Courtesy Skidmore College
Matthew Lucas, a senior sales executive with a background in business strategy, marketing, sales, and global management, has been named Skidmore College’s 10th Harder Professor of Business Administration.
Lucas, who will begin at Skidmore in the fall semester, has held multiple senior leadership positions at leading corporations, including global vice president of consumer sales at Bose Corp., senior vice president at Samsung U.S., and senior vice president of sales at Coty Beauty U.S.
In these and other roles, officials said he has demonstrated extensive experience developing and executing strategic sales and marketing initiatives, fostering long-term business relationships, and achieving market dominance in highly competitive environments.
“As a globally recognized senior sales executive, Matt comes with a rich track record in defining brand and unique competitive positioning, establishing innovative alliances across diverse channels, and driving strategies with multicultural high-performance teams,” said David Cohen, associate professor and chair of the Management and Business Department.
“Part of what makes Matt such a valuable asset to Skidmore is his extensive experience in digital sales, where he utilizes the very latest digital tools and techniques to drive business growth and deliver superior consumer experience. Matt is also committed to our mission of providing a business education firmly rooted in Skidmore’s liberal arts curriculum.”
Earlier in his career, Lucas also served in various capacities at Novartis Consumer Health and Procter & Gamble.
“I’m very excited to join the Skidmore community and the opportunity to be part of Skidmore’s unique and outstanding management and business program,” Lucas said. “Over the past eight years, I have been a classroom guest speaker and participant in Skidmore’s MB107 tradition.
“I’m especially thrilled to develop courses and other opportunities for Skidmore’s exceptionally talented and creative students that will further support them on their journey to becoming the next generation of global business leaders.”
Lucas succeeds advertising executive Guy Mastrion, who served as Harder Chair since 2017.
Established in 1984, the F. William Harder Chair of Business Administration brings to campus distinguished executives who can share their knowledge, experience, and networks with Skidmore students.
The Harder Chair also organizes the annual Harder Lecture, a chance for faculty, staff, and students to meet, talk with, and hear from national and international business leaders. The 2023 lecture was delivered by Skidmore alumna and fashion designer Barbara Tfank.