Dr. Muhammad Adeel Zaffar Appointed the Dean of the Suleman Dawood School of Business

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Muhammad Adeel Zaffar as the new Dean of the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB). Notably, he is the second LUMS alumnus to lead the School.

Dr. Zaffar brings a deep understanding of SDSB’s values and priorities, having served as an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of the Rausing Executive Development Centre (REDC). He has also held the role of Programme Coordinator for the Management Science programme, contributing significantly to the School’s strategic development.

Before joining LUMS, Dr. Zaffar taught Information Systems and Operations Management for six years in the United States, with faculty appointments at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC).

A proud LUMS graduate, Dr. Zaffar earned his BSc in Computer Science in 2003, followed by a PhD in Information Technology from UNCC, where he specialized in Business Information Systems and Operations Management. His research covers areas such as decision support systems, technology and innovation diffusion, and the role of social networks in shaping information systems strategy and adoption. His work has been featured in top-tier journals, including IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management and Decision Support Systems.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Zaffar shared how his time at LUMS continues to shape his approach to leadership and learning, “I am an alumnus of the Computer Science department (1999–2003), and my experience as a student at LUMS deeply shaped how I view learning and leadership. What stood out to me then - and continues to resonate with me today - is that learning was genuinely enjoyable. The classroom was a safe and dynamic space where students were encouraged to challenge ideas and engage in open, intellectual dialogue even with instructors. Looking back, I realize that this spirit of collaborative learning was a cornerstone of the university’s academic culture, whether you studied computer science, mathematics, economics, or the social sciences. As I step into this new role, I believe it is essential to preserve and build on that legacy. In an era defined by rapid technological change and abundant access to knowledge beyond the classroom, my goal is to ensure that SDSB remains a place where learning is interactive, inclusive, and inspiring.”

Building on that foundation, Dr. Zaffar outlined his vision for SDSB—one that embraces change while staying true to the School’s mission of impact and innovation, “SDSB has a strong legacy of creating societal impact through its students, faculty, and industry engagements. We are entering a period where business leaders are expected to navigate disruption, lead with purpose, and solve complex societal challenges. In order to prepare our students for that world, we must evolve on several fronts. First, our curriculum must remain relevant and forward-looking - deeply rooted in foundational knowledge but also responsive to shifts in technology and global markets. Second, we need to empower and support faculty not only as educators and researchers but also as thought partners and conveners who are deeply connected to the external world. When our faculty bring real-world insights into the classroom and take ideas from the classroom into the world, that’s when learning becomes truly transformative. I see SDSB becoming a more agile, outward-facing institution - one where students, faculty, and partners co-create knowledge and solutions that matter. That is how we remain relevant, not just as a business school, but as a force for positive change in society.”

Wishing him all the best as he embarks on this exciting new journey at the helm of SDSB.