The College of Business and Economics at AUK Announces a New Advisory Board

Since its establishment in 2009, the American University of Kuwait's College of Business & Economics Advisory Board (CBE - AB) has been working closely with the College Dean to support initiatives that advance the College. The Advisory Board is comprised of business leaders who are interested in quality education and are committed to serving and advocating for the College and offer practical insight to the academic curriculum.

In May 2016, Sara Akbar, Chief Executive Officer of the Kuwait Energy Company, was appointed as Chairperson of the Advisory Board, following the departure of the former Chairman, Mr. Robert Drolet, former Senior Vice President of Technology & Media at KIPCO. Mr. Drolet has served as Chair of the CBE Advisory Board since its inception in 2009.

Dean of the College of Business & Economics, Dr. Jin Wang thanked Mr. Drolet for his services and dedication to the advancement of the College and welcomed Ms. Akbar as the new chair saying "Ms. Akbar brings with her 30 years of experience in areas such as strategy development, portfolio management and strategic relationships, which are essential to further developing new plans for the future and earning accreditations".

Wang explained that it is critical for the College to have the Advisory Board, as its members can be supporters of the College and serve as public ambassadors to reach the larger community. "I am enthusiastically looking forward to working with Ms. Sara Akbar and the Board members to develop a new plan for the future, focusing on our AACSB accreditation. The Board's support, guidance, and leadership contribute greatly to our commitment to relevant programs, outstanding opportunities for students, and ethical and impactful graduates. The board members also provide a role model for students," Wang said.

"It is a great privilege to serve on the advisory board of the collage of business and economic. Together with the other members of the board we will work very closely with Dean Jin Wang to achieve the vision of the school and deliver the best in class business education to the students of AUK," said Akbar

Key responsibilities of the Advisory Board include assisting in securing internship and employment opportunities for CBE students, fostering the research efforts of CBE faculty, and generating financial support to implement programs that enhance the overall quality of CBE's students and programs.

Current members of the Advisory Board are Dr. Jin Wang, Dean of the College of Business & Economics at AUK; Mr. Rami Wadie, Partner Enterprise Risk Services at Deloitte & Touche; Mr. Bader Alabduljader, Managing Partner at Bader Al Abduljader & Partners; Ms. Henadi Al Saleh, Chairman of Agility; Mr. Basil AlSalem, Chairman & Managing Director at Kuwait Food Concepts K.S.C.; Abdul Aziz Al-Yaqout, Senior Partner in Meysan Partners; and Mr. Faisal M. Sarkhou, CEO of KAMCO.

The Advisory Board members are in the process of creating a list of topics they would offer to classes, providing valuable and high quality internship opportunities for our students, and have donated money to support student entrepreneurship competitions.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 2nd June 2016