It is with great sadness that we share the news that IMD Professor Emeritus of Strategy and Organization, J Barkev Kassarjian has passed away after a short illness.
He joined IMD in the mid 1980s with a joint appointment at Babson College, where he served as Professor of Management and Chairman of the Management Division from 1981 to 1987. Prior to this, he was a faculty member at Harvard Business School.
With an illustrious career spanning several decades, he was renowned for his teaching and extensive contributions to the field of management. He authored a book, numerous articles, and a multitude of compelling cases that explored a wide range of industrial and geographical settings. J Barkev was a highly regarded case writer, garnering recognition for his exceptional contributions to the academic community.
“JB was an extraordinary man of high intellect totally dedicated to our profession and passionate about teaching. JB’s well-prepared classes were nothing short of a provocative and intellectually demanding theatre,” said Kamran Kashani, IMD Professor Emeritus of Marketing and Global Strategy. “Watching him engage his young MBAs, or the far more experienced executives, was inspiring. He was exceptional.”
“In so many ways JB spoke to what many years later became our mission We challenge what is and inspire what could be, we develop leaders who transform organisations and contribute to society,” said Seán Meehan, IMD Professor of Marketing and Management and Dean of Faculty. “He played a pivotal role in shaping our institution and the minds of future business leaders.“
