A Journey of Resilience and Growth
Since its opening in February 2020, the Hub has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Just weeks after welcoming its first participants, the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure. Yet, the INSEAD spirit endured, pivoting swiftly to virtual programming, masterclasses, and industry panels to keep the community engaged.
By 2022, when the doors reopened, alumni and participants returned with renewed enthusiasm, eager to reconnect and reignite the Hub’s mission.
Celebrating the 5th anniversary of at the Americas Conference
The second Americas Conference, themed “The Future is Now: Bridging Business, Technology, and Humanity,” provided the perfect occasion to mark five years of impact. Held in February 2025, the event welcomed more than 260 attendees from around the world - most of them INSEAD alumni.
Over two days, discussions focused on AI, innovation, and sustainability, reinforcing the Hub’s role as a meeting point for global leaders shaping the future.
A defining moment of the celebration came on February 7, 2025, when San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu officially declared the date as INSEAD Day in San Francisco - recognizing INSEAD’s contributions to the region and its role as a bridge between global business and the Bay Area’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.
A Vision Realized: The Story Behing the Hub
The vision for an INSEAD presence in North America was not just about establishing a physical location - it was about creating a space for alumni, students, and faculty to connect, collaborate, and learn at the epicenter of global innovation.
For Adam Goldstein MBA’88J, Bansi Nagji MBA’93J, Mika Salmi MBA’92D, and Caroline van Scheltinga MBA’88J, supporting the Hub was about making a lasting impact:
“The U.S. has always been deeply connected to INSEAD - many of our professors, PhD students, and alumni come from here. It was always clear that INSEAD needed a physical presence in North America,” says Adam Goldstein MBA’88J, investor and INSEAD Board Director.
“INSEAD transformed my career, my perspective, and my network. When the opportunity arose to help build something tangible for future generations of alumni, I knew I had to be part of it,” shares Bansi Nagji MBA’93J, INSEAD Board Director and CEO of PANTHERx.
“The idea for a North American presence had been discussed for a long time,” reflects Mika Salmi MBA’92D, a key figure behind the Hub’s creation. “When the decision was made, it wasn’t just about securing a location - it was about building something that truly connects Silicon Valley to the world.”
“Since the day I graduated, I’ve given back to INSEAD every year - because I believe in its mission,” adds Caroline van Scheltinga MBA’88J, Director and CFO of Eclipse Aerospace. “The U.S. is too important for us not to have a presence here.”
A Home for INSEAD in North America
For many alumni, supporting the Hub went beyond financial contributions - it was about strengthening the INSEAD community.
For Scott Mosher MBA’91D, a utilities consultant specializing in smart grid technologies and a lifelong San Francisco Bay Area resident, the Hub felt personal:
“For me, it felt like INSEAD was coming home. Having a space here, in the heart of Silicon Valley, where alumni can gather and ideas can flow just makes sense. It’s not just for events - it’s a place where lifelong connections are strengthened, and new collaborations begin.”
For Amit Akhelikar MBA’07D, President of the INSEAD Alumni Association in the USA, supporting the Hub meant creating opportunities for alumni engagement:
" With over 4,500 alumni across the US, nothing feels more like home than INSEAD when they come together at the Hub. Whether it’s the Americas Conference or other key events, the Hub is more than just a space - iit’s a living, breathing manifestation of their INSEAD memories, a place where past connections are reignited, new friendships are formed, and ideas flow as effortlessly as they did on campus".
The Hub’s Growth and Impact
Since joining as Director in 2022, Victoria Woo, PhD, has expanded the Hub’s reach and influence, turning it into a thriving center for learning, connection, and innovation:
“Over the past five years, the Hub has grown from an idea into a dynamic space where alumni, thought leaders, and students come together. We’ve hosted two Americas Conferences and over 100 events, driving conversations on the biggest shifts in business.”
“The energy here is remarkable- alumni reconnecting, companies engaging in executive education, and global leaders exchanging ideas. This is what we envisioned for the Hub - and it’s only the beginning.”
A Professor’s Perspective: Karel Cool on the Hub’s Impact
As a leading INSEAD professor in strategy and competitiveness, Karel Cool underscores the Hub’s role in advancing AI, sustainability, and leadership:
“The Hub connects INSEAD’s thought leadership with Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem. Through executive education, research, and industry partnerships, we explore how AI can drive sustainability and shape business strategies for real impact.”
“Our in-person forums and collaborations provide invaluable insights into AI-driven sustainability, equipping the next generation of leaders to tackle global challenges with cutting-edge solutions.”
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for the Hub
With its roots firmly planted in North America, the Hub is now entering a new phase of growth. Soon, INSEAD students and participants will have the opportunity to spend a full two-month period in San Francisco, further integrating the Hub into the school’s core educational experience.
None of this would have been possible without the vision and generosity of our initial donors, the continued support of those who believe in INSEAD’s mission, and the dedicated individuals who make this Hub a thriving center of innovation and connection. Their contributions have shaped its impact, ensuring its success for years to come.
As the Hub continues to evolve, one thing remains clear - it is a critical part of INSEAD’s global identity. Here’s to the next chapter!
