Raj Echambadi is the Alan J. and Joyce D. Baltz Professor and Senior Associate Dean of Strategic Innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Gies College of Business. With a robust academic background that includes a Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Houston, he has dedicated his career to exploring strategic innovation within organizations. His research focuses on how firms can balance current operations with future opportunities, emphasizing the importance of innovation in maintaining competitive advantage. Raj has received numerous accolades for his teaching and research, including recognition for his contributions to employee entrepreneurship.In addition to his research, Professor Echambadi teaches courses such as "Strategic Innovation: Building and Sustaining Innovative Organizations," where he equips students with the tools and frameworks necessary for effective strategic decision-making in dynamic business environments. His leadership was instrumental in launching the iMBA program at UIUC, which has been praised as one of the most innovative educational initiatives in recent years. Through his work, Raj Echambadi continues to influence the fields of marketing and business education, preparing students to navigate the complexities of modern organizational challenges.

E. Geoffrey Love is an Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he also serves as the Academic Co-Director of the Hoeft Technology and Management Program. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from Harvard University, Dr. Love's research interests encompass social evaluations, organizational change, and innovation management. His work examines critical topics such as corporate reputation, downsizing, and the dynamics of institutional change, drawing on his extensive experience in both academia and entrepreneurship.Since joining the University of Illinois in 2002, Dr. Love has developed and taught a variety of courses related to organizational design, managing innovation, and strategic management. His commitment to education has been recognized through multiple teaching awards, including the Dean's Impact Award for his contributions to student learning. Through his courses such as "Designing the Organization" and "Managing Innovation: Ambidexterity, Teams and Leading Change," he equips students with essential skills to navigate complex organizational landscapes and foster innovative practices within their future workplaces. Dr. Love's blend of academic rigor and practical insights makes him a valuable asset to the Gies College of Business community.