20 September 2007

IMD has announced the appointment of a new President (broadly equivalent to the Dean at other business schools). Dr. John R. Wells, Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School, who will start in Spring 2008 and replaces Prof Peter Lorange.

Dr. Wells co-founded the management consulting firm, Monitor Company, in 1986 and led its European operation until 1993. He held senior executive roles at PepsiCo and Thompson Travel prior to joining Harvard Business School in 2002.

Dr. Lorange, who has led IMD since 1993, said of his successor: “John has a superb track record as a CEO, entrepreneur and business leader and is highly accomplished academically. In personal encounters, I have been most impressed by John's intellect and energy. His personality and understanding of executive development combined with his ‘real world’ experience make him an ideal fit for IMD. “

Dr. Matti Alahuhta, Chairman of IMD’s Foundation Board and Chairman of the Presidential Search Committee commented: "I want to thank Peter for his excellent and unique contribution in building IMD to its current strong position. I am equally glad that John has accepted to take the school's leadership. I know that IMD will continue to be in the best hands."

Commenting on his new role, Dr. Wells said: “I’m delighted and honored to be offered the leadership position of one of the best business schools in the world and I’m grateful for the confidence that Matti Alahuhta and the Search Committee have shown in choosing me as its next President. Peter Lorange’s strong leadership has built IMD into the premiere institution it is today and his shoes will be difficult to fill. With the support of a great Faculty and a very strong Board, consisting of leaders of some of the world’s greatest companies, I am confident that we can enhance and grow this fine institution into an even greater global presence.”