The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has appointed Prof. Frederik Anseel as the new Dean of the School of Business and Management, effective from February 1, 2026. Prof. Anseel moves to HKUST after a successful tenure as Dean of UNSW Business School in Australia, where he led the school to achieve the top ranking in Australia for three consecutive years. Under his leadership, the Online MBA program was consistently recognized among the global top ten by the Financial Times.
Prof. Anseel brings a wealth of experience from several prestigious institutions. He has served as Vice Dean at King’s College London in the UK and held the position of Head of the Department of Human Resource Management, Work and Organizational Psychology at Ghent University in Belgium. Additionally, he has been a Visiting Professor at École Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales in France and Bocconi University in Italy.
International Recognition and Academic Excellence
As an internationally recognized scholar in the fields of leadership, learning, and organizational feedback, Prof. Anseel holds a PhD in Organizational Psychology from Ghent University. His research accomplishments have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Best Paper awards from the Academy of Management. Stanford University ranks him among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, and he actively contributes to the academic community by serving on the editorial boards of seven leading journals.
Prof. Anseel expressed his enthusiasm about joining HKUST: “It is an honor to join HKUST Business School at such a pivotal time. The School has a clear comparative advantage, combining technological excellence with a strategic location, perfectly positioning it as technology reshapes the future of business. I look forward to building on its strong foundations to further advance its intellectual leadership, foster meaningful partnerships, and prepare our graduates for impactful careers in an AI-driven world.”
Acknowledging Leadership Transition
In welcoming Prof. Anseel, the university also expressed gratitude to Prof. HUI Kai-Lung, who served as Acting Dean of HKUST Business School since July 2024. Prof. Hui will transition to the role of Associate Provost for Academic Development, effective simultaneously with Prof. Anseel’s appointment as the sixth Dean of HKUST Business School.
With a vision to enhance the institution’s standing and relevance in a rapidly changing educational landscape, Prof. Anseel’s appointment marks a significant step forward for HKUST Business School. Students and faculty alike anticipate the impact of his leadership on the future of business education in an increasingly digital world.
