Lily Bi stepped into the role of President and CEO of AACSB International in June 2023. AACSB is a global group that gives quality approval to business schools. Many top schools across the world are part of this group.

Bi brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across several countries and sectors. She now leads the organization at a time when business schools are rethinking what and how they teach.

Who is Lily Bi?

Lily Bi is a global professional with a background in both technology and business. She holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), an MBA, and degrees in computer science. She speaks English, Chinese, and Japanese. This helps her understand and work with schools from many parts of the world. Her wide background makes her a good fit to lead an international network like AACSB.

Career Highlights Before AACSB

Before taking the top job at AACSB, Bi held key roles in several big organizations:

• At the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), she helped grow global programs.
• She worked in Japan at Kirin Holdings, where she led international business strategy.
• She also held leadership roles in Singapore and the U.S., giving her a strong global view.

Her career path shows a mix of tech, business, and leadership, a good match for today’s business education needs.

Her Vision for Business Schools

Lily Bi believes business schools must:

• Team up with other fields like science, art, and health
• Stay close to real business needs
• Teach students how to learn throughout life
• Produce research that helps solve real-world problems

She wants schools to be open, connected, and forward-thinking — but in simple, clear ways.

Focus on Global Collaboration

Bi often talks about the need for stronger global partnerships. She wants students and teachers to work together across countries and cultures.

One area she’s excited about is India. She sees India as a fast-growing education market. She supports the country’s effort to open up to more international students and partners.

• India’s flexible credit system (Academic Bank of Credits) is helping students move between schools
• New degree structures are opening doors for international learners

Facing Political Pressures in the U.S.

In some U.S. states, there are laws that limit how schools talk about topics like diversity and inclusion. To avoid risks for its member schools, AACSB changed the language in its guiding principles. The phrase “diversity and inclusion” was replaced with “community and connectedness.”

Bi says the meaning remains the same — the wording just makes it safer for schools to stay involved. This move shows how she balances values with practical choices.

Why Her Leadership Matters

Lily Bi leads AACSB at a time when business schools are under pressure to do more than just teach theory. Students want skills they can use. Employers want graduates who can solve problems and work well with others. Schools need to be quick to respond, but also thoughtful. Bi brings both clarity and calm to this challenge.

Her wide experience across countries and sectors helps her understand what different schools need. She focuses on what works in practice—not just ideas that sound good.

Under her leadership, AACSB is helping schools stay current, connect more with businesses, improve the student experience, and support research that helps people in real life. Bi’s leadership is grounded, steady, and shaped by listening. She’s helping business education stay useful, human, and open to the world.

Conclusion

Lily Bi is not just leading AACSB. She’s guiding business education through a time of big change.

Her story shows that strong leadership doesn’t need complex words or fancy plans. It needs clear goals, open minds, and global cooperation.

At a time when education systems must adapt fast, Bi’s approach is simple but smart, focus on what works, build global ties, and keep learning at the center of everything.

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