Executive-in-Residence Kickoff With Anthony R. Castellanos ’85

This event will launch the Murray Koppelman School of Business Executive-in-Residence program for fall 2024 with Anthony R. Castellanos ’85. The program allows business students and faculty to learn from various industry executives through guest lectures, one-on-one mentoring, and other special events.

In addition to being the chair of the Brooklyn College Foundation Board of Trustees, Castellanos is a respected business leader who has shared his talents with Brooklyn College students, staff, and faculty for years.

“Given Anthony’s vast experience at KPMG and the close connections he has made with Brooklyn College students and faculty over the years, I am confident that this program is in great hands this fall,” said James Lynch, interim dean of Koppelman. “I look forward to seeing what Anthony shares with our campus community and the impact it has, most importantly on our students.”

Castellanos is a 38-year accounting professional, who before retiring from KPMG was a partner for 18 years, serving numerous multinational clients in his roles as national partner-in-charge of industry sectors for KPMG’s U.S. Tax Practice, media and entertainment sector leader, and global account lead partner.

Throughout his career, Castellanos has been a passionate mentor and coach to rising professionals and students, especially those from underrepresented immigrant and first-generation backgrounds. Over the years, he has mentored countless Brooklyn College students. He also established the Anthony R. Castellanos ’85 Scholarship to support students majoring in the college’s CPA-eligible accounting programs. His deep commitment to education led to work on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Murray Koppelman School of Business.

A first-generation Cuban American, Castellanos began his career in accounting while attending Brooklyn College. As a student, he prepared tax returns and performed bookkeeping services for clients of a local accounting firm. Active in the student community and campus life, Castellanos served as a member of the Brooklyn College Student Council, president of the Accounting Society, and proud member and past president of the Beta Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Delta. He earned his B.S. in accounting in January 1985.

Upon graduating from Brooklyn College, he accepted an associate position with Price Waterhouse, where he launched his career in its entertainment and media practice and was admitted to the partnership. In 2000, he accepted a position with SoftBank Group Corporation, a technology, media, and telecommunications company with global private equity and venture capital investments and operations. He was a partner in SoftBank’s venture capital arm, SoftBank Capital, and served as SoftBank’s chief tax and administrative officer until January 2006, when he joined KPMG.

In 2015, Castellanos was elected by his partners to serve a five-year term as a member of KPMG’s board of directors. He is also a member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association, the National Association of Corporate Directors, and the American Institute of CPAs.

The Executive-in-Residence program enjoyed a successful debut in 2022 when Barry Salzberg ’74, former Global CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., served as the first executive-in-residence, followed by Aon EVP Aaron Olson.