SRM School of Business Studies is guided by a leadership team that brings together deep academic credentials and a bold vision for the future of professional learning. Their commitment to excellence and industry relevance drives everything we do.
SRM Executive Education is guided by a leadership team that brings together deep academic credentials and a bold vision for the future of professional learning. Their commitment to excellence and industry relevance drives everything we do.
Pro-Chancellor (Academics), SRMIST, SRM University
Dr P Sathyanarayanan is the Pro-Chancellor of SRM University-AP, a leading world-class university that provides students with a unique educational learning experience. As a young and dynamic entrepreneur, he lives by his motto, “Think big, do big, achieve big”. This governs all his actions and enables him to excel in the fields he ventures into. Dr Sathyanarayanan’s leadership at SRM University-AP transcends the institutional boundaries and plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic direction of the entire SRM conglomerate.
During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of SRM University from 2003 to 2010, the university grew by leaps and bounds in research and international collaborations. In 2006, the institute attained the status of a full-fledged university and has since been known as SRM University. Under his leadership, SRM University has set up an International Advisory Board comprising eminent academicians from Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kellogg School of Management, and Carnegie Mellon, amongst others. He was also instrumental in the formulation of an International Student Exchange Programme, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Empowerment of Women through IT, and the launch of a virtual education programme. The university has received several accolades and recognitions, including accreditations from ABET- USA and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in India.
Dr P Sathyanarayanan’s leadership has been instrumental in the strategic expansion of SRM’s higher education footprint across India. In 2013, he established a university in Sikkim to address the educational needs of the northeastern region. Dr Sathyanarayanan’s influence extends beyond academia, as he holds leadership positions in various organisations across Information Technology, Media and Entertainment, Healthcare and Construction sectors. Under his guidance, entities like SRM Technologies Pvt. Ltd., SRM Engineering Construction Corporation Pvt. Ltd., New Generation Media Corporation Pvt. Ltd., and SRM Global Hospitals have achieved remarkable growth and established themselves as prominent players in their respective fields.
SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, embodies Dr Sathyanarayanan’s vision of a world-class university. This institution aspires to be a globally connected, nationally relevant and regionally transformative centre for research and education within the heart of Andhra Pradesh.
Dr Sathyanarayanan obtained his Bachelor’s in Engineering from Anna University, Chennai. He completed his Master’s of Science from Northeastern University in the USA and his doctoral degree from Southern Cross University, Sydney, Australia. He has also received many awards and accolades.
During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of SRM University from 2003 to 2010, the university grew by leaps and bounds in research and international collaborations. In 2006, the institute attained the status of a full-fledged university and has since been known as SRM University. Under his leadership, SRM University has set up an International Advisory Board comprising eminent academicians from Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kellogg School of Management, and Carnegie Mellon, amongst others. He was also instrumental in the formulation of an International Student Exchange Programme, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Empowerment of Women through IT, and the launch of a virtual education programme. The university has received several accolades and recognitions, including accreditations from ABET- USA and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in India.
Dr P Sathyanarayanan’s leadership has been instrumental in the strategic expansion of SRM’s higher education footprint across India. In 2013, he established a university in Sikkim to address the educational needs of the northeastern region. Dr Sathyanarayanan’s influence extends beyond academia, as he holds leadership positions in various organisations across Information Technology, Media and Entertainment, Healthcare and Construction sectors. Under his guidance, entities like SRM Technologies Pvt. Ltd., SRM Engineering Construction Corporation Pvt. Ltd., New Generation Media Corporation Pvt. Ltd., and SRM Global Hospitals have achieved remarkable growth and established themselves as prominent players in their respective fields.
SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, embodies Dr Sathyanarayanan’s vision of a world-class university. This institution aspires to be a globally connected, nationally relevant and regionally transformative centre for research and education within the heart of Andhra Pradesh.
Dr Sathyanarayanan obtained his Bachelor’s in Engineering from Anna University, Chennai. He completed his Master’s of Science from Northeastern University in the USA and his doctoral degree from Southern Cross University, Sydney, Australia. He has also received many awards and accolades.
SRM School of Business Studies
B-School, Chennai
Dr. Bala Balaji is an institution builder, executive education leader, and corporate development strategist with over three decades of experience shaping management education in India. Widely recognized for his ability to bridge industry and academia, he has played a pivotal role in building sustainable ecosystems for executive education, corporate engagement, and global career development.
His journey began at the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) in 1992, where he transformed a modest 3,000 sq. ft. facility into a 30,000 sq. ft. world-class management complex. Over 17 years (1992-2009), he established 32 specialized centers, mobilized significant funding, and designed more than a dozen diploma programs. He directed 5,000+ Management Development Programs and 2,500+ CXO talks, while collaborating with IIMs, global B-schools, industry associations, and government bodies. AMA became a hub for executive education under his leadership, hosting thought leaders such as Dr. C.K. Prahalad, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Dr. Bala V. Balachandran.
In 2009, Dr. Bala carried his vision forward to the Great Lakes Institute of Management, founded by Padmashree Dr. Bala V. Balachandran. Joining when the institution was just five years old, he assumed responsibility for premium campus placements and corporate engagement. Over the past 16+ years (December 2009 to June 2026), he built a Premium Campus Placement engine that supported 8,000+ students, nurtured one of India’s most distinguished student-led placement committees (PlaceCom), and strengthened industry partnerships with marquee corporates worldwide. His leadership saw average campus CTCs rise more than sevenfold in a decade.
As Chief of Industry–Academia Partnerships, Dr. Bala collaborated with corporates and councils to research MBA market trends, launched several Annual CXO Round Tables – Boardroom Simulations, and re imagined the flagship PGPM into PGPM 2.0 with specializations in Product Management, Consulting, and Data Science. He also pioneered India’s first Product Management Program in collaboration with PayPal.
Most recently, as Group Director – Corporate Affairs & Strategic Initiatives, he conceptualized and established the B2B vertical for Great Lakes Online MBA Programs and Great Learning’s Gen AI Academy, led the development of the PGDM-HR Program, introduced the Hire, Train & Deploy model with marquee corporates, and presented a five-year ambitious business plan for a Day-Scholar MBA program targeting the affordable learner segment.
Dr. Bala’s legacy is defined by institution building, strategic corporate engagement, and creating pathways for global careers. His work continues to inspire students, alumni, and corporate partners, positioning him as a respected voice in management education and executive learning.
Post Graduate Diploma in Management for Executives