Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise

With more than 20 years of expertise in the unique dynamics of family enterprises, the Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise (WICFE) is a leading international resource for family business. In 1997, the Wendel family founded the Large Family Firm Chair and INSEAD offered our first Family Business MBA elective. Since then we have been continuously generating research and sharing knowledge that benefits family businesses.

Research underpins all our family business centre activities. Our research covers:

• The uniqueness of family firms, old and young, small and large, from around the globe
• The impact of family businesses on regional and global economies
• Governance, generational transition, and succession planning
• Recruitment and integration of external executives
• Societal impact and value creation

Our research is the key to remain a world-leading centre for family enterprises.

Our mission is to improve family firms' long-term performance through tailored programmes and activities. Our events and educational programmes translate research into practical guidance for family business leaders, with faculty often acting as a coach for family businesses. 

Our events and educational programmes benefit family firms around the globe. The INSEAD Wendel Centre for Family Enterprise has adopted a wider advocacy role by raising awareness and understanding of the importance of family enterprise as a business model: family firms represent the most prevalent type of companies worldwide. Family firms are capable of outperforming other firms and they are proven to be among the most successful in the long-term.