MDI Gurgaon appointed Prof. Arvind Sahay as its Director on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. This appointment marks a major milestone in the institute’s journey toward academic and research excellence, further establishing MDI Gurgaon as a leading business school in India.
Academic and Professional Background
Before joining MDI Gurgaon, Prof. Arvind Sahay was a Professor of Marketing at IIM Ahmedabad (IIM-A). He also served as:
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Founding Chairperson of the NSE Center for Behavioral Sciences
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Chairperson of the India Gold Policy Center
His educational credentials include:
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Ph.D. in Marketing Strategy and International Business from The University of Texas at Austin (1992–1996)
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PGDM in Marketing and Finance from IIM Ahmedabad (1987–1989)
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B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur (1982–1986)
Prof. Sahay’s strong academic foundation, combined with his research, teaching, and industry experience, makes him a visionary leader as the MDI Gurgaon Director.
Contributions to Academia and Research
Prof. Sahay is widely recognized for his work in behavioral science applications in business and marketing. Highlights of his contributions include:
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Published extensively in international peer-reviewed journals
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Authored over 60 teaching cases
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Leadership roles at IIM Ahmedabad:
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Dean of Alumni & External Relations (2013–2016)
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Chairperson of PGPX (2007–2009)
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Chairperson of Executive Education (2017–2019)
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Chairperson of Marketing Area (2019–2021)
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He has consulted with firms across India, Southeast Asia, and the UK, focusing on behavioral interventions to improve sales efficiency, brand engagement, creativity, and team dynamics.
Pioneering Work in Neuroscience and Marketing
Prof. Sahay is a pioneer in applying neuroscience to marketing and business. His work includes:
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Founding Chairperson of the Center for Behavioral Science at IIM Ahmedabad
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Research on advertising metrics, brand positioning, employee engagement, and innovation
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Recent research areas: pricing, blockchain, gold policy, and FOPL
He also authored the book “Brands and the Brain” (2022), reflecting his deep insights into the intersection of marketing and neuroscience.
Looking Ahead at MDI Gurgaon
Under the leadership of Prof. Arvind Sahay as MDI Gurgaon Director, the institute is expected to further strengthen its academic programs, research, and industry collaborations, solidifying its position among India’s premier business schools.