Arthur Bochner
University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Age: 43
“A fearless and impact-driven, results-oriented strategic leader with a commercial mindset.”
Hometown: New York, NY
Family Members: Spouse (Arden), Daughter (Hudson, 7), Son (Noah, 3)
Fun fact about yourself: I have been on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Oprah, and Good Morning America.
Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor’s in Political Science
Where are you currently working? News Corp, Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles:
Beta Gamma Sigma
Graduate with High Distinction
Honored to be chosen by my cohort as student commencement speaker
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Our Executive Multidisciplinary Action Project team was tasked with helping a non-profit in Malawi—The Othakarhaka Foundation (OTK)—develop a small business capable of providing a steady stream of revenue to support their work helping women and girls. It was a complex project and a major learning experience operating with all of the constraints faced by OTK. I’m very proud of what our team delivered: a profitable business that could also help alleviate hunger in the region OTK serves through both its product and sourcing methods.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m most proud of climbing through the ranks at The Walt Disney Company. I started as a senior manager in a business unit, and in less than seven years became Chief of Staff to the CEO. When I reached the C-suite, I remember wondering what my great-grandparents, who arrived in America with nothing in their pockets, would have thought. It felt like the American dream coming true, and it was both heavy and exhilarating at the same time.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? The Ross faculty is fantastic, and it is hard to choose just one. My personal hall of fame would include M.P. Narayanan (Finance), Itay Kama (Accounting), Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks (Management), and Brad Killaly (Strategy). Each of them brought critical aspects of business to life in amazing ways, and I use what I learned from them nearly every day.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? At the time I applied, I wanted a Los Angeles-based program at a leading school. Ross was at the top of the list, and I was very happy that they were not focused on the entertainment industry, which was my home. I also wanted a general management program, rather than one focused on finance or another discipline. I should also say that my wife is from Michigan and my father-in-law is a Wolverine, and the brownie points I received for attending Michigan are significant. Others’ mileage may vary.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? In my graduation speech, I made sure to recognize the family, friends, and co-workers who supported me and my classmates along their journeys. Those people aren’t scaffolding for you—they’re co-architects of your success, and it’s not possible to juggle everything in your life without them. A lot can happen in 21 months (for me it was a new job, a cross-country move, two moves within New York due to flooding, and more), and there’s no way to predict what you’re going to face—so you have to get comfortable doing your work in uncomfortable places and at uncomfortable times. I found that long flights were my best friend. I knew I hit my stride when I took an exam at the airport lounge in Edinburgh and got a perfect score while hoping my computer didn’t die because I had packed my outlet adapter in my checked bag.
What was your biggest regret in business school? My one and only regret is forgetting to answer the last question on my Balance Sheet Analysis final. It was my favorite exam (I realize it’s weird to have a favorite test), and I really wanted to get a perfect score.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? My cohort had several active-duty military and veterans transitioning to the private sector, and it was a privilege to work alongside them. I’m in awe of them, honestly. I also really admired the doctors in our cohort, especially Dr. Keren Rosenblum, who is the Board Chair at her clinic and an OB/GYN, and has an incredible family. Talk about a lot to manage!
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? An EMBA was the only kind of program I considered. I wanted an in-person experience because I know I absorb information better that way—and of course I wanted to build out my network, which is so much more effective in person. I also wanted to work with and learn from leaders with similar experience levels as mine.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My entire career has been an exercise in impact. I want to leave the world a better place than I found it, and I have sought out opportunities to do that, whether it’s in the public, non-profit, or private sectors. I don’t have a specific goal in mind, other than to have a bigger and bigger impact. The beautiful thing is that it can be done in many different ways. I enjoy living in the grey, so I am very happy to have some mystery ahead!
What made Arthur such an invaluable member of the Class of 2025?
“From the moment Arthur Bochner joined the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Executive MBA program, he made an impact—not just through his own professional experience, but through his commitment to elevating those around him. A seasoned executive with years of experience in media, communications, and corporate strategy, Arthur brought a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and generosity to his cohort.
Arthur has always sought out ways to bring unique value to his peers. One of his most memorable contributions was inviting former Disney CEO Bob Chapek for a Fireside Chat, offering his classmates unparalleled insights into leadership, business strategy, and the evolving media landscape. His initiative wasn’t just about networking; it was about creating high-value learning experiences for everyone.
In January 2024, Arthur took on the role of Chief Communications Officer at News Corp, a demanding position that required him to relocate from Los Angeles to New York—all while balancing the rigorous Ross EMBA program. Despite these major transitions, Arthur continued to excel academically and professionally, maintaining a high GPA and demonstrating the same resilience, discipline, and dedication to excellence that have defined his career.
But beyond the impressive résumé, what truly sets Arthur apart is his authenticity and generosity. He is a leader who champions others, fosters community, and finds ways to make a lasting impact—whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or among his peers. For his exceptional contributions to his cohort, his remarkable career trajectory, and his ability to inspire those around him, I wholeheartedly nominate Arthur Bochner for recognition in Poets&Quants. He is not just a standout Executive MBA student—he is a leader shaping the future of business and communications.”
Sue Ann Gonis
Executive Coach & Career Management Coach, EMBA Program
Executive MBA Program, Stephen M. Ross School of Business
DON’T MISS: BEST & BRIGHTEST EXECUTIVE MBAS: CLASS OF 2025
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