Many in Vancouver's business community are mourning the loss of Ali Dastmalchian, the dean of Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business, who died August 13.
An international and award-winning, teacher, facilitator, and researcher, Dastmalchian served as the dean and as a professor of management and organization studies, as well as international business studies.
“Those who were fortunate to work with Ali remember him as a brilliant, kind and devoted colleague, always ready to mentor and advise,” said Andrew Petter, SFU president and vice-chancellor.
Dr. Dastmalchian was widely respected in Canada and internationally for his extraordinary leadership and research abilities, SFU noted on its website.
"He was deeply committed to making business education relevant and innovative. He led the Beedie School of Business through a process of renewal, and championed new programs that brought contemporary business education to students from many different disciplines," the university said.
Others in the business community similarly shared their sadness.
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Kari Yuers knew Dastmalchian as he joined the GVBOT's board in 2019. She called him "a significant contributor to our community and our board" and said that he will be dearly missed.
No cause of death was immediately released.
