Director’s Message

Prof. Alok Kumar Rai

Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, a distinguished academician, administrator, and management professional known for his transformative leadership as academic leader, is currently serving as the 16th Director of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) since July 30, 2025. Prior to joining IIM Calcutta as Director, Prof. Rai served as the Vice Chancellor of University of Lucknow for two consecutive terms (2019–2025), during which the University achieved unprecedented academic and administrative milestones. Prof. Rai is also holding the additional charge of the Vice-Chancellor of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Learning (NSCBIHL), Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

As Professor, Prof. Rai has taught across doctoral, postgraduate and executive programs.and international business programs. As a scholar, he is credited with several pioneering contributions in the field of Customer Relationship Management through his path breaking research, including the development of mathematical models for constructs like Cutomer Relationship Modelling, Customer Lifetime Value Assessment, Customer Loyalty Engineering, Customer Satisfaction Portfolio Management, Service Quality Architecture. He is also known for standardization of CRM curriculum in the country through his book “Customer Relationship Management: Concepts and Cases” published by PHI. He has also authored India’s first book on Customer Loyalty published by McGraw Hills. He has completed three major research projects and holds five IPRs in the area of Relationship Management. Prof. Rai has authored seven books, edited five, and published over 75 research papers in indexed journals, alongside numerous book chapters and popular writings in major media platforms such as The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Hindu BusinessLine, Outlook, Firstpost, Telegraph etc.

Prof. Alok Kumar Rai continues to inspire excellence as he leads IIM Calcutta with his unique approach of 5 i’s viz. Integration, Inclusion, Innovation, Internationalization and Indianisation, building upon its rich legacy and positioning it as a global leader.

Prof. Alok Kumar Rai

Director, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta

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Message from the Director

Prof. Alok Kumar Rai

Director, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta

I am honoured to lead this iconic institution towards new frontiers of visionary transformation.

I am honoured to have assumed charge as the Director of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta on July 30, 2025, after serving two terms as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow. I look forward to leading this iconic institution towards new frontiers of visionary transformation.

Since its inception in 1961 as India's first IIM, IIM Calcutta has stood as a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in management education. As the nation's first B-school to earn the prestigious triple crown accreditations — AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB — and the only Indian member of the CEMS Global Alliance, the Institute continues to shape thinkers, leaders, and changemakers across sectors.

With its strong global reputation, rigorous programmes, and cutting-edge research, IIM Calcutta remains committed to nurturing ethical, innovative, and globally aware leaders.

Our six Centres of Excellence, international collaborations, and vibrant campus culture exemplify our dedication to continuous learning and transformation. The energy of Joka — its intellectual rigour, its spirit of enquiry, and its commitment to excellence — is what sets this institution apart.

Guided by the five pillars — Integration, Inclusion, Innovation, Internationalisation, and Indianness — we aspire to build a healthier, happier, and more harmonious world through meaningful management and leadership. These are not mere words; they are the architecture of everything we do.

As Director, I look forward to working with all stakeholders — students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry partners — to script new stories of success and impact for IIM Calcutta.

Warm regards,
Director, IIM Calcutta

Message from the Director

Prof. Alok Kumar Rai

Director, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta

View Profile

I am honoured to have assumed charge as the Director of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta on July 30, 2025, after serving two terms as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow. I look forward to leading this iconic institution towards new frontiers of visionary transformation.

Since its inception in 1961 as India’s first IIM, IIM Calcutta has stood as a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in management education. As the nation’s first B-school to earn the prestigious triple crown accreditations—AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB—and the only Indian member of the CEMS Global Alliance, the Institute continues to shape thinkers, leaders, and changemakers across sectors.

With its strong global reputation, rigorous programs, and cutting-edge research, IIM Calcutta remains committed to nurturing ethical, innovative, and globally aware leaders. Our six Centres of Excellence, international collaborations, and vibrant campus culture exemplify our dedication to continuous learning and transformation.

Guided by the five pillars—Integration, Inclusion, Innovation, Internationalisation, and Indianness—we aspire to build a healthier, happier, and more harmonious world through meaningful management and leadership. As Director, I look forward to working with all stakeholders to script new stories of success and impact for IIM Calcutta.

Warm regards,
Director, IIM Calcutta