Former Fortune 50 CEOs Frank Blake and Mike Duke will join the Georgia Institute of Technology Scheller College of Business to strengthen business and community partnerships. These executives will work alongside Scheller Dean Maryam Alavi to develop strategic initiatives and improve both local and national business efforts.
Frank Blake has served as the CEO of The Home Depot for roughly seven years, from January of 2007 through November 2014, followed by a chairman position until January of 2015. Blake began his association with The Home Depot in 2002 as Executive Vice President of business development and corporate relations.
According to Blake, his affiliation with Scheller College was easy choice. According to the former CEO: “I was honored to be asked by Dean Alavi. Georgia Tech and Scheller College are tremendous assets for Atlanta and Georgia…[Dean Alavi] brings a focus on the future role of technology in business that fits well with Georgia Tech’s strengths and the community’s needs,”
Mike Duke is the former president and CEO of Walmart as well as a Georgia Tech alumnus. During his 19 years with Walmart, Duke has led the logistics, distribution and administration divisions in addition to Walmart U.S and vice chairman for Walmart International. From 2009 until 2014 he served as president and CEO, and continues to serve Walmart’s Board of Directors to this day.
According to Duke, his goal is to help Georgia Tech become recognizable for producing the greatest business leaders across the globe. “It is a great honor to be affiliated with the Scheller College, and I accepted this offer because of my love of Georgia Tech and the opportunity for the College of Business to make such a difference in the lives of the students.”
Regarding the new affiliation, Dean Alivi has emphasized her excitement to work alongside Blake and Duke as executives in residence at Scheller College. She believes their work together will help Scheller continue to grow as a top business college.