Smith School Celebrates Third INFORMS Marketing Science Fellow P. K. Kannan

In June, P. K. Kannan, Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and the Dean's Chair in Marketing Science, was named a Fellow of the INFORMS Society for Marketing Science (ISMS), joining a prestigious group of approximately 40 scholars worldwide. 

The award recognizes a cumulative long-term contribution to the mission of ISMS, which is intended to encourage the “development, dissemination, and implementation of knowledge, basic and applied research, and science and technologies” that impact the marketing practice.

The designation also further cements Kannan’s reputation as a leading researcher in online and digital marketing, with an extensive research catalog spanning several decades. This includes marketing modeling, as well as the application of statistical, econometric, machine learning, and AI methods to marketing data, along with customer relationship management and the development of new products and services. 

Kannan is “deeply honored” to be inducted as an ISMS Fellow, an accolade shared by some of the most respected marketing scientists in the world, including fellow Smith School professors Roland Rust and Michel Wedel. 

“It is profoundly humbling to reflect on how far the journey has come; when I began my doctoral studies at Purdue University, I could never have imagined receiving this recognition,” says Kannan. “It serves as a powerful reminder that dedication and hard work truly pay off.”

In addition to acknowledging past accomplishments, the award also serves as an appreciation of service and mentorship to members of the marketing field. Over his career, Kannan has leveraged his research through collaborations with numerous major firms on practice-relevant projects. 

He has also advised doctoral students who have since become established faculty members at institutions such as the University of Southern California, Lehigh University, Ohio State University, Indiana University, Syracuse University and Baruch College. His students have earned major article awards, including the John D.C. Little Award, AMA Don Lehmann Award and the AMA/MSI Paul Root Award.

Kannan’s sizable list of personal accolades also includes a John D.C. Little Best Paper Award and the ISMS Practice Prize. During his time at the Smith School, he has earned teaching honors, including recognition as a Distinguished Scholar Teacher and the Allen J. Krowe Award for Teaching Excellence.

With this latest recognition placing the Smith School among an elite group of institutions with three INFORMS Society for Marketing Science Fellows, Kannan looks forward to continuing to shape the marketing field moving forward.