In the bustling corridors of Columbia Business School, where innovation meets intellect, one name echoes with profound respect and admiration—Rajeev Kohli. An exemplary academician, pioneering researcher, and thought leader, Rajeev Kohli Columbia Business School has come to symbolize a unique blend of analytical brilliance, ethical stewardship, and visionary global thinking.
From the chalkboards of BITS Pilani to the ivy-laced halls of Wharton, and finally to the elite echelons of Columbia University, Rajeev Kohli’s journey is not just one of academic success—it is a story of relentless curiosity, transformative leadership, and the enduring power of ideas to shape the future.
Building the Foundations of Excellence
Rajeev Kohli’s academic pursuit began in India, where he earned his BE in Electrical Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani. The analytical rigor of engineering laid a solid foundation for his later studies in management, culminating in an MBA from Northern Illinois University and a PhD in Applied Economics and Decision Sciences from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
These formative years weren’t merely a climb through academic ranks—they were stepping stones toward something far greater. With a scholar’s mind and a leader’s heart, Rajeev Kohli was destined to bring a fresh perspective to the intersection of mathematics, decision-making, and marketing.
A Towering Presence at Columbia Business School
Since joining Columbia Business School in 1991, Rajeev Kohli has not only shaped minds but shaped the school itself. As the Ira Leon Rennert Professor of Business, his contributions span beyond traditional academia. His research dives deep into non-compensatory choice models, discrete mathematics, product design, and recommendation systems—cutting-edge areas that influence everything from consumer behavior to global product strategies.
Rajeev Kohli has published extensively in leading academic journals such as Marketing Science, Operations Research, Discrete Mathematics, and Mathematical Psychology, setting high standards for intellectual depth and practical relevance.
From 2010 to 2013, Rajeev Kohli served as Chair of the Marketing Division, and from 2016 to 2018, he led the school’s Marketing PhD Program. He has also played critical roles on the Executive Committee and Promotions and Tenure Committee and represented Columbia Business School in the University Senate, ensuring academic integrity and fostering institutional excellence.
Nurturing Global Business Insights
Among the many classes he teaches, one stands out for its relevance and forward-thinking spirit—Catching Growth Waves in Emerging Markets. In a world where economic power is shifting and new markets are blooming, this course challenges students to think ahead, adapt, and lead.
Rajeev Kohli doesn’t stop at teaching frameworks; he inspires bold thinking. His doctoral course, Mathematical Models in Marketing, equips future scholars with the tools to reimagine marketing through quantitative lenses, proving once again that data and creativity are not opposites—they are allies.
He has also authored transformative case studies, including:
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Amazon: Taking on India
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Walmart: From China to India
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Scrabulous on Facebook
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The Launch of the Indian Premier League
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How Tata and 3M Pursue Strategic Growth
Each case is not just a study in strategy but a window into the evolving nature of global commerce.
A Global Connector and Policy Influencer
Rajeev Kohli’s influence extends far beyond classrooms and academic journals. He serves on the advisory board of the Deepak and Neera Raj Center on Indian Economic Policies, a vital think tank advancing India’s economic narrative on the world stage. He also sits on the academic advisory board of the Chazen Institute for Global Business, reinforcing Columbia’s commitment to inclusive, global dialogue.
Previously, Rajeev Kohli served on the board of NYC Media Labs, a public-private initiative accelerating innovation in media, proving once again his ability to navigate the intersection of academia, industry, and policy.
His voice resonates not only through academic theory but in real-world change—empowering economies, enhancing policy frameworks, and inspiring ethical leadership.
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