XLRI – Xavier School of Management, one of India’s premier B-Schools, today announced a change in leadership. After completion of his second term, Fr. E. Abraham S.J. handed over the reins to Fr. P. Christie, S.J., as the new Director of the country’s leading management institute.

Fr. P. Christie, S.J. has taken over the responsibilities as the new Director of XLRI with immediate effect. His predecessor, Fr. E. Abraham, has been the longest serving Director of XLRI. His total tenure as Director spanned for over 16 years across two terms. He himself is also an alumnus of XLRI.

Prior to joining XLRI, Fr. Christie has been serving as the Director of Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai for 11 years. His association with LIBA goes back to 1999, where he started as Assistant Professor of Decision Sciences and later became the Dean before taking up the responsibility of the Director. Fr. Christie holds a MBA and Ph.D. in Business Administration from St. Louis University, St. Louis, USA with Major in Decision Sciences. He also holds a master’s degree in statistics from Madras Christian College, Chennai. With his vast experience in evaluations and strategic planning he has undertaken several consulting assignments and strategic planning of programs and organizations in India and abroad.

Speaking on his appointment, Fr. P. Christie, S.J., Director, XLRI said, “It is indeed a privilege to be a part of XLRI and it is a huge responsibility to help shepherd XLRI at this exciting juncture. XLRI’s mission-led growth over seven decades has been guided by four important hallmarks of Jesuit education – ‘Excellence’, ‘Integrity and Ethics’, ‘Holistic Growth of an Individual’ and ‘Social Consciousness’. Excellence and Ethics are important elements of XLRI’s DNA and is passed on to every student of the institution. One of the goals of XLRI is to nurture responsible leaders who are conscious and sensitive towards the needs of lesser privileged sections of the society and work for inclusive and sustainable growth of India and we will continue to place a strong emphasis on our ethos.”

While reflecting on the leadership change, Fr. E. Abraham S.J., Former Director, XLRI said, “I congratulate Fr. Christie and wish him the very best in his new role. I am confident that he would successfully spearhead XLRI to be an institution of excellence and management-centric research while nurturing responsible global leaders for the greater common good and a sustainable future.”

Commenting on the leadership transition, Mr. T. V. Narendran, Chairman, Board of Governors at XLRI & MD – Tata Steel India and South East Asia said, “An eminent educationist, Fr. Abraham’s contribution to the field of management education has been immense.  It is under his exemplary leadership and guidance, XLRI has reached great heights and has become one of the leading management institutions in the country. As we bid farewell to Fr. Abraham, we are equally proud to be associated with another stalwart, Fr. P. Christie and welcome him to the XL family. I am confident that XLRI will achieve newer heights of success and reputation under his able leadership and guidance in the years ahead.”