In the world of global academia, few Indian leaders have carved a legacy as influential, multilayered, and internationally respected as Soumitra Dutta. An academic with the mind of an engineer, the vision of an entrepreneur, and the heart of a world-builder, his journey reflects an extraordinary blend of innovation, resilience, and commitment to shaping the future of learning.
From the classrooms of IIT Delhi to leadership roles in some of the world’s most respected business schools, Soumitra Dutta Biography is a testament to how intellectual courage and global thinking can reshape institutions and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Soumitra Dutta: A Journey That Began in India and Reached the Pinnacles of Global Academia
Born and educated in India, Dutta’s path began at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, where he earned his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 1985 — a foundation that would root his thinking in analytical rigor and technological imagination. His brilliance was later recognised with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Delhi.
Fuelled by curiosity and a deep desire to explore the intersection of technology and management, he moved to the University of California, Berkeley, completing an MS in Computer Science (1987), an MS in Business Administration (1989), and a PhD in Computer Science (1990). This rare academic combination would later define his unique approach to shaping business leaders for a digital era.
INSEAD: Building Momentum as a Global Academic Force
Dutta began his professional academic career at INSEAD, one of Europe’s top business schools, joining as an Assistant Professor in 1989. Over two decades, he grew into multiple leadership roles —
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Dean of Technology & E-learning
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Dean of Executive Education
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Dean of External Relations
He was instrumental in advancing INSEAD’s digital initiatives long before technology-driven learning became mainstream. His forward-thinking perspective positioned him as a global voice in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the digital economy.
Soumitra Dutta: Entrepreneurship – Founding Fisheye Analytics
In 2008, merging academic insight with entrepreneurial spirit, Dutta co-founded Fisheye Analytics, a pioneering company offering social media analytics solutions. The startup became highly influential and was later acquired by the WPP Group in 2013. This move not only validated his entrepreneurial instincts but reinforced his standing as a leader who could translate ideas into impact.
Cornell University: Architect of a Historic Transformation
In 2012, Soumitra Dutta accepted one of the most significant leadership assignments in his career — Dean of the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell. His leadership soon expanded as he became the founding Dean of the SC Johnson College of Business in 2016.
During his tenure, he:
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United three major Cornell schools into a unified business ecosystem
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Increased faculty strength by 50%
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Co-created Cornell Tech’s expansion in New York City
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Launched the one-year MBA focused on the digital economy
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Built the Cornell–Tsinghua dual-degree MBA, the only Ivy League MBA taught partly in mainland China
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Played a central role in raising a historic $150 million naming gift, the second-largest gift ever received by a business school
Though he resigned in 2018, his transformative impact reshaped Cornell’s future trajectory.
Oxford: A New Chapter Marked by Opportunity and Controversy
In June 2022, Dutta became the Dean of Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. His global experience, technological vision, and ability to build bridges between academia and industry positioned him as an ideal leader for Oxford’s next chapter.
However, in September 2025, he resigned following harassment allegations from a female academic. While the controversy marked a difficult chapter, it does not eclipse his decades of contributions to global education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
A Global Influence Beyond Campuses
Throughout his career, Dutta has shaped conversations far beyond classrooms:
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Part of President Obama’s White House Roundtable with business school deans (2014)
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Served on the boards of Sodexo (2014–2020) and Dassault Systèmes (since 2017)
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Member of the Shareholder Council at ZS Consulting
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Vice Chair and Chair of AACSB International
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Chair of the Global Business School Network
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Co-founder and President of the Portulans Institute (2019)
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Co-Chair of the Global Future Council on Innovation Ecosystems at the World Economic Forum
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Advisor to top business schools across Peru, Spain, Canada, Colombia, and beyond
His work continues to shape how nations, institutions, and industries understand innovation, talent development, and digital transformation.
Recognitions That Celebrate a Life of Excellence
Dutta’s awards reflect his unwavering dedication:
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European Case of the Year (multiple years)
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Light of India Award for Excellence in Education (2012)
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Distinguished Alumnus Award, IIT Delhi (2017)
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Fellowship, World Economic Forum (2017)
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Member, Dubai Future Council on Entrepreneurship & Innovation