PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — The School of Professional Studies is proud to announce the appointment of Brad Gibbs as the new Co-Academic Director of the IE Brown Executive MBA (EMBA) program, effective July 1, 2025. A seasoned global finance executive and dedicated faculty member, Gibbs brings both industry expertise and a deep commitment to student growth and success.
Gibbs joins the experienced leadership of Borja Alonso de Linaje Perez as they jointly lead the IE Brown EMBA program through a dynamic period of growth and innovation. In this new role, Gibbs is committed to building on the program’s strong foundation while embracing new opportunities ahead.
Building on Momentum
Gibbs brings a strong foundation to his new role, having taught Financial Management in the IE Brown EMBA program for several years. This experience gives him a clear view into the academic journey students undertake and a clear vision for the future.
“I’m excited to gain a more holistic view of the curriculum, contribute meaningfully to program design and execution, and support our students as they navigate this challenging and rewarding experience,” he shared.
Before coming to Brown, Gibbs spent nearly two decades working in mergers and acquisitions across London, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, and Dubai. His perspective is distinctly global, and his teaching is known for bridging rigorous theory with real-world relevance.
“My pedagogy emphasizes a global perspective,” he said, “while striking a practical balance between theory and application.”
At Brown, Gibbs is known for his strong sense of partnership and cross-campus collaboration—values rooted in his earlier career at Morgan Stanley.
“Investment banking is a team sport,” he recalled, quoting former CEO John Mack. “That spirit of collaboration is something I’ve continued to embrace at Brown, working closely with colleagues across the university.”
Driving Global Collaboration and Innovation
Gibbs is especially focused on enhancing collaboration between Brown and its international partner, IE Business School, and evolving the curriculum to reflect the realities of an ever-changing global economy.
“As I settle into this position, I look forward to working closely with faculty and program leadership to continue to adapt the curriculum to the rapidly evolving global economic landscape and ensure that our students acquire and/or refine the toolkits required to be successful in their careers,” he said.
His areas of academic and professional interest—private markets, financial literacy, and the transformative power of emerging technologies like AI—position him well to lead in a time of change.
“There’s no shortage of fascinating topics to explore,” he noted. “And our students are eager to engage with them.”
Looking Ahead
Above all, Gibbs is energized by the students he’ll serve in this next chapter of leadership.“The IE Brown EMBA program is unique and I have continued to be impressed by the caliber of self-selected students that it attracts. I look forward to building on the program's momentum,” remarked Gibbs.
Gibbs’ appointment signals a continued investment in the future of the IE Brown EMBA program—one that remains true to Brown’s mission of cultivating reflective, globally attuned leaders ready to navigate complexity and lead with purpose.
To learn more about how IE Brown’s Executive MBA is shaping the next generation of global decision-makers click here.