The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business mourns the loss of Dr. Naresh Malhotra, Regents' Professor Emeritus and Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) Senior Fellow, who passed away on January 7, 2025. His extraordinary career spanned over four decades of groundbreaking contributions to marketing research, statistical science, and social psychology, followed by impactful years of global ministry work.
"Naresh was a friend and a mentor to CIBER, where he was a senior fellow. We always collaborated with him for his annual Emerging Markets conference. His generous contributions made a difference in our work, and his guidance was deeply appreciated," said John McIntyre, executive director of CIBER and professor of Strategy and Innovation at the Scheller College of Business. "His scholarly contributions to marketing and related fields are so numerous as to defy enumeration. He was truly a giant in the field. His impact on scholars, colleagues, students and friends was felt throughout his life and will continue. We will miss him greatly."
Throughout his distinguished 30-year tenure at Georgia Tech (1979 - 2009), Dr. Malhotra established himself as one of the world's preeminent marketing scholars. His research earned him recognition among the top 2 percent of most cited researchers across all academic disciplines, encompassing 22 major fields and 176 subfields. As editor-in-chief of the Review of Marketing Research and author of over 140 publications in leading journals, he helped shape the field of marketing research.
"He was a dedicated professional, made numerous contributions to the marketing discipline, and was loved by students. He will be sorely missed," said Ajay Kohli, Gary T. and Elizabeth R. Jones Chair and Regents' Professor of Marketing at the Scheller College of Business.
After he retired from Georgia Tech, Dr. Malhotra embarked on a profound new chapter in his life's work, becoming an ordained minister. He devoted himself to Global Evangelistic Ministries, Inc., where he served as president until 2025. His ministry took him to over 35 countries, where he combined his passion for teaching with his dedication to service.
As a mentor and educator, Dr. Malhotra inspired countless students and scholars, exemplifying the highest standards of excellence and service.
“I would not be working in academia if Naresh had not helped launch and sustain the doctoral program for Marketing,” said Mark Peterson, department chair and professor of Marketing at the University of Wyoming who received his Ph.D. in Marketing from Georgia Tech in 1994.
His commitment to scholarly pursuit and spiritual growth demonstrated a breadth of purpose that touched lives across the globe.
Dr. Malhotra is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dr. Veena Malhotra, and their daughter Ruth and son Paul.
For condolences and additional information, please visit Dr. Malhotra's obituary page.