Arun Kumar is a Senior Lecturer in Global Development & Management at King's Business School. He researches the role of philanthropic, nonprofit, and official aid organizations in global development. He also has a strong interest in the histories and social role of management in relation to global poverty, inequality, and social inclusion.

Areas of Expertise:

• Nonprofit management
• Philanthropic foundations
• Global development
• Poverty and inequalities
• History of management education

His interdisciplinary research has been published in journals such as the Academy of Management Learning & Education, Business & Society, Development & Change, Economy & Society, Enterprise & Society, Journal of Business Ethics, and Organization among others. His first book Philanthropy and the Development of Modern India: In the name of Nation (Oxford University Press, 2021) tracked the historical role of Indian elites' philanthropy in shaping development and modernity in twentieth century India.

Arun is currently editing several special issues: on management education and inequalities (Academy of Management Learning & Education), on histories of social entrepreneurship (Business History), and on caste (Business & Society). In addition to serving on the editorial board of several field-leading journals, he is as an Associate Editor at the Business & Society journal.

Arun began his professional career consulting with leading NGOs, independent think tanks, donor agencies, and philanthropic foundations on questions of governance, accountability, and inclusion in key public services and public welfare schemes. After working for seven years in the nonprofit development sector, he returned to academia for his doctoral studies.

He joined King's College London in 2022, having previously taught in France, India, and the UK.

Current PhD Students

Elena Christodoulou

Are you currently accepting new PhD students?

Yes