Biography

Dr. Cecilia Kindelán is Dean of the School of Communication and an Associate Professor at Canadian University Dubai, bringing over 25 years of academic leadership and international expertise to the School of Communication. 

As a Full Member of the prestigious Royal European Academy of Doctors and holder of a PhD in Communication (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Dr. Kindelán represents academic excellence in communication sciences, business ethics, and leadership studies. She also holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in Journalism and another in Law, in addition to other specialized university studies. 

International Academic Leadership
Dr. Kindelán’s distinguished career spans three continents, with transformative contributions across Canada, Spain, Ecuador, and now the UAE. Her extensive international experience includes leadership roles at world-renowned institutions such as IESE Business School, where she served as Associate Director of the MBA Program and Director of International Exchange Programs. She also held the position of National Director of Executive MBA Programs across nine Spanish cities at ESIC University Business School, showcasing her ability to manage complex, multi-location academic initiatives.

Consultancy Work
Her consultancy work has extended to North America, including Saint Paul University in Ottawa, where she contributed to strategic planning and innovative program development, and Adelphi University in New York, where she served as an academic consultant for the Spanish Language Department.

Areas of Specialization
Dr. Kindelán’s expertise integrates strategic communication, ethical leadership, critical thinking, and digital transformation. Her research focuses on timely issues such as artificial intelligence ethics, climate change communication, and leadership in the digital age. She has positioned herself as a thought leader in examining the ethical implications of technological innovation and its impact on organizational communication and leadership practices.

Teaching Experience
Her teaching excellence spans Spanish and English instruction, with extensive experience in designing transformative educational programs that promote ethical leadership, sustainability, and critical thinking across varied cultural contexts. Her multicultural adaptability and professional integrity make her a highly sought-after educator for executive development programs worldwide.

Research Excellence and Publications
A prolific scholar, Dr. Kindelán has co-authored and edited more than 10 books with leading academic publishers such as McGraw Hill, Dykinson, RAED, and Malpaso. Notable works address pressing issues including "Artificial Intelligence and Ethics: Navigating the Challenges of the Future" and "Disinformation and Misinformation on Global Warming." She also leads the annual editorial series "Vital Challenges for a New Era," published by McGraw Hill and the Royal European Academy of Doctors.

Her research has been featured in prestigious journals and academic forums, earning particular recognition for her contributions to leadership ethics, digital communication strategies, and climate change communication. She maintains active collaborations with top-tier international research institutions and contributes regularly to conferences across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Executive Leadership and Professional Impact
Beyond academia, Dr. Kindelán has excelled in leadership roles that highlight her ability to operate on a global scale. She has served as Deputy Director of the Spanish Association of Executive Managers and Secretary General of the Excellence Foundation, an organization bringing together 24 Nobel Laureates and former heads of government.

She was also Academic Director of the "Leading in Complexity Program" for senior executives at the Spanish Confederation of Executives Foundation, where she developed transformational leadership programs. In addition, her advisory roles in digital media and participation in international forums, including Horasis Global Meetings, position her as an influential voice in leadership and governance discourses worldwide.

Global Recognition and Professional Memberships
Dr. Kindelán’s contributions have earned her prestigious accolades, including a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA, 2024) and appointment as Academician of the Science, Engineering, and Humanities Academy of Lanzarote. She has also received a Rafael del Pino Foundation Scholarship and the Communication Award from the Social Council of the Polytechnic University of Madrid.

As a keynote speaker, she has shared her insights at the European Parliament, United Nations Global Compact initiatives, and leading academic institutions worldwide. Her ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, from Nobel Laureates to corporate leaders, illustrates her rare capacity to connect academic rigor with practical leadership impact.

Vision for Educational Innovation
At Canadian University Dubai, Dr. Kindelán continues to drive educational innovation through pedagogical approaches that prepare students for the complexities of today’s globalized economy. Her dedication to fostering ethical leadership, critical thinking, and sustainable practices aligns strongly with the university’s mission of cultivating globally competent graduates.

Through her compassionate teaching style and ability to bridge cultural differences, she creates impactful learning experiences that inspire students to become ethical leaders capable of addressing future global challenges with integrity and vision.

Languages: Spanish (native), English (professional proficiency), Portuguese and Catalan (basic)