Oxford University has announced that Professor Mette Morsing will serve as Interim Dean of the Saïd Business School from mid-September, following the resignation of Professor Soumitra Dutta.
A University spokesperson told Cherwell: “Professor Soumitra Dutta has stepped down as Dean of Saïd Business School and has now left the University. Professor Mette Morsing, Director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, will take up the role of Interim Dean from 22 September.”
According to Bloomberg, a five-month University investigation, which concluded earlier this year, upheld three allegations of harassment made by a female academic against Morsing’s predecessor, Professor Dutta. Dutta took medical leave in May, which was extended into the summer, before stepping down in September. Internal messages to staff seen by Bloomberg gave no indication that his resignation was linked to the outcome of the inquiry.
The University stated that staff concerns were addressed through “established procedures”, adding that it maintains “a strong framework of support in place for staff and students who feel they have been subject to harassment” and that it does not tolerate sexual misconduct.
Professor Dutta had held the deanship since 2022. During his tenure at Oxford, Dutta emphasised female representation in business leadership and supported the creation of scholarships to increase women’s participation in the MBA programme. His wider career includes positions as the Deputy Dean of Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) and the Founding Dean of Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business.
Dutta also co-founded the Portulans Institute, a Washington-based think tank, and serves on the board of Dassault Systèmes, a French software design company. In a message to colleagues marking his departure, Professor Dutta described his time at Oxford as “the greatest privilege” of his professional life.
Founded in 1996 following a £30 million donation from businessman Wafic Saïd, the Saïd Business School has become a significant part of Oxford’s global profile. It is consistently ranked among the leading institutions for business and management education.
Professor Morsing’s academic career has included senior roles at Copenhagen Business School, the Stockholm School of Economics, and the United Nations Global Compact. She has published extensively on corporate responsibility, governance, and sustainability.
With Professor Morsing assuming leadership, attention will now turn to ensuring continuity for staff and students while the University begins the process of appointing a permanent successor.
Cherwell has approached Professors Dutta and Morsing for comment.
