Robert Weiler Appointed New President of UVA Darden School Foundation

The University of Virginia Darden School Foundation Board of Trustees today announced the appointment of Robert Weiler as the new president of the Darden School Foundation. The decision came following a national search and extensive consultation with Foundation and Darden School staff and faculty. The Darden School Foundation is an independent, nonprofit corporation that supports the Darden School and its mission by promoting philanthropic support, managing endowment funds, operating Darden’s Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programs, and ownership of The Forum Hotel on the Darden Grounds.

A UVA graduate with an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, Weiler brings extensive business school and industry experience to his new role. He comes to the Darden School Foundation after 16 years at the Anderson School, serving most recently as the associate dean of the Full-Time MBA program for a decade. Weiler was also the assistant dean of career management and interim director of admissions during his tenure at UCLA. Prior to his career in higher education, Weiler spent more than 15 years in business, primarily in the banking sector, holding positions with Goldman Sachs, UBS and the Trust Company of the West, among others.

“Rob brings many strengths to the role,” said Frank Sands (MBA ’94), chair of the Darden School Foundation Board of Trustees. “He understands how important the Foundation is to the School, and he knows firsthand how rapidly the landscape of business education is changing.”

“We are very excited to have a leader with Rob’s extensive experience and UVA roots at the head of the Foundation,” said Darden’s Dean Scott Beardsley, who is currently on sabbatical to study at Oxford University.

Darden’s Interim Dean Jeanne Liedtka added, “Rob’s enthusiasm for taking the Foundation forward will build on the tremendous momentum of the Powered by Purpose campaign.”

Weiler’s primary responsibilities include building alumni and donor relationships, overseeing the recently opened Forum Hotel and its partnership with operator Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, supporting Executive Education & Lifelong Learning, and managing the substantial assets of the Foundation.

“As a Wahoo, I’m thrilled to be back in Charlottesville,” said Weiler. “All you have to do is look around the Grounds in Charlottesville and Arlington to see and feel Darden’s momentum. I’m confident there are more great things to come, and I am honored to join Darden at such an exciting time.”

This past spring, the Foundation opened a renovated C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall, welcomed its first guests to the new Forum Hotel, and reached the $400 million milestone of the Powered by Purpose campaign two years ahead of schedule.

Weiler will begin his new role this fall. Carolyn Miles (MBA ’88) the interim president of the foundation, will return to her position as John Alden Purinton Jr. Professor of Practice and senior adviser to the dean.