Speakers >> Biography

Thomas S. Robertson is Dean and Reliance Professor of Management and Private Enterprise at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

During his tenure as Dean, Tom has been a visionary leader promoting our three strategic foundations — globalization, innovation and social impact — to ensure that Wharton remains one of the world’s preeminent business schools.

Under his leadership, the School established major initiatives in Lifelong Learning to help alumni access education throughout their careers. Tom oversaw a comprehensive review of the Wharton MBA program and its curriculum. The Public Policy Initiative was founded to help bridge the gap between government and industry. He also led the efforts to implement several global engagement initiatives, including our Global Modular Courses and the Penn-Wharton China Center.

Tom is an expert in marketing strategy and competitive behavior, the diffusion of innovation, and consumer behavior. He is a member of the Board of Directors for a number of leading corporations and international universities. Having served as Wharton Dean since 2007, Tom will return to academic life and the Department of Marketing in July 2014.