Solutions builder
An ‘unsolvable’ problem launched Shailesh Mehta’s career—and now spurs a new professorship
When Shailesh Mehta was a student at Case Western Reserve University in the 1970s, a professor tasked him with an “unsolvable” problem. Undeterred, Mehta solved the impossible—and used the solution as the thesis for his eventual doctorate in operations research.
More than 50 years—and a successful financial services career—later, Mehta is still seeking ways to improve operations. The answer, he believes, could be in artificial intelligence.
“AI, to me, is such a massive breakthrough,” said Mehta, PhD (GRS ’73, ’75, operations research), “and Case Western Reserve should help drive the conversation on what I believe is the defining technology of our time.”
That’s why Shailesh and his wife, Kalpa, committed $2 million to establish the Shailesh J. and Kalpa S. Mehta Professorship in Operations Research and Artificial Intelligence at Weatherhead School of Management—a position that aims to help the school expand its reputation as a global leader in the practical applications of AI.
“This generous and important commitment from Shailesh and Kalpa ensures that the next generation of Weatherhead leaders will have the skills to thrive in a world increasingly influenced by AI.”
— President Eric W. Kaler
“It is critical that our students develop fluency with AI as well as an ability to apply it effectively and ethically in business operations,” said President Eric W. Kaler. “This generous and important commitment from Shailesh and Kalpa ensures that the next generation of Weatherhead leaders will have the skills to thrive in a world increasingly influenced by AI.”
Shailesh Mehta began his career at Cleveland Trust Co. (now KeyCorp) while also studying at Case Western Reserve. During his part-time work, he devised a solution to a check-sorting and delivery problem that saved the bank millions. After finishing his PhD, he quickly rose through the bank’s executive ranks, becoming executive vice president and the institution’s first non-white officer.
In 1986, Mehta departed for San Francisco to become CEO of First Deposit Corp., transforming it from a small company with 80 employees into a Fortune 300 giant—by then known as Providian Financial Corp.—with more than 12,000 employees and $30 billion in assets. In 2001, he founded Granite Hill Capital Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in Silicon Valley technology startups and select India-based opportunities.
“Shailesh is a testament to what makes Weatherhead special,” said Andrew Medvedev (CWR ’97), dean of Weatherhead School of Management and the Albert J. Weatherhead III Professor of Management. “We’ve always encouraged thinking outside of the box when it comes to problem-solving. This professorship will help keep Weatherhead at the forefront of turning intention into outcome, and we’re so grateful for the support.”
