Neil Braun '77 Named New Dean of Pace University's Lubin School of Business

Neil S. Braun, who has more than 30 years of experience in senior management including positions as president of the NBC Television Network and CEO of Viacom Entertainment, has been appointed dean of Pace University's Lubin School of Business, effective July 1, announced Stephen J. Friedman, president of Pace University.

Braun, 57, will take the helm from Joseph R. Baczko, former president and CEO of Blockbuster Entertainment and founder of Toys "R" Us International, who is returning to private industry after five years in the position.

"As the new dean, Neil will add industry dimension and vision to Lubin's expertise and innovative programs," said Aniello A. Bianco, chairman of Pace's Board of Trustees. "The hire of Braun is a bold, confident move infusing a 100-year institution founded as a business school with a 21st century pedigree. Consensus building and collaborative, he'll be a very positive force for faculty, staff, students, and alumni."

"Pace has hit a home run with the appointment of Neil Braun," said Frank Biondi, former CEO of Universal Studios, Viacom, and HBO, who hired Braun both at HBO and Viacom. "He's a world-class guy with impeccable credentials who leads by collaboration and clarity of thought."

Braun is currently CEO of The CarbonNeutral Company, which assists companies in analyzing and reducing their carbon footprints (greenhouse gas emissions). CarbonNeutral has invested in more than 200 projects on six continents for more than 300 major corporate clients and 1,000 small business clients. The company combined with Braun's start-up, The GreenLife Organization, in late 2008 in order to achieve a more significant global presence.

"I am excited to build upon the history of success at Pace," said Braun. "Providing students with strong fundamentals in the business disciplines and the ability to nimbly apply them has never been more important. The emergence of the developing world, the proliferation of interactive and mobile media, and the scarcity of natural resources will continue to shape markets and competition. Preparing our students to be effective in a rapidly changing world is a tremendous responsibility and opportunity."