USC Global Conference

James G. Ellis

James G. Ellis was appointed dean of the USC Marshall School of Business and holder of the Robert R. Dockson Dean’s Chair in Business Administration in April 2007. As dean, he is responsible for the education of some 5700 students, both graduate and undergraduate. In addition, he holds a full time appointment as professor of marketing in the Department of Marketing, where he has been since 1997.

Prior to being appointed dean, Ellis was vice provost for globalization for the university, responsible for building the USC name worldwide. He also served as the vice dean of external relations at the USC Marshall School of Business, as well as associate dean for undergraduate programs. He continues to teach the Freshman Leadership Colloquium class.

Holding an M.B.A. degree from the Harvard Business School and a B.B.A. degree from the University of New Mexico. Ellis worked in the corporate world from 1970 to 1997. He served as president/CEO of Porsche Design, a high-end accessories company owned by Europe’s Porsche family, from 1985-1990. From 1990-1997, he was chairman/CEO of Port O’Call Pasadena, an upscale home accessory retailer, as well as being an owner/ partner in six other companies. Ellis currently sits on numerous corporate and non-profit boards of directors.

In 2003, he was awarded USC’s “Teaching Has No Boundaries” award, given by the faculty, as well as the Golden Apple Award, given by the students. In 2004, he was given the Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Award from the USC Parents’ Association.

His finest achievement is his family. He and his wife, Gail, have five children and seven grandchildren, and live in San Marino, California.