Northeastern University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Northeastern University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and academic direction.

Driven by a commitment to experiential learning, Northeastern University provides comprehensive education services across arts, media, business, science, engineering, law, humanities, and professional studies, shaping future leaders and innovators.

Leadership Roles at Northeastern University

  • Chief Operating Officer - Andrew Klaey
  • President - Zhao Ji
  • President - Catherine Caley
  • President - Joseph Aoun
  • President - William Kibel
  • President - Marenda Li
  • President - Sarayu Pininti
  • Co President - Malia Smith
  • Co-President - Sydney Scott
  • President - Lawrence Ajayi
  • Andrew Klaey - Chief Operating Officer

    Andrew Klaey, the Chief Operating Officer at Northeastern University, directs the institution's operational framework and resource allocation. Klaey oversees the strategic implementation of administrative functions, ensuring efficient campus operations and the effective deployment of university resources to support academic and research endeavors. This leadership role involves managing facilities, IT infrastructure, and support services, directly impacting the student and faculty experience. By optimizing operational workflows, Andrew Klaey enhances the university's capacity for growth and innovation. The Chief Operating Officer's purview extends to ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and driving initiatives that promote sustainability and operational excellence across all university departments. Klaey's focus remains on building a robust operational foundation that supports Northeastern University's educational mission and long-term strategic objectives.

    Zhao Ji - President

    Zhao Ji, the President at Northeastern University, sets the overarching strategic direction and vision for the institution. Ji leads the executive team in advancing the university's mission of providing high-quality education and fostering groundbreaking research. This critical role involves cultivating key relationships with stakeholders, including alumni, industry partners, and government bodies, to secure resources and expand opportunities. The President's leadership guides academic program development, ensuring alignment with evolving industry demands and societal needs. By championing innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, Zhao Ji drives Northeastern University's commitment to preparing students for success in a dynamic global landscape. Ji's strategic oversight ensures the university remains at the forefront of higher education, adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

    Catherine Caley - President

    Catherine Caley, the President at Northeastern University, spearheads the strategic initiatives that define the university's academic and research priorities. Caley guides the development and execution of programs designed to enhance student learning outcomes and faculty research impact. This leadership position involves fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and interdisciplinary studies across various colleges and departments. The President's role is central to advancing Northeastern University's reputation as a leader in experiential education and global impact. By overseeing key strategic partnerships and resource management, Catherine Caley ensures the university's continued growth and its ability to address complex societal challenges. Caley's vision propels the institution forward, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and societal contribution.

    Joseph Aoun - President

    Joseph Aoun, the President at Northeastern University, directs the institution's strategic vision and global expansion efforts. Aoun champions the university's model of experiential education, integrating rigorous academic inquiry with real-world application across diverse fields. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in curriculum development and research, ensuring Northeastern University remains at the cutting edge of higher education. By cultivating strong relationships with industry leaders and international partners, Joseph Aoun enhances the university's global reach and impact. The President's oversight extends to driving institutional growth, resource development, and the continuous improvement of student success initiatives. Aoun's leadership solidifies Northeastern University's position as a leader in preparing graduates for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
    Joseph Aoun

    William Kibel - President

    William Kibel, the President at Northeastern University, guides the strategic direction and operational execution of the institution's academic and administrative functions. Kibel oversees the implementation of key initiatives aimed at enhancing student success, faculty research, and community engagement. This leadership position involves fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration across diverse departments and colleges. The President's focus is on ensuring Northeastern University's continued advancement as a premier institution for experiential learning and global impact. By managing critical resources and strategic partnerships, William Kibel supports the university's mission to address complex societal issues and prepare graduates for impactful careers. Kibel's leadership ensures the sustained excellence and forward momentum of the university.

    Marenda Li - President

    Marenda Li, the President at Northeastern University, directs the strategic planning and execution of academic and research programs. Li is instrumental in advancing the university's mission to provide innovative educational experiences and foster impactful research across various disciplines. This leadership role involves overseeing key operational areas and ensuring the effective allocation of resources to support institutional goals. The President's purview includes cultivating strategic partnerships that enhance Northeastern University's global presence and societal contributions. By championing advancements in teaching and learning, Marenda Li ensures the university remains a leader in preparing students for future success. Li's strategic guidance reinforces the institution's commitment to academic excellence and transformative education.

    Sarayu Pininti - President

    Sarayu Pininti, the President at Northeastern University, leads the strategic development and implementation of the university's academic and research agendas. Pininti oversees initiatives designed to enhance student outcomes, faculty scholarship, and the university's global impact. This critical leadership role involves fostering collaboration across departments and driving innovation in educational delivery and research methodologies. The President's focus is on ensuring Northeastern University continues to excel in its commitment to experiential learning and societal contribution. By managing key institutional resources and forging strategic alliances, Sarayu Pininti supports the university's mission to address complex global challenges. Pininti's leadership ensures the sustained growth and academic distinction of the institution.

    Malia Smith - Co President

    Malia Smith, the Co President at Northeastern University, shares responsibility for the strategic direction and operational oversight of the institution. Smith collaborates with fellow leadership to advance the university's mission of providing innovative education and impactful research. This role involves guiding key initiatives that enhance student success and faculty development across various academic disciplines. The Co President's focus is on fostering a dynamic environment that supports Northeastern University's commitment to experiential learning and global engagement. By contributing to strategic resource management and partnership development, Malia Smith supports the university's objectives. Smith's leadership ensures the continued excellence and forward progress of the institution.

    Sydney Scott - Co-President

    Sydney Scott, the Co-President at Northeastern University, collaborates on setting the institution's strategic vision and overseeing its operational execution. Scott works with the executive team to advance Northeastern University's core mission of delivering exceptional education and fostering groundbreaking research. This leadership position involves guiding initiatives that enhance student learning experiences and faculty research endeavors. The Co-President's focus is on promoting innovation and collaboration across all university functions, ensuring alignment with institutional goals. By contributing to strategic planning and resource allocation, Sydney Scott supports the university's commitment to societal impact and academic excellence. Scott's leadership ensures the sustained development and prominence of the university.

    Lawrence Ajayi - President

    Lawrence Ajayi, the President at Northeastern University, directs the strategic planning and implementation of academic and research initiatives. Ajayi oversees the development and execution of programs designed to enhance student learning outcomes and faculty scholarship. This leadership role involves fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and interdisciplinary studies across the university. The President's focus is on advancing Northeastern University's commitment to experiential education and global impact. By managing key institutional resources and cultivating strategic partnerships, Lawrence Ajayi supports the university's mission to address complex societal challenges. Ajayi's leadership ensures the continued excellence and forward momentum of the institution.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northeastern University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Northeastern University?
    Northeastern University is led by Andrew Klaey (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Zhao Ji (President) and Catherine Caley (President).
    Who is part of Northeastern University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northeastern University includes leaders such as Andrew Klaey (Chief Operating Officer), Zhao Ji (President), Catherine Caley (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Northeastern University have?
    Northeastern University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Northeastern University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Northeastern University includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, President, President, President, President.