About Prof. Dr. Franco Gandolfi
Prof. Dr. Franco Gandolfi is a globally recognized executive, educator, author, and consultant with decades of experience in strategic leadership, organizational transformation, and human capital development. With a distinguished academic and professional career spanning five continents, he has influenced institutions, corporations, and governments through his expertise in leadership development, change management, and organizational excellence.
Academic Background
Prof. Gandolfi holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Human Resources, Change, and Strategic Management from Southern Cross University, Australia, complemented by a Postdoctoral Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. His academic journey also includes a Master of Education from the University of Sydney, a Master and Bachelor of Commerce from the Swiss Institute of Commerce and Economics, and additional postgraduate credentials in pedagogy and linguistics.
Academic and Professional Roles
Currently, Prof. Gandolfi serves as a Distinguished Professor of Management at the California Institute of Advanced Management in Los Angeles and as a Global Community Professor at the University of Monterrey, Mexico. He also teaches at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.
Previously, he held senior leadership positions including Vice Chancellor at Manipal International University (Malaysia), CEO of Lancaster University (Ghana), and Pro-Vice Chancellor at Iqra University (Pakistan). He has also served as Dean at universities in the U.S., Fiji, and Australia.
Research, Publications, and Thought Leadership
Prof. Gandolfi is an accomplished scholar and thought leader, having authored seven books, over 100 peer-reviewed articles, and numerous book chapters in the fields of leadership, downsizing, innovation, and strategic management. His work has been published in top-tier academic journals, and he has delivered keynote speeches at prestigious international conferences.
Consulting and Board Memberships
Beyond academia, Prof. Gandolfi is the founder of Gandolfi Consulting LLC, advising governments, multinational corporations, and universities worldwide. His consulting projects have spanned sectors including banking, education, manufacturing, and government, with notable clients such as General Motors, the U.S. Government, Credit Suisse, and Novartis.
He has also served on the executive boards of organizations like the Swiss Institute of Management and Innovation, Nguyen Hoang Group in Vietnam, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (UK). His entrepreneurial initiatives include co-founding businesses and institutions in Switzerland, Vietnam, Pakistan, and the United States.
Interests and Philosophy
Known for his passion for empowering individuals and organizations to thrive, Prof. Gandolfi brings a unique global perspective to his work. His interests focus on fostering sustainable growth, ethical leadership, and strategic resilience in an increasingly dynamic and complex world.
