Speaker Bio

James Ellis
Dean
USC Marshall School of Business
Los Angeles

James G. Ellis was appointed dean of the USC Marshall School of Business and holder of the Robert R. Dockson Dean’s Chair in Business Administration in April 2007. As dean, he is responsible for the education of some 5700 students, both graduate and undergraduate. In addition, he holds a full time appointment as Professor of Marketing in the Department of Marketing, where he has been since 1997.

Prior to being appointed Dean, he was the Vice Provost, Globalization, for the University, responsible for building the USC name worldwide. He also served as the Vice Dean, External Relations, at the Marshall School of Business, as well as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs. He continues to teach the Freshman Leadership Colloquium class. From 1998 to 2003, he served as the Director of the Family Business Program for four years, running seminars for families in business.

Holding an MBA degree from the Harvard Business School and a BBA degree from the University of New Mexico, Mr. Ellis worked in the corporate world from 1970 to 1997. He served as President/CEO of Porsche Design, a high-end accessories company owned by Europe’s Porsche family, from 1985-1990. From 1990-1997, he was Chairman/CEO of Port O’Call Pasadena, an upscale home accessory retailer, as well as being an owner/ partner in six other companies.

Mr. Ellis was a member of Young Presidents Organization for fourteen years, serving his San Gabriel Valley Chapter twice as Chapter Chairman as well as being Regional Vice President, and a member of the International Board of Directors for six years. He is also the Past Chairman of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.

Ellis sits on numerous corporate and non-profit boards of directors. He has addressed many organizations around the world on various business topics. At USC in 2003, he was awarded both the “Teaching Has No Boundaries” award, given by the faculty, and the Golden Apple Award, given by the students. In 2004, was given the Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Award from the USC Parents’ Association.