Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst
MBA, Xavier University
M.S., University of Texas at El Paso
B.S., St. Edwards University
Dr. Ven Ochaya is a professor of business administration and strategy in the BW Carmel Boyer School of Business, department of management and leadership. He is a former George Herzog Chair in Free Enterprises with specific accountability for integrating the fundamental tenets of the free enterprise system into the model of entrepreneurialism. In conjunction with that role, he was a faculty fellow in the Center for Innovation and Growth, collaborating closely with other faculty fellows, undergraduate student fellows and MBA student fellows in the dual mission of infusing entrepreneurship as a mindset across campus while helping to enable Northeast Ohio to grow economically.
In addition, he a former director of MBA in entrepreneurship as well as director of MBA in sustainability. His teaching responsibilities include business management, strategic marketing, B2B marketing, entrepreneurship, innovation & change management, strategic planning, development, execution & management, and various capstone and field experience courses across the undergraduate, graduate and professional development programs.
Before coming to Baldwin Wallace in 2008, he spent five years as a member of the senior leadership team at Avery Dennison's Fasson Roll Materials Division dealing with tough business issues, developing innovative and sound strategies, and successfully implementing them. First as a director of product technology and innovation and then as vice president of research & development, Ochaya effectively provided broad leadership and management accountability that included business process improvement, human asset management, R&D or next-generation product development strategy, innovation process and certain third-party partner development.
Prior to Avery, Dr. Ochaya spent 12 years at International Paper Company in a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities, primarily in the R&D, new product, technology, and process innovation within the corporate and consumer packaging divisions. He was especially effective in driving broad-based cross-functional alignment and inter-department relationships, with an excellent track record of success in hiring, developing, grooming, coaching and mentoring talent to meet organizational, personal, and professional development needed for sustained business improvement and results. Ochaya is a culturally aware, experienced, and motivational leader who has traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad, including in Europe, China and South America.
In total, Dr. Ochaya has over 17 years of successful visionary leadership and significant results achievements through innovation within Fortune 500 companies with annual revenue ranging from $5 billion to $30 billion. He has over a dozen publications in various technical journals and has been presented with several awards for his business and professional accomplishments, including the Avery Dennison Leadership Excellence Award for Product Innovation and Service Support, as well as the BW Strosacker Teaching Excellence Award.
Courses
Undergraduate
Introduction to Marketing (MKT-230)
B2B Marketing (MKT-332)
Biomimicry – Innovation Inspired by Nature (BUS/SUS/EGR-340)