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 February 1, 2026. Prof. Anseel, who previously served as Dean of the UNSW Business School in Australia, will bring a wealth of international experience to his new role.
During his tenure at UNSW, Prof. Anseel led the Business School to achieve the top ranking in Australia for three consecutive years. Additionally, the School’s Online MBA program consistently ranked among the global top ten in the Financial Times rankings, underscoring his effective leadership.
Prof. Anseel’s academic journey includes influential positions at several prestigious institutions. He served as Vice Dean at King’s College London and held the role of Head of the Department of Human Resource Management at Ghent University in Belgium. His international experience also includes roles as a Visiting Professor at esteemed institutions such as École Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales in France and Bocconi University in Italy.
Academic Excellence and Research Contributions
An internationally recognized scholar, Prof. Anseel specializes in leadership, learning, and organizational feedback. He holds a PhD in Organizational Psychology from Ghent University and ranks among the world’s top 2% of scientists according to a Stanford University listing. His research has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including several Best Paper awards from the Academy of Management. Moreover, he is a Fellow of several significant organizations, including the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology in the United States.
In his statement regarding the new appointment, Prof. Anseel expressed enthusiasm for joining HKUST Business School at a transformative 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,” he said. He added that he looks forward to building on the School’s strong foundations, advancing its intellectual leadership, and preparing graduates for impactful careers in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Transition and Future Goals
The university has extended a warm welcome to Prof. Anseel, emphasizing his potential to enhance the institution’s standing in the global academic community. HKUST also expressed gratitude to Prof. Hui Kai-Lung, who has served as Acting Dean since July 2024. Prof. Hui will transition to the position of Associate Provost (Academic Development), effective concurrently with Prof. Anseel’s commencement as the sixth Dean of HKUST Business School.
As HKUST prepares for this new chapter, it is poised to leverage Prof. Anseel’s extensive background in both academia and administration to further its mission of excellence in business education.
