Professionals

Professor Pasha Mahmood is a distinguished academic at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School, where he has been advising both multinational firms and local enterprises on emerging market strategies since 1999. His work sits at the crossroads of innovation and strategy, with a particular focus on frugal innovation, fintech, and sustainable business models.

Academic and Professional Appointments

• NUS Business School (Since 1999):

  • Advises multinational and indigenous companies on emerging market strategies.

  • Teaches at both undergraduate and graduate levels and directs the popular “Business Strategies for Asia” program for senior executives.

• IMD Business School, Lausanne (2012–2015):

  • Served as Professor of Strategy and Innovation, teaching flagship programs such as Orchestrating Winning Performance (OWP) and the Breakthrough Program for Senior Executives (BPSE).

• Visiting Appointments:

  • Has held positions at esteemed institutions including Waseda University (as a member of the Asian Service Business Research Institute), Hitotsubashi University, and the University of St. Gallen.

• Industry Experience:

  • Prior to joining academia, he worked as an analyst and management consultant (including a stint with Gemini in Chicago), providing him with practical insights that enrich his teaching and research.

Research and Scholarly Contributions
Professor Mahmood’s research explores the interface between innovation and strategy in emerging markets. His work has been published in leading management journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Journal of International Business Studies, Management Science, Organization Science, Research Policy, and Strategic Management Journal. Notably, his innovative case study on bKash—a mobile payment platform in Bangladesh—won the bestselling case award from Ivey Publications in 2021.

He has also contributed to the academic community through editorial roles, serving as an Area Editor for the Journal of International Business Studies (2010–2013) and as a Senior Editor for the Management Organization Review (2013–2015).

Awards and Recognitions

• Haynes Prize (Academy of International Business):

  • Awarded to recognize his outstanding contributions in international business, notably as one of the prominent scholars under 40.

• Aspen Faculty Pioneer Award (2014):

  • Recognized for integrating social and environmental issues into his research and teaching, an accolade often dubbed “the Oscars of the business school world.”

Professional Networks and Advisory Roles
Professor Mahmood is an active member of the World Economic Forum’s Expert Network and serves as the co-curator of the ASEAN Transformation Map. He also contributes to advisory boards such as those for the Evian Group and the SONY Reverse Innovation Community, further influencing both academic and practical perspectives on emerging market strategies.

Educational Background and Early Career

• Education:

  • B.A. in Economics from Oberlin College (1992).

  • Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University (1999).

• Early Career:

  • Before entering academia, he gained valuable experience as a management consultant in Chicago and Boston, which has informed his practical approach to research and teaching.

Personal Interests and Motivation
Beyond his academic achievements, Professor Mahmood is passionate about literature, history, coffee, and train rides. He is driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on his students, industry leaders, and the broader community through his work in business strategy.

This comprehensive blend of academic rigor, industry experience, and thought leadership continues to shape Professor Mahmood’s contributions to the fields of innovation and strategy in emerging markets.