About Jeffrey Beard
Manager, International Baccalaureate Organization, Bethesda, MD

Jeffrey R Beard joined the International Baccalaureate® (IB) in September 2005 and became director general in January 2006, following the retirement of George Walker.

Born and educated in the United States, Jeffrey Beard graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1972 with a bachelor of science in analytical management, and has two graduate degrees, including an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, WI. His business career included roles of increasing responsibility in several multinational corporations where he developed his cross-functional management experience and understanding of strategic planning, thinking and delivery. His decision to move to the IB represented an opportunity for him to "give something back"; to leave the business world and apply his management knowledge and experience to international education, an area to which he is greatly committed.