Rome Business School announces the launch of its Academic Advisory Board (AAB). This new strategic advisory body brings together ten high-profile academics from some of the world’s most prestigious business schools. As a result, the initiative strengthens the institution’s academic quality and drives innovation in teaching. It also reinforces RBS’s standing on the international stage of management education.
The board brings together deans, vice-deans and academic directors from institutions within networks of excellence such as EFMD. Together, its members span Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia.
From the UK, the board includes André Spicer, Dean of Bayes Business School at City, University of London. Other UK members are Laura A. Costanzo, Dean of the University of Southampton Business School, and Andrew Bingham, Dean of Teesside University. In addition, Europe is represented by Guillermo De Haro Rodriguez, Vice Dean of External Relations at IE University in Spain. Mark Smith, Dean of Programs at EMLYON Business School in France, adds a further European voice.
Meanwhile, other members bring a truly global reach. Himanshu Rai, Director of the Indian Institute of Management Indore, represents India. William Hardin, Dean of the College of Business at Florida International University, represents the USA. José Esteves, Dean of Porto Business School, and Gaston Fornes, Dean of UBI Business School, both represent Portugal. Finally, Giuliana Leguia, Director of Pacífico Business School, represents Peru.
Board members act as independent voices, able to assess academic practices from an outside perspective. They bring the experience of their own institutions to the table. This fosters an open exchange of teaching methodologies among leading academic institutions worldwide. Furthermore, the AAB joins the Corporate Advisory Board, rounding out an increasingly rich advisory ecosystem. On one side sits the voice of 137 global companies; on the other, that of ten of the world’s most authoritative academics.
The AAB’s work is structured around six strategic priorities. First, curriculum design focuses on integrating feedback from the business world into program development, balancing theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Next, innovation in learning and teaching explores new instructional methods and blended-learning models. It also looks at assessment techniques that go beyond the traditional exam.
In addition, quality assurance models define frameworks for periodic program review. These incorporate the perspectives of faculty, students and companies into how learning outcomes are measured. Meanwhile, faculty management addresses professors’ professional development, recruitment and retention models, and systems for evaluating and rewarding teaching excellence.
Similarly, academic research models compare strategies from the world’s top business schools. The aim is to structure research and raise the quality of publications. Finally, EduTech, AI and the Digital Revolution explores artificial intelligence as a tool for personalizing learning. It also covers innovations in Learning Management Systems, academic integrity in the age of AI, and the potential of learning analytics.
For each area, members share established practices from their own institutions. They also put forward recommendations to align RBS’s offering with the highest global standards. Ultimately, the goal is a measurable impact on the student experience. This means programs more closely aligned with global market trends, innovative teaching methods, and a greater focus on future-ready skills.
The board’s activity calendar includes a virtual kick-off in September 2026. This is followed by a first in-person Annual Meeting in Rome in November. The meeting features themed roundtables, plenary sessions and a dedicated cultural program. Throughout the 2026–2027 academic year, virtual workshops are also planned, focused on Faculty Management and Innovation in Learning & Technology. As a result, the board aims to translate its recommendations into concrete initiatives for faculty and students.
“With the Academic Advisory Board, Rome Business School takes a further step on its journey toward excellence: building bridges between the world’s best academic practices and the everyday experience of our students, with the goal of training managers who can operate and stand out on a global stage,” says Antonio Ragusa, Dean of Rome Business School.
The perspectives of the academics involved reflect the strategic scope of the initiative. “I am honored to contribute to an institution that champions academic excellence, innovation and global leadership. This Advisory Board is a valuable platform for connecting academia, industry and diverse international perspectives, ensuring education stays relevant and responsive to a fast-changing world,” says Guillermo De Haro Rodriguez, Vice Dean of External Relations at IE University.
Similarly, Himanshu Rai, Director of the Indian Institute of Management Indore, speaks to the value of dialogue between institutions: “I have always believed education has the power to transcend borders, inspire innovation and create a lasting impact on society. I look forward to working with fellow board members to advance academic excellence and help shape the next generation of responsible leaders.”
Finally, William Hardin, Dean of the College of Business at Florida International University, frames the current moment in management education:
“Management education is at a turning point that will call for innovation and the ability to reconcile students’ needs with those of the market. I’m excited to work alongside a group of advisors committed to making a real difference in this new landscape.”
