Leading B-school XLRI underwent a change of guard on Tuesday with Father P. Christie handing over charge to Father Paul Fernandes, who will be the new director.

An alumnus of XLRI-Jamshedpur Fr. Paul. Fernandes (Business Management, 86 batch) had worked at XLRI for many years in various capacities. Besides being a faculty member, he was also a financial controller. He was also the founder chairperson of Father Arrupe Centre for Excellence (FACE).

Fr. Paul earned his Ph.D. in Economics and Ethics from KU, WWF Ingolstadt, Germany. He completed his M.Sc. in Economics and M. A. Licentiate in Applied Ethics from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.

Fr. Paul was appointed as the director of Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB) in December 2012. He is the first vice-chancellor of Xavier University, Bhubaneswar (XUB).

Besides being an educationist and administrator, Fr. Paul is also an accomplished researcher and writer.

Some of his books include Economic Ethics and the Moral Perspective of the Golden Rule; Business Ethics and Corporate Governance and Corporate Governance.

Speaking on his appointment as the new director, Fr. Paul said, "It is indeed a privilege to be a part of XLRI, and it is a huge responsibility to help shepherd XLRI in these challenging times. Four important hallmarks of Jesuit education have guided XLRI's mission-led growth over seven decades - Excellence, Integrity and Ethics, Holistic Growth of an Individual and Social Consciousness. Excellence and Ethics are important elements of XLRIs DNA and are passed on to every student. One of the goals of XLRI is to nurture global responsible leaders who are conscious and sensitive towards the needs of lesser privileged sections of society and inspire them to work for the greater common good. We will continue to place a strong emphasis on our ethos."

On the leadership change, Fr. P. Christie, the outgoing director, said, "I congratulate Fr. Fernandes and wish him the very best in his new role. I am confident that he would successfully spearhead XLRI to be an institution of excellence and management-centric research while nurturing responsible global leaders for the greater common good and a sustainable future."

Commenting on the leadership transition, T. V. Narendran, Chairman, Board of Governors at XLRI and managing director of Tata Steel said, “An eminent educationist, Fr. Christie effectively led the Institute during the time of the Covid crisis. The sound health and safety of every stakeholder were his priority. His calm and dedicated efforts to uphold XLRIs legacy amidst unavoidable challenges speak volumes about Fr. Christies leadership skills and commitment. As we bid farewell to Fr. Christie, we are equally proud to be associated with another stalwart, Fr. Paul. Fernandes, and welcome him to the XL family. I am confident that XLRI will achieve newer heights of success and reputation under his able leadership and guidance in the years ahead."

Session with author Marc Cosentino on Thursday, May 6

XLRI, in association with Kautilya Consult Club, will organise an exclusive virtual interactive session with Marc Cosentino, global case-solving expert and best-selling author of Case in Point on May 6, Thursday.

The Wall Street Journal had called Case in Point, which has been published in five languages, the M.B.A Bible.

This will be a must-attend session for students looking for careers in business strategy and consulting, an opportunity to learn as well as interact with the world's foremost authority on case interviewing.