California Lutheran University said Feb. 28 that Gerhard Apfelthaler is the new dean of its School of Management, effective June 1.

Apfelthaler joined the Thousand Oaks university’s faculty in 2009 and is currently the associate dean for the management school’s graduate program. He is also a professor of international business and management.

In his new position, Apfelthaler will replace Charles Maxey, who will will return to full-time teaching and research after serving as dean since 1991.

“Gerhard brings to this position a strong international network, a steady record of publishing and an entrepreneurial spirit,” CLU Provost Leanne Neilson said in a statement.

Apfelthaler designed CLU’s MBA program in Austria and has been a key player in international recruitment, the university said. He helped develop its new MBA tracks in sustainable business and arts management, CLU said.

CLU credited Maxey with the School of Management’s growth over the last decade, noting that under his leadership the business school established new economic research centers and expanded international programs and degree offerings.

CLU’s new master’s degrees include an international MBA program that has students from China, Taiwan, India, Saudi Arabia and Europe, and an online MBA in financial planning.

CLU said enrollment in the management school has increased more than 20 percent in the last three years. Classes are offered in Woodland Hills, Oxnard and at the main campus in Thousand Oaks.

With 508 students enrolled as of fall 2012, the university’s MBA program is the largest graduate education program in the Tri-Counties, according to Business Times research.