But Taylor was hopeful for Ryan's future in his new position. "This is an exciting opportunity for him," she said. "It's exciting, dynamic and fast-moving. His practice in recent years has dealt with intellectual property law."

Ryan said his new job will focus on the business of disseminating information about business, management and leadership.

"In this digital age, keeping control over content is important," he said. "I will be help to acquire and protect [the Business School's] intellectual assets, books and journal articles, and see that nobody infringes on these copyrights."

However, Ryan said, "I won't be practicing law anymore."

The impending change makes Ryan somewhat nostalgic.

"I have been practicing law for 15 years and I love my clients," he said. "Right now, it seems like an interesting, exciting, challenging assignment with a group of people I know and like."

Ryan said he will miss having frequent interaction with students.

"What sets Harvard apart from other large corporations, like John Hancock or Microsoft, are its students," he said. "I like that part of it. I have worked with Evening with Champions at Eliot House and served as a freshman advisor."

Ryan said he is uncertain about the implications his departure has for the University's dealings with SAS and other activist groups.

"I don't know who will be stepping in to take this all on in terms of sweatshop negotiations. I'm not even sure that it will be somebody in this office," he said.

McKean said he will miss Ryan's presence in the University administration.

"Personally, I'm sad to see Allan go, in a 'Stockholm Syndrome' sort of way, where if you get stuck in a room with a kidnapper for long enough, you grow fond of them."