Dr. Robert Biscontri appointed Acting Dean of the Asper School of Business

Dr. Biscontri will continue building the impactful community that has inspired generations of business students

Portrait of Robert Biscontri
Estimated Read Time:
2 minutes
Dr. Robert Biscontri
Dr. Robert Biscontri
Estimated Read Time:
2 minutes

The I.H. Asper School of Business announces the appointment of Dr. Robert Biscontri as Acting Dean.

A respected teacher, researcher, administrator and leader, Dr. Biscontri has served the Asper community for more than two decades. Throughout his career, he has been committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, communication and shared purpose among students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners.

“I am honoured to serve the Asper School of Business in this role,” said Dr. Biscontri. “Asper is a community built on strong relationships which have meaningfully shaped the business landscape in Manitoba and beyond.”

A group of students
I look forward to working with our students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners to build on the Asper School’s many strengths and help shape its future.

Dr. Robert Biscontri

Advancing student success

Most recently, Dr. Biscontri served as Associate Dean, Undergraduate and International Programs, where he led initiatives focused on curriculum innovation, student success, international engagement and experiential learning. 

In this role, he held daily conversations with students in the Bachelor of Commerce program, which has allowed him to have a finger on the pulse of the student body. 

His leadership has been guided by a belief that strong outcomes are built through open dialogue, teamwork and a deep commitment to community.

Leadership in academic policy

Beyond Asper, Dr. Biscontri has contributed extensively to university governance and academic leadership. He serves as Chair of the University Disciplinary Committee and has been an active contributor to Senate and its committees, supporting academic policy development and institutional decision-making.

As a researcher, Dr. Biscontri has explored areas such as accounting, information systems and business education, with a focus on accounting information systems, management accounting and technology. His interdisciplinary work has also explored the intersection of management and healthcare, contributing to a deeper understanding of effectiveness and patient outcomes.

Dr. Robert Biscontri claps at an event

Dr. Biscontri is also committed to advancing Indigenous reconciliation through education, relationship-building and meaningful action. He has championed efforts to strengthen Indigenous perspectives within business education and create new opportunities for students.

With the help of our outstanding faculty and staff, I plan to focus on strengthening Asper’s role within UM and across the province by partnering and innovating alongside Indigenous voices for the benefit of all our students.

Dr. Robert Biscontri

During Dr. Biscontri’s appointment, Namita Bhatnagar, Professor of Marketing and Asper Behavioural Management Fellow will serve as Acting Associate Dean, Undergraduate and International Programs. 

Dr. Biscontri holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales, as well as a Master of Management and PhD from Macquarie Business School. He is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant in Canada and a Fellow of CPA Australia.

Read more about the future of the Asper School of Business in the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan Building Community, Inspiring Innovation