Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cochin and Founder Director of the School of Management Studies, is presently Director General of the Asian Institute of Development & Entrepreneurship. He is a pioneer of management education in India and has been Director of the Administrative Staff College of India. Dr Pylee has been profusely honoured for his various contributions and achievements — the title of Professor Emeritus of the University of Cochin, KMA Management Leadership Award, International Distinguished Leadership Award for outstanding service to teaching and management professions, the Padma Bhushan award, and a rare distinction of being named as National Research Professor by the Government of India in 2006.