CBE names new executive education director

David E. Welsh, an entrepreneurial leader with extensive experience in higher education, new business development and global business consulting, has joined Lehigh’s College of Business and Economics as its new executive director of executive education.

Welsh will be responsible for the growth and global outreach of the university’s specialized business and leadership development programming exclusively designed for executives by Lehigh faculty members.

"Business is constantly changing, and the challenge for professionals is to stay current and up-to-date on the latest business trends and skills they need to be successful, Welsh said. "I am excited to lead Lehigh’s Executive Education programs, because what sets Lehigh apart is its distinctive blend of world-class faculty and practical application, providing our partners with a tailored return on learning value."

Welsh, who has more than 18 years of professional experience, has helped to develop and grow new businesses in both for-profit and non-profit industries. He has cultivated C-level clients from Fortune Global companies and worked with clients on senior leadership development and talent management strategies in the United States and across the globe.

Most recently, he was managing director at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, which specializes in executive and management education. In that role, he oversaw efforts to expand business operations, working with clients to deliver customized global executive development.

“We are thrilled to have David join us as executive director of executive education,” said Dean Georgette Chapman Phillips. “He brings with him knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to catapult our program into the highest echelons of executive education. We look forward to partnering in the provision of lifelong education to the business community of the Lehigh Valley and beyond.”

Welsh also has served as director for INSEAD, ranked #1 in the Financial Times 2016 Global MBA Ranking. At INSEAD, which has campuses in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, he was responsible for establishing and growing the school’s executive education operations in the North American region.

Previously, he was executive director of corporate relations and executive development programs for Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. At Drexel, he also served as founding director of the Krall Center for Corporate and Executive Education, where he was responsible for the center’s overall operation and management.

Welsh earned his bachelor’s in management, an MBA in investment management and a master’s in finance from Drexel. He has a certificate in global human capital management from the Wharton School of Business and has received training in international negotiations from George Washington University.