Fifty two year old Michael Benarroch, a member of our Jewish community and graduate of the Joseph Wolinsky collegiate's class of 1977, has been named the new Dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, effective from November 15, 2011.

Dr. Benarroch, who was born in  Morocco and came with his parents to Canada at age four in 1963, is currently a Professor of Economics and Founding Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Winnipeg, a position he has held since 2008. Prior to this role, he served as Acting Dean of Business and Economics, and for nine years he served as Chair of the Department of Economics at the University of Winnipeg. He also served on the University of Winnipeg’s Senate and Board of Regents, as well as other university bodies; for his service he was awarded the Farquhar Award of Excellence in Contributing to University Governance.

“It is my great pleasure to assume the role of Dean of the Asper School of Business. I look forward to working with the School’s talented faculty members and dedicated staff, and to engaging with its gifted, energetic students.” Benarroch said in a statement. “Together, with the help and support of The Associates and The Young Associates and the community, we will build on the Asper School’s strengths to position it as one of Canada’s and the world’s leading business schools.”

"I think I can have a positive impact leading the Asper school, bringing it to the next level..." Benarroch told the Winnipeg Free Press.

Benarroch's younger brother, Al Benarroch, 47,[Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate class of 1982], who is at the  Jewish child and Family Services says that he is not at all surprised of his his older brother Michael's his acheivements or career path.

"I am not surprised at his career choice and path. Growing up, Michael was always one who was far ahead us (i.e. siblings) in terms of maturity, responsibility, settling quickly on a career choice and path of study. The other 3 brothers all got to where we were going... just took slightly longer routes getting there." 

Michael Benarroch's other two brothers who are twins, Yossi and Yamin, went into a different kind of bsuiness -- the Rabbinical business. ( Rabbi Yossi and Rabbi Yamin are both age 54 ).
  

Dr. David T. Barnard, president and vice-chancellor at the University of Manitoba, in a statement.“We are very pleased to have Dr. Michael Benarroch assume leadership of the University of Manitoba’s business school. His proven success as an administrative leader, as well as his highly collaborative approach and his teaching and research achievements, will ensure the School continues its tradition of excellence.”

Benarroch’s research focuses on international trade with specific applications to innovation and the environment, and he is an expert in exchange rates and government economic policy. His research has been supported by various sources, including SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council), and has been widely disseminated in top journals in his field, book chapters, reports, invited academic lectures and conference presentations.

Michael Benarroch is married to Kim Bailey and they have two sons, Adenand Keenan. His parents are

Michael's parents are  Salomon (b. Feb 1922 In Tangier) & Mary (née Muyal b. Nov 1930 in Casablanca).