Laurier appoints new dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics

April 19, 2024
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University has appointed Kyle Murray as the new dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics for a five-year term beginning July 1.

Murray brings experience as acting dean and vice dean at the University of Alberta’s Alberta School of Business. In his role as acting dean from 2021 to 2023, he led several fundraising and growth initiatives and was at the forefront of program innovation and enrolment growth. He also served as director at the University of Alberta’s School of Retailing for almost 10 years, managing many national academic-industry partnerships.

“I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to Kyle as our new dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics,” said Heidi Northwood, provost and vice-president: academic. “With his wealth of experience, invaluable expertise, and passion for academic excellence, I am confident that he will build on our achievements and foster even greater success for our students and faculty at Lazaridis."

Murray earned his B.Sc. in Psychology and PhD in Marketing and Psychology at the University of Alberta’s School of Business and Department of Psychology. He is a current professor at the Alberta School of Business and began his career as an assistant professor at University of Western Ontario’s Ivey School of Business. He has international experience as a visiting professor at Institut Européen d'Administration des Affaires (INSEAD), Monash Business School, and Technological University Dublin.

“It is a tremendous honour to join the Lazaridis School as dean. I am excited to be joining a school that is a global leader in student-focused experiential learning and to be part of an outstanding research-intensive faculty located in Canada’s innovation corridor,” said Murray. “I look forward to sharing the story of growth, innovation and excellence that is the Lazaridis School.”

Murray’s research involves various aspects of marketing, including product management, consumer behaviour and retail strategy. He has published extensively in top-tier academic journals and is recognized for his insights into consumer technology adoption and decision making.

As an educator, he is dedicated to shaping the next generation of marketing professionals, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer trends and market dynamics. Murray's work extends beyond academia with frequent collaboration with industry partners as a consultant to apply research findings in real-world contexts, making a tangible impact on the corporate sector.