He may deny that he functions as the CEO of the school, but as someone who was in the trenches during this period, I would say that he was indeed our chief executive, taking responsibility and calling the shots.

These included:
Creating the position of Deputy Dean for the Full-Time M.B.A. Program to provide “immediate high-level attention to issues concerning this program and all services that support it.” A first assignment for the new deputy dean was to develop and implement a plan to improve interaction between the GSB and recruiters.

Making the M.B.A. career services office an immediate budget priority. Dean Hamada formed and chaired an advisory council of recruiters and a separate advisory council of students on career services. Valet parking was introduced to accommodate recruiters during campus visits, as was a concierge service. These “little things” turned out to have a big impact.

Directing all staff to “perform at levels that would be expected at the best private sector professional organizations,” requiring a significant culture change within the GSB.

Moving the student affairs office from Edelstone to Walker so students wouldn’t need to cross the Midway every time they needed assistance. Until the move was completed, the dean directed the immediate creation of a resource center in Stuart Hall, where students could “obtain the vast majority of administrative papers needed to navigate through life at the GSB.”

Announcing publicly his commitment to build a new campus classroom building.