Sri Lankan-born Professor Gishan Dissanayake has been appointed as the new Dean of Cambridge Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge, following a rigorous global search. He will officially assume the role on December 1, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career.
This appointment is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time in three decades that the university has selected an internal candidate to lead the prestigious business school. Professor Dissanayake, who holds the Adam Smith Professorship of Corporate Governance at Cambridge, has been serving as Interim Dean since July 2023.
A financial economist by training, Professor Dissanayake’s academic journey began at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, where he completed his BA. He then advanced his studies at the University of Cambridge, earning his MA and PhD in Economics from Trinity College. In addition to his role at Cambridge, Professor Dissanayake holds an external faculty appointment at Cornell University and has provided consulting expertise to numerous international corporations, investment banks, and regulatory bodies.
Throughout his tenure at Cambridge, Professor Dissanayake has been deeply involved in teaching and mentoring, particularly on the MBA, Master of Finance, and MPhil in Finance programs. His strong connections with the alumni community and his commitment to academic excellence have further cemented his reputation as a respected leader within the university.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Professor Dissanayake called it a privilege to serve as the first resident Dean of Cambridge Judge Business School. He added that he looks forward to continuing the institution’s legacy of excellence, with a focus on fostering relationships, driving impactful research, and contributing to global economic development and philanthropic initiatives.
