Dr. W Kester

Professor

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Biography

W. Carl Kester is the Baker Foundation Professor at Harvard Business School, where he has made significant contributions to corporate finance and governance. With over 30 years of teaching experience, he has been a leader in the MBA and Executive Education programs, focusing particularly on corporate finance. Kester has received the Robert F. Greenhill Award for outstanding service four times and has authored and co-authored numerous influential case studies and articles. His notable works include 'Japanese Takeovers: Global Contest of Corporate Control,' which won the O'Melveny & Myers Centennial Grant. Kester's research emphasizes comparative national systems of corporate governance, particularly the influence of different governance structures on corporate investment and international competitiveness. His educational background includes degrees from Amherst College, Harvard Business School, and a Ph.D. in Business Economics from Harvard University. Kester is actively involved in various academic committees and advisory boards both at HBS and beyond, driving innovations in course development and cross-disciplinary education.

Research Interests

Experience

Baker Foundation Professor

2005-01-01 — Present

Harvard Business School • Boston, MA

Kester serves as the Baker Foundation Professor and teaches courses in corporate finance, integrating analytical tools from both Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School into the curriculum.

Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs

2006-01-01 — 2010-01-01

Harvard Business School • Boston, MA

Oversaw academic programs at HBS and contributed to the development of cross-disciplinary educational initiatives.

Chairman of Finance Unit

2005-01-01 — 2006-01-01

Harvard Business School • Boston, MA

Led scholarly and teaching advancements within the finance unit, enhancing the overall finance curriculum.

Senior Associate Dean and Chairman of the MBA Program

1999-01-01 — 2005-01-01

Harvard Business School • Boston, MA

Directed the MBA program, focusing on curriculum development and faculty management.

Requirements for Harvard Business School

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GMAT
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative and analytical background
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample (Optional/Recommended)
Specialization Notes

The PhD in Business Administration is the primary doctoral degree encompassing various areas of study including Business Economics, Accounting, and Strategy.