Professor Serge da Motta Veiga appointed Dean of FBE

Following an extensive global search, Professor da Motta Veiga will begin his role as Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne in June.

The University of Melbourne has appointed Professor Serge da Motta Veiga Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE).

Professor da Motta Veiga is succeeding Professor Paul Kofman who is stepping down after 14 years as the Dean of FBE.

His appointment follows an extensive global search that attracted exceptional candidates from Australia and around the world.

Professor da Motta Veiga will join the University from NEOMA Business School in France where he is the Associate Dean for Faculty and Research.

Professor da Motta Veiga's path to academia began in banking and consulting, where the 2008 recession sparked his interest in career and talent management and the realisation that he could make the greatest impact through research and teaching.

After completing his PhD in the United States, Professor da Motta Veiga developed an international academic career spanning universities in the United States, France, as well as visiting roles in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, before moving into senior leadership at NEOMA Business School.

At a time when business schools must think about their place in the world, Professor da Motta Veiga’s transatlantic journey has given him a truly global outlook, which will help to strengthen FBE’s presence across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Interim Provost, Professor Jane Gunn welcomed Professor da Motta Veiga to the University of Melbourne.

“Professor da Motta Veiga is an academic leader who brings global experience in research, teaching, and institutional leadership,” Professor Gunn said.

“His appointment will enable FBE to continue to shape the global economy of tomorrow by driving innovation, empowering leaders, and creating sustainable growth that benefits communities across the world.”

Melbourne Business School Dean, Professor Jenny George, expressed that she was looking forward to working alongside Professor da Motta Veiga.

“I am delighted to welcome Professor Serge da Motta Veiga to the University of Melbourne. MBS has had a fruitful collaboration with the Faculty of Business and Economics under Paul Kofman and I look forward to continuing that with Serge," she said. 

Serge’s corporate experience and the global perspectives he brings from both North America and Europe will be a valuable addition to the University’s leadership.”

Professor da Motta Veiga has a PhD in Management from the University of Missouri, and a Licence in Economics from the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

His research interests revolve around career and talent management. He has published his work on job search, recruitment, and careers in leading academic journals, including the Journal of Applied Psychology, Organization Science, Personnel Psychology, and Human Resource Management.

Professor da Motta Veiga’s research has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, Time, BBC, Fast Company, and Les Echos. He is also Co-Editor-in-Chief of Applied Psychology: An International Review.

Professor da Motta Veiga said he is excited by the opportunity to lead FBE.

"I am delighted to be joining the University of Melbourne at such a meaningful moment for FBE - a time when its remarkable people, strong reputation, and distinctive location provide a strong foundation for the future of business education across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region,” Professor da Motta Veiga said.

“I very much look forward to working with the dedicated community of staff, students, alumni, and industry partners. I believe deeply in the value of collaboration and innovation, and I am excited to work together to further strengthen the Faculty’s global reputation and its positive impact on business and society."

Professor Gunn thanked Professor Kofman who has led a world-class Faculty with a long history of success and thought leadership in Australia.

“I want to pay tribute to Paul for his outstanding work and commitment that has left an incredibly positive legacy across the Faculty of Business and Economics," Professor Gunn said.

Professor da Motta Veiga will commence his new role in June.