Detlev Zwick Reappointed as Dean, Schulich School of Business
The following message is shared on behalf of President Rhonda Lenton.
Colleagues,
I am delighted to inform the York community that Dr. Detlev Zwick has been reappointed as Dean, Schulich School of Business for a second five-year term beginning July 1, 2026. The re-appointment was recommended following adherence to the University Procedures for Consideration of Renewal of Deans.
In his first term as dean of Schulich, Dr. Zwick has played a pivotal role in elevating the business school’s reputation as a hub for digital transformation and entrepreneurial growth. The development of the MBA in Technology Leadership and the Master’s in Health Industry Administration and other ventures, such as the Institute for Digital Business and Future Leaders Finance Lab, reflect Dean Zwick’s commitment to intensifying research productivity and knowledge mobilization.
Dean Zwick has combined a focus on operational efficiencies with revenue growth opportunities to meet the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and current fiscal constraints. He stewarded the adoption of a strategic plan for SSB, the first in many years, that is centred on commitments to career readiness and student success, and which is anchored by the four principles of world-class student experience, program innovation, research impact, and strategic partnerships and outreach. He has also advanced the research profile of the School, leading to the establishment of new research centres and research and clinical chairs in areas that are responsive to industry needs. The number of research grants submitted by faculty last year reached its highest level, resulting in record levels of research funding and a commensurate increase in publication rates and knowledge mobilization impact alongside its exceptionally high reputation and impact rankings.
Dean Zwick has been lauded for collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders to address systemic barriers for Black and Indigenous students and engaging partners to help financially support a record number of students. The University Pathways Program, a collaboration with two other business schools in Ontario, addresses the under-representation of Black students in business schools by offering mentoring, skills development, university preparation and financial support to Black high school students and has led to 96% of students in their final year of the program applying to business school, including at Schulich. He has made significant efforts to collaborate not only with industry partners but also with other Faculties at York, leading to unique, complementary curricular and program innovations.
Having joined SSB in 2002, Dean Zwick is Professor of Marketing and the Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Digital Marketing Strategy. He served as Director of Schulich’s BBA/iBBA Program from 2013-2018 and as Associate Dean, Academic from 2018-2020, at which point he took up the role of Interim Dean. Dr. Zwick holds a PhD in Marketing from the University of Rhode Island. His research focuses on cultural and social theories of consumption and the cultural politics of marketing and management practice.
Please share this announcement with your colleagues as appropriate.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor