Family Enterprise Day - Roots & Reinvention: The Henokiens Blueprint for Multi-Generational Success

The longevity of family enterprises is shaped by the dynamic interplay between rootedness and reinvention. Anchored in heritage, tradition, and deeply held values, these businesses draw strength from their past while continuously evolving to meet shifting market demands. This balance between continuity and change enables them to remain relevant across generations and resilient.

In this context, the adoption of structured and disciplined approaches to succession planning, next-generation transmission and strategic growth has emerged as a key differentiator among enduring family firms. The capacity to institutionalise governance mechanisms, professionalise management practices, and align long-term strategic intent across generations is essential in navigating increasingly complex and uncertain business environments.

The members of the Hénokiens Association comprising of over 50 family enterprises and bicentenary firms have stood the test of time and emerged as powerful exemplars of longevity and adaptability. These firms have demonstrated how values and tradition can be effectively leveraged to enable reinvention through the generations while remaining firmly anchored in their markets. 

•    How do family firms evolve across generations from founder-led intuition to shared governance and continuity?
•    How can acquisitions become a disciplined growth strategy that transforms the business while preserving strategic coherence?
•    How legacy businesses reinvent themselves moving from product heritage to a diversified portfolio of brands, markets, and capabilities?
•    What role does the next gen play in shaping the future of the family firm when market demands have shifted significantly?

Join us on INSEAD Europe Campus on Saturday, 24 October 2026, as we showcase the transformation journey of the Henokiens families. Organised exclusively for members of Henokiens Association and INSEAD students in the MBA, MIM and Executives in Degree Programme who are engaged in family enterprises, as well as INSEAD Family Business Elective and Club. Limited seats are open for other MBA students who are interested in this topic.

The agenda will commence from 8.30am to 2:30pm CEST concluding with a networking and interactive lunch for all registered attendees.

Don’t miss this opportunity, join us as we bring together:

• Academic expert and family business members to share insights on the journey of Colussi S.p.A., an Italian food enterprise founded in 1791 which has spanned six generations;
• Case study on Editions Henry Lemoine, a renowned French music publishing house founded in Paris in 1772 which is undergoing major shifts in the music education industry;
• Panel discussion with distinguished family enterprise members , INSEAD MBA students to discuss the practical ways of stewarding change while anchored in the family values and heritage;
• Workshop and group discussions to stimulate exchange of ideas and debates.

Do note that Chatham house rule will be applied to ensure an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality.

For any additional information, feel free to contact us directly at [email protected]. 

We are thankful to the Hénokiens Association for the long-standing partnership and for co-organising and sponsoring this event. 

The agenda is tentative and subject to changes. Be sure to check it regularly for updates.
Please note that the timings reflected below are based on CEST.

We are in the process of updating the speakers list. Do visit this page to get the latest updates on speakers.

This event is made possible thanks to the families that financially supported our Centre. As part of an independent, non-profit school, we rely on philanthropic contributions from family businesses, friends and alumni to continue generating and sharing high quality research and insights on family business.

While we are not charging a fixed fee, we will be collecting nominal contribution from attendees. 

Getting to INSEAD

INSEAD Europe campus is just 65km south of Paris. The Fontainebleau/Avon train station is located 3km from INSEAD. You may refer to the campus map here.

Taxi reservations

Should you wish to make a taxi booking, please contact the ResaTaxiPro transfer company using their website (Tel: +33 6 78 78 17 81). Please note that facemasks are mandatory in the vehicle.

Dress code

The dress code is business casual for on-campus events.

Photos and videos

Please take note that photos will be taken during the event and may be used for marketing and social media purposes.

There are several hotel options within the vicinity of the INSEAD Fontainebleau campus.

If you need accommodation, you can may like to refer to the hotel options listed here to secure your accommodation ahead of time.