Brad D. Smith honored as 2020 AACSB Influential Leader

Marshall University alumnus Brad D. Smith is one of 25 business school graduates honored by AACSB International (AACSB)—the world’s largest business education alliance—as a member of the 2020 Class of Influential Leaders. The annual challenge recognizes notable alumni from AACSB-accredited schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders.

Brad D. Smith is the former president and CEO of Intuit, serving in the role from 2008 until 2019. Under Smith’s leadership, Intuit transformed from a desktop software company to a global cloud-based product company and platform. In 2018, Smith announced that he would step down from his position. He continues on with the company as the executive chairman of the board at Intuit. Additionally, Smith serves as chairman of Nordstrom’s Board of Directors and sits on the Board of Directors of SurveyMonkey.

Prior to his role as CEO, Smith served as the senior vice president and general manager of Intuit’s Small Business Division, which included household names like QuickBooks and Mint. Smith joined Intuit in 2003 as vice president and general manager of Intuit’s Accountant Central & Developer Network.

Brad D. Smith is a 1986 alum of Marshall University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Smith received his master’s degree from Aquinas College in Michigan.

“It is our privilege to amplify the stories of business school graduates like Brad Smith who are serving as a force for good in the world,” said Tom Robinson, AACSB president and CEO. “Marshall University prepares its graduates to lead with enthusiasm and dedication and Brad Smith’s inspirational achievements are to be celebrated.”

“We are excited to see our alumni getting recognized on a global stage by AACSB,” said Dr. Avinandan Mukherjee, dean of the university’s Lewis College of Business, which houses the Brad D. Smith Schools of Business. “Brad Smith’s commitment to education and economic empowerment in West Virginia, Ohio and the Appalachian area is making an incredible impact on our region.”

Now in its fifth year, the Influential Leaders challenge has recognized more than 200 business school graduates for creating a lasting impact in business and society. All honorees have earned an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree from one of the more than 850 AACSB-accredited business schools worldwide. For more information on the Influential Leaders challenge, and to view a full list of honorees, visit aacsb.edu/influential-leaders.