At AOM 2026 in Philadelphia, PA, USA, the presidential gavel was passed from Tammy Madsen to Chris Tucci, who will serve as AOM President for 2026–2027. Chris is Professor of Major Programmes and Innovation at Saïd Business School, Oxford University in London, UK. Chris brings decades of involvement with AOM and a longstanding interest in technology and innovation. As President, he will continue the momentum of AOM’s Vision 2030 strategic objectives, while also leveraging his experience to explore the impact of AI on research and publishing, expanding the reach of management research, removing barriers for global scholars to gain access to core resources and training, and strengthening connections among members around the world.
AOM Member Since 1992: The Importance of Community and Volunteering
Chris has been an AOM member for 34 years. He first joined AOM ahead of the 1992 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, NV, USA as a doctoral student looking for feedback on his research and opportunities to connect with other scholars. He has returned every year since, building relationships and contributing to the community.
“Everybody wants to have some kind of connection to a community,” he explained. For Chris, the Annual Meeting offers opportunities to build such a community. He encourages attendees to make time for conversations, co-author meetings, and social events alongside conference sessions. “I always tell people, don’t spend the whole meeting going to sessions,” he said.
That sense of community extends beyond the Annual Meeting. Through year-round initiatives and programming, AOM provides members with additional opportunities to connect, learn, and develop professionally. New programs such as the Community Accelerator Program, the AOM Teaching Community, and Learn with AOM: Methods Training Series help members build relationships and strengthen their skills throughout the year.
Having served in division leadership, as an AOM Associate Editor, on AOM’s Board of Governors as a Representative-at-Large, and now on the Executive Committee, Chris understands how much AOM depends on member involvement. “Volunteering is absolutely critical for the functioning of AOM,” he said. Volunteers help organize activities, guide governance, and ensure AOM reflects the needs of its members. He also sees service as an opportunity to develop professional relationships, gain visibility, and contribute to something larger than oneself.
Presidency Goals: AI, Innovation, and Research Impact
Chris’s interest in AI and digital innovation is grounded in both his academic and professional experience. Before entering academia, he worked as an industrial computer scientist developing Internet protocols and applying AI tools. He holds degrees in computer science, mathematical sciences, music, and technology and policy from Stanford University and MIT, as well as a PhD in Management from MIT’s Sloan School of Management.
Chris sees opportunities to use AI to help researchers communicate their findings to broader audiences. “AI is going to be very useful for dissemination,” he explained, pointing to the potential to tailor research for different audiences and increase its reach.
At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of human judgment and accountability. “Everybody should be responsible for what AI produces,” he said. Researchers must critically evaluate AI-generated content rather than simply accepting or publishing it. Chris is helping facilitate discussions amongst AOM leaders to explore how AI could reshape academic publishing, from the review process to the industry’s business model.
Looking Forward to Vienna
Looking ahead to the 87th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (AOM 2027) in Vienna, Austria, Chris is excited about bringing scholars together for an intellectually engaging experience. He particularly values the opportunity to have most sessions under one roof, making it easier for attendees to explore research across divisions and connect with colleagues, “rather than schlepping between hotels!”
After more than three decades of involvement, Chris’s enthusiasm for AOM’s community remains strong. As he begins his presidency, he hopes to build on that foundation while helping AOM navigate new developments in technology, expand the reach of management research, and create more opportunities for members around the world to connect.