Class Notes
Alumni news and announcements
Spring 2021
Krannert School of Management
John Barrand (MS HRM 2008) was appointed the executive director of the Department of Human Resource Management for the state of Utah, which provides all HR services for the state's 23,200 employees.
James Berry (MBA) was named chief financial officer XpresSpa Group Inc., a health and wellness company. In his prior role, Berry served as CFO for ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care, where he was instrumental in creating partnerships with large healthcare delivery systems.
Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne (MSM 1983) was appointed as president and CEO, Americas, for eShopWorld, the world’s leading cross-border e-commerce company.
James Cash (Phd 1976) was honored by Harvard Business School (HBS) by renaming a building on its campus the Cash House. Cash is a retired HBS faculty member known for breaking barriers for Black people and for his leadership at the School.
Seth Corder (BS ACCT, BSM 2009) was promoted to principal at High Alpha Capital. He most recently served as aboard observer for the firm's portfolio companies Craft, Podchaser and Woven.
Elliot Fullen (MSM 1990) was appointed to the board of directors of Lancaster Colony Corporation. Fullen is a senior advisor for Arsenal Capital Partners, a leading private equity firm.
Veneeth Iyengar (BS ECON, 2001) was selected to serve as the first Executive Director of Broadband Development and Connectivity for the state of Louisiana. He will serve as the lead coordinator for the state’s efforts to addressing the challenges around accessibility and affordability.
Steven Jones (MBA '19) has returned to Oklahoma Baptist University to serve as human resources director. As an OBU student, he was a member of the Bison Glee Club, the Baptist Church Music Conference and College Players.
Dave Kimbell (MSM 1996) is president and incoming CEO of Ulta Beauty, the largest beauty retailer in the U.S. with more than 1,200 stores nationwide and a market capitalization of more than $18 billion.
Ashwin Kutty, (MBA 2004) president & CEO of WeUsThem, was once again named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs. The Atlantic Business Magazine's Top 50 CEO Awards are judged according to the corporate, community, and industry involvement of the CEO.
Colleen Mockbee (MBA '16) was appointed chief development officer and senior vice president of regulatory affairs at OncXerna Therapeutics Inc., a precision medicine company.
Scott Sandefur (BSM 1984) will retire in 2021 as vice president of General Motors North America Labor Relations. He joined GM in 1986 and has held various manufacturing, labor relations and human resources positions.
George Shahnasarian (BSIM 1978, MSIA 1979), who passed away in October 2020, was honored with the 2021 DiamondP Award. This is an annual award given to a donor who is a spectacular example of what it means to be a Boilermaker. It is the John Purdue Club's highest honor.
Venu Srinivasan (MSM 1977, HDR 2014), who built TVS Motor Company into one of the top five global manufacturers of two- and three-wheelers, has decided to step down as chairman. He will become chairman emeritus in January 2023.
Tom Tang (MBA 2005) was named vice president and chief information officer of Alliant Energy. He was previously chief technology officer-customer experience for Sainsbury’s, one of the largest grocery and retail organizations in the United Kingdom.
Beck A. Taylor (MS, Economics 1995, PHD, Economics 1997) was elected the 19th president of Samford University effective July 1, 2021. The former president of Whitworth University, Taylor served as dean and professor of economics for Samford's Brock School of Business from 2005-2010.
Shawn Taylor (BSM 1982, HDR) was appointed an independent member of Noodles & Company board of directors. He most recently was president and operating partner of Zaxby’s Houston LLC.
