Born and raised in Bulgaria during a period of profound social, economic, and political upheaval following the collapse of communism, Professor Pavel I. Zhelyazkov witnessed firsthand how societal transformations shape opportunity and structure. This formative experience ignited his deep interest in the social sciences and history while opening doors—like studying abroad in the US—unimaginable to his parents' generation. He pursued this passion with exceptional dedication at Duke University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2006 with a double major in Economics and Sociology.
While certain of an academic career, Professor Zhelyazkov prioritized gaining practical experience beyond the ivory tower. His three years at McKinsey & Company (2006-2009) exposed him to diverse industries and complex problems, from healthcare to mining. In response to the global financial crisis of 2008, he specialized in financial risk management, helping banks and asset managers revamp their risk management practices. This intense, real-world engagement with financial systems during the crisis cemented his resolve to return to academia, ultimately leading him to Harvard University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Sociology in 2015. He joined The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) that same year as an Assistant Professor of Management, rising to Associate Professor in July 2023.
Professor Zhelyazkov’s research delves into the intricate ecosystems of industry, viewing them as dynamic webs of relationships connecting companies, customers, investors, and entrepreneurs. He dedicates his scholarly work to uncovering how these networks evolve and critically influence outcomes – determining success, failure, and access to vital resources. His investigations reveal the nuanced realities within strategic alliances, demonstrating how the capacity and willingness to collaborate steer ventures towards triumph or dissolution. Furthermore, his work powerfully illustrates the ripple effects of individual actions across entire networks; for instance, a venture capital firm's withdrawal from a deal can strain relationships and tarnish its reputation, hindering future connections. Critically, Professor Zhelyazkov’s studies expose inherent inequalities, showing how lower-status players often make significant sacrifices or accept higher risks to forge ties with higher-status partners, seeking to improve their position.
Beyond generating these groundbreaking insights published in the field's most prestigious journals, including Administrative Science Quarterly, Academy of Management Journal, Organization Science, and Strategic Management Journal, Professor Zhelyazkov actively shapes the broader scholarly discourse. Serving as an Associate Editor for Management Science and Strategic Management Journal, as well as sitting on the editorial boards of four other leading journals, he plays a vital role in upholding standards and advancing the field of organizational theory. His intellectual leadership is further recognized through competitive grants, notably the Hong Kong Research Grants Council's Early Career Scheme, which supported his exploration of performance consequences within VC-investor networks.
Deeply dedicated to the future of the field, Professor Zhelyazkov derives great satisfaction from nurturing and mentoring young scholars at HKUST and beyond. He has guided numerous students through their doctoral, M.Phil., and D.B.A. programs, including leading principal advising roles. He has also promoted the growth of early-career academics by helping them develop their own impactful research paths, guiding their progress, and encouraging the creation of new knowledge.
Beyond research and mentoring, Professor Zhelyazkov actively translates his expertise to address local contexts. Over the past year, he coauthored teaching cases on Hong Kong Ocean Park and Hong Kong Science Park, demonstrating his engagement with the local business community and contributions to Hong Kong. Internationally, his dedication to strengthening the global academic profession is evident in initiatives like co-organizing the flagship junior faculty paper development workshop for the Academy of Management's Strategy Division, creating invaluable mentorship connections for approximately 60 early-career professors, and fostering long-term guidance networks.
In recognition of his outstanding scholarship, influential service, and dedication to understanding the relational dynamics of business, Professor Pavel I. Zhelyazkov has been appointed the Dr. Chung Sze-Yuen Associate Professor of Business. Looking ahead, he eagerly anticipates continuing his impactful research collaborations and embodying his ongoing dedication to nurturing future intellectual leaders, illuminating the fundamental social scaffolding upon which economies thrive.
