Business Leader of the Year
The Haas School's Business Leader of the Year Award (known as the Alumnus of the Year Award from 1970 to 1998) is presented annually to a member of the Haas community who has achieved prominence in his or her field. Business Leaders are selected for their career accomplishments, their dedication to and involvement with the school, and for their stature as role models for alumni and students. These individuals have shown unfailing support and enthusiasm for the Haas School, including their involvement as advisors, speakers, and donors.
2015
CEO, Novartis AG
Recognized for questioning the status quo at Novartis to re-envision the pharmaceutical industry, positioning the company to anticipate future health care trends and to make momentous strides against various forms of cancer.
2014
Managing Director and Partner, Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Global Head, Clean Technology and Renewables and Venture Capital Coverage Groups
Advisory Board Member: Haas School of Business, Berkeley Energy & Climate Institute
Recognized for questioning the status quo throughout his successful career at Goldman Sachs, ultimately shaking up investment banking with his passion for clean energy and the environment, as well as for his impact on Berkeley and Haas.
2013
Chairman and Founder, Certain, Inc.
Philanthropist
Advisory Board Member: Haas School of Business, Goldman School
of Public Policy, and UC Berkeley Athletics Director
Trustee, UC Berkeley Foundation
Honored for his successful business career, philanthropy, and commitment to the University and the Haas School of Business.
2012
Vice Chair, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Former President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Professor Emerita, Haas School of Business
In recognition for her outstanding business leadership and support of the Haas School of Business and the University of California, Berkeley.
2011
Retired Sr. VP and Director
Capital Research and Management Company
In recognition of his tireless commitment to public education at all levels; the enormous impact he has had at Berkeley and Haas; and his successful leadership role in the mutual fund industry.
2010
Founder, Hellman & Friedman LLC
Banjo Player and Songwriter
Lifetime Achievement Award winner in recognition of his countless accomplishments in business and generous philanthropic efforts.
2009
Chairman, Blum Capital Partners
Founder & Chairman, American Himalayan Foundation
Founder, Richard C. Blum Center for Developing Economies
Named for the enduring support, exceptional service, and strong leadership that he has shown to the Haas School and UC Berkeley.
2008
President and CEO
Adobe Systems Inc.
San Jose, California
Named for executing a vision that spurs financial prosperity, fosters employee development, and fulfills its responsibility to the community.
2007
Chief Technology & Operations Officer
Bank of America
Raleigh, North Carolina
Named for her vision and for her leadership at Bank of America.
2006
President and CEO
Intel Corporation
Santa Clara, California
Named for his innovative new strategies at Intel, his ability to lead and to inspire a global workforce, and for his unwavering commitment to conducting business with integrity.
2005
Founder and Chairman
Simpson Manufacturing Co. Inc.
Dublin, California
In recognition of his commitment to entrepreneurial success and his outstanding leadership in giving back to his community.
2004
Former Bank of America and World Bank Chief
Lifetime Achievement Award winner in recognition of his private- and public-sector leadership in domestic economic affairs and the global economy.
2003
Chairman and former CEO
Williams-Sonoma
San Francisco, California
Named for his outstanding contributions to the retail business and the school.
2002
Former CEO
Vodafone Group Plc
London, United Kingdom
Named for his outstanding contributions to the business of telecommunications and to the school.
2001
Director & CEO Levi Strauss & Co.
San Francisco, California
Received the Haas School's highest honors — the 2001 Business Leader of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards — for his lifetime of leadership in business and social responsibility.
2000
CEO & Chairman
Advent Software
1999
Thomas Schneider, BA 58, MBA 62
Executive VP
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
1998
Former Chairman & CEO
Spieker Properties, Inc.
Menlo Park, California
1997
Richard A. Clarke, BA 52, JD 55
Former Chairman & CEO
Pacific Gas & Electric
1996
Thomas W. Tusher, BA 63
President & COO
Levi Strauss & Co.
San Francisco, California
1995
Paul M. Hazen, MBA 64
Chairman & CEO
Wells Fargo Bank
1994
Richard C. Blum, BS 58, MBA 59
Managing Partner
Richard C. Blum & Associates
Lifetime Achievement Award
Eugene Trefethen
Former President
Kaiser Industries Corporation
1993
William F. Cronk, BS 65
President & Director
Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc.
1992
Paul H. Stephens, BS 67, MBA 69
General Partner
Robertson, Stephens & Co.
1991
Gerson P. Bakar, BS 48
President
Gerson Bakar & Associates
1989
Clarence W. Houghton, BS 60
Retired Partner
Deloitte, Haskins & Sells
1988
W. Michael Blumenthal, BS 51
Chairman & CEO
Unisys Corporation
1987
Theodore J. Saenger, BS 51
Former President & CEO
Pacific Bell
1986
Donald G. Fisher, BS 50
Chairman & CEO
The GAP, Inc.
1985
Steven V. White, BS 51
President
Bechtel Investments, Inc.
1984
Leo B. Helzel, MBA 68
Counsel
Jacob, Sills & Coblentz
1983
Robert A. Lutz, BS 61, MBA 62
Executive VP
Ford International Automotive
1982
James R. Harvey, BS 56, MBA 63
Chairman, President & CEO
Transamerica Corporation
1975
William Burns, Sr.
Professor
Haas School of Business
University of California Berkeley
1974
E.T. Grether, MA 23, PhD 24
Former Dean & Professor Emeritus
Haas School of Business
University of California Berkeley
1973
Michael N. Chetkovich, BS 39, MBA 40
Managing Partner
Deloitte, Haskins & Sells
1972
Daniel E. Koshland
Levi Strauss & Co.
San Francisco, California
1971
William M. Witter
Honorary Chairman
Dean Witter & Co.
1970
Stephen D. Bechtel, Sr.
Sr. Director
Bechtel Group, Inc.