business education, and foster collaboration among academics, practitioners, and policymakers worldwide.
Bach will be formally recognized at the 2026 AIB Annual Conference in Manchester, England, in July 2026.
Read more about David Bach.
