Przemyslaw Jeziorski, a 43-year-old professor at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, was tragically shot and killed by a masked assailant on July 4 while in Greece for a child custody hearing. Reports from Polish news outlet TVP World indicate that he was shot five times in the chest and neck at close range near the home of his ex-wife in an Athens suburb, dying instantly at the scene. The suspect, described as a tall man with an athletic build, remains at large, and local authorities are conducting an active investigation into the murder.
Jeziorski had dedicated eight years to teaching at Berkeley, where he was recognized as a leading figure in marketing science and data analytics. His brother, Lukasz, expressed profound grief over the loss of Przemek, emphasizing his role as a loving father to two children and noting that they were raising funds to cover legal fees and costs associated with repatriating his remains to Poland. This emotional appeal reflects the family’s commitment to ensure justice is served while navigating the tragedy’s aftermath.
The implications of Jeziorski’s death have reverberated throughout the academic community at Berkeley. Dean Jennifer Chatman released a statement acknowledging the devastating loss felt throughout the Haas community. Characterizing Jeziorski as a beloved member of the faculty, Chatman emphasized the importance of providing support to the community during such a hard time, while also extending condolences to Jeziorski’s family and loved ones. This sentiment was echoed by colleagues, underscoring the collective mourning that has enveloped the institution.
Professor Zsolt Katona, a close associate of Jeziorski, described him as an outstanding scholar and a caring individual. He highlighted Przemek’s ability to influence the marketing field through his research and personal interactions, noting his vibrant personality and optimistic outlook. Katona’s reflections underscore the profound impact Jeziorski had not just as an educator but also as a friend and mentor to many students and faculty members.
In his academic career, Jeziorski pursued an impressive educational background, studying at prestigious institutions such as the SGH Warsaw School of Economics, the University of Arizona, the University of Chicago, and Stanford University. Before joining the Berkeley faculty, he taught at Johns Hopkins University and worked as a research intern at Microsoft. His extensive research portfolio included topics in quantitative marketing, digital marketing, financial technology, and antitrust regulations, leading to publications in esteemed journals.
Throughout his life, Przemyslaw Jeziorski embodied a passion for education and a commitment to his family. His tragic and untimely death casts a long shadow over the academic community and his personal life, leaving behind two young children in need of support. As investigations continue, the outpouring of grief and the calls for justice highlight not only the personal loss felt by his family and friends but also the significant void his absence creates in the fields of marketing and academia.
