UC Berkeley names Jennifer Chatman dean of the Haas School of Business

BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Professor Jennifer Chatman, a trailblazing organizational culture expert at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, has been named the school’s 16th dean.

Chatman, the Paul J. Cortese Distinguished Professor of Management, has served as interim dean since last July. She will assume her new role July 1, 2025.

“As a proud double Bear, I am deeply honored to be leading Haas,” said Chatman, who earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and a PhD in business administration from Haas. “Our distinctive culture and commitment to innovation and excellence continue to energize me every day. I look forward to working closely with our community to lift the school to new heights.”

UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons, who announced the appointment today with Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Benjamin Hermalin, said Chatman is the right leader for these rapidly changing times.

“From Jenny’s own research into workplace culture, we know that the most successful organizations are those that prioritize adaptation to change while staying true to their core values,” Lyons said. “As we face new challenges, I am certain that Jenny’s sophisticated leadership skills and long-standing love for and connection to Haas will help turn those challenges into opportunities and will ensure that our business school continues to provide an educational experience that is both excellent and unique.”

Chatman, a distinguished scholar who has won many research and teaching awards, joined the Haas faculty in 1993. She has held multiple leadership positions at Haas, including acting dean and associate dean of academic affairs. In those roles, she has driven swift and significant progress toward making Haas stronger financially and led efforts to strengthen support for scholarships, fellowships, faculty research, and innovative academic programs.

Chatman worked with Lyons, a former Haas dean, to codify the school’s distinctive Defining Leadership Principles: Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself, which have become central to Haas's culture and operations.

"Jenny is a strong and culturally astute leader who has strengthened our alumni network and led growth initiatives to amplify the school’s reputation,” said Elena Gomez, BS 91, President & CFO of Toast and Chair of the Haas School’s advisory board. “Haas is in good hands with Jenny as our inspiring leader for the next chapter of our journey."

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