Pakistan’s first American university strengthens ties with ASU through strategic appointment

The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Pakistan’s first American university powered by Arizona State University (ASU), has announced a major leadership appointment as part of its vision to transform higher education through global collaboration and innovation-driven learning.

The new leadership brings extensive international experience in higher education, with a strong background in academic transformation, global partnerships, and institutional excellence.

The appointee currently serves as Regional CEO for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Cintana Education — ASU’s global partner network — where he oversees operations and strategy across multiple countries.

With over two decades of leadership across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, he has previously held senior roles at INTO University Partnerships and Laureate International Universities.

At Istanbul Bilgi University in Turkey, he led a period of transformation that tripled student enrollment and enhanced academic quality through national and international accreditations. His expertise includes advancing global engagement, developing university partnerships, and promoting student-centered innovation.

Located in Lahore, NIT represents a new model of higher education in Pakistan, designed to deliver American-style academic excellence and global employability. Established through collaboration with ASU and Cintana Education, NIT integrates ASU’s curriculum, digital learning systems, and research ecosystem to align with international standards.

Through this partnership, Pakistani students gain access to world-class education, experiential learning, and global exposure without leaving the country. NIT’s focus on technology, innovation, and research aims to contribute to Pakistan’s knowledge economy and prepare graduates for leadership in the global marketplace.

The new appointment reaffirms NIT’s mission to provide transformative, globally benchmarked education and position Pakistan as a regional hub for innovation and academic excellence.