Dipak Jain to step down as Kellogg School of Management dean

CHICAGO: Dipak Jain, a prolific marketing scholar, will step down as dean of the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University here in September this year.

Jain, will resign from the dean's job effective September 1, 2009. He would return to the Kellogg faculty after a year's leave of absence, a Kellogg statement said.

The 51-year-old renowned researcher and teacher has held the top job at the prominent business school for eight years. Before being appointed as Kellogg's dean, Jain was associate dean at the school for five years. He first came to Kellogg in 1986 as an assistant professor.

"I truly appreciate the support, guidance and assistance that I have received from Kellogg faculty, staff, students and alumni during my tenure as dean," Jain said in a statement.

He has served as a consultant to Microsoft, Novartis, American Express, Sony, Nissan, Motorola, Eli Lilly, Phillips and Hyatt International.

Jain also serves as a member of the board of directors of Hartmarx Corporation, Deere & Company, Northern Trust Corporation and Reliance Industries (India).

An interim dean would be appointed soon while Northwestern would begin a national search for Jain's replacement.