Alumni Reunion Weekend - Classes of 2021

Welcome

Dear Alumni,

After so many months of lockdowns and separation, we are delighted to welcome you back to INSEAD to celebrate your reunion in person on INSEAD’s Europe Campus over the weekend of 17-19 June 2022.

Each year’s reunion events are a celebration of you and of this joint project that is INSEAD. Something magical happens when you and your classmates return to campus to rekindle friendships, reconnect with the school, and renew the INSEAD spirit. This is why we are thrilled to bring back this favourite annual tradition.

We have been listening to your feedback and aim to organise a memorable weekend for you. We will continue to monitor public health guidelines and keep the health and safety of our community as foremost considerations. We hope as many of you as possible will have the opportunity to travel from the four corners of the world to return to Fontainebleau.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank your dedicated class volunteers, both the social and class gift leaders, who are working hand-in-hand with our team to make your upcoming in-person reunion, other moments of connection and your class gift such a success.

We look forward to coming together in June to celebrate your reunion with true INSEAD spirit.

With best wishes,

The INSEAD Alumni Reunions Team

Programme

We are planning a weekend of special moments for you and your classmates. In addition to a plenary with the Deans and faculty sessions with your favorite professors, you’ll have plenty of time to reconnect with your classmates during your class meetings, networking sessions, and casual meals on campus.

The programme shown here is still under development, and the schedule is subject to change.

Attendees List

A new version of the attendees list is posted every week. Last updated on 13 June.

If you have any questions, please contact the secretariat at [email protected].

Faculty 

Linda Brimm
The Global Cosmopolitan Mindset; Lessons from the New Global Leaders
Please contact Linda by email should you'd like to get the slides.

INSEAD Professor’s New Book explains the unique competencies and complex issues facing multi-national, multi-cultural “citizens of the world. Citing the likes of former U.S. President Barack Obama and the ex-CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi, L.Brimm says that leaders these days benefit from varied life experiences and a broad outlook that helps them compete in the global jobs market. That constant transition can be difficult, but it can also make leaders better able to manage change and rally support from others, she said. "When everything is changing, you have to be able to transition to another place. You have to come to terms with that and find new ways to process things," Brimm told CNBC Make It. "It's an incredible source of resilience."


Xiaowei Rose Luo
Overcoming Barriers to Women Leadership

One of the most powerful findings across social sciences is that perception may be different from reality, but nonetheless shapes individuals’ ways of thinking, decision-making, and the macro organizational and social structures. What are some of the powerful perceptions and assumptions we hold about women’ career and leadership roles? For instance, are women less likely to have broader and higher visions, less effective at negotiation, less confident, and less dedicated to career advancement? How do these shared and internalized views impede women’s leadership potential? How can we break such internal hurdles and help foster new norms in our organizations? We will discuss these issues and hope to arrive at a deeper self understanding and some actionable measures to start the transformational process within us! 


Subramanian Rangan
A Moral Theory of the Firm
Slides

For much of the 20th century the focus of enterprise has been business performance.  In the 21st century we are seeing more enterprises also pursuing societal progress (this even at some risk to their business performance).  Think for instance of such firms as Tesla (USA), Unilever (Europe), and Natura (Brazil).  Why are more firms trying to integrate performance and progress?  Other than “greenwash,” or “an agency problem with limelight-seeking CEOs,” or long-term value maximization of “doing well by doing good,” is there something new going on here?  In this talk, I will supplement these sociological, behavioral, and economic theories of firm, and outline a "moral theory of the firm."  The exploration will open a window into how the practice and paradigm of business are evolving.  I will discuss implications for executives and entrepreneurs.  Come see how one research and teaching effort at our school is deepening our engagement with the idea of Business as a Force for Good.”

Theodoros Evgeniou
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: What and so What?
Slides

Mixing some scientific history of AI and Machine Learning with its past and present applications and implications, the presentation will aim at providing some perspectives on the hype and value of AI as well its potential impact. How does it work? What potential new management questions and challenges does AI raise? Will “it" replace us – and if so, why do we care, and what do we really care about? 

Jennifer and Gianpiero Petriglieri
Loving Work … or Love & Work? The pursuit of meaning and desire in contemporary careers

Once upon a time, most people had separate personal and professional lives. Duty was public and desire, private. Or so the story went. These days, those boundaries have blurred. Most of us aspire to infuse our work with personal meaning and have passion for what we do. We no longer have careers, we have working lives. This session will be about what it takes to live and work that way—and what it might give us. We’ll draw on Gianpiero’s research on turning a working life into a life’s work and on Jennifer’s research on the life cycle of dual career couples. But mostly we’ll do real work, together. You’ll have a chance to read and discuss a case study, share your insights, and work on your questions. In other words, you will be back in class—for real. Just this time, with both of us. Come prepared to work. We hope you’ll end up loving it. 

Felipe Monteiro
Leading Digital Transformation at TAG Heuer: Swiss Avant Garde in the Digital Era
Please contact Felipe by email should you'd like to get the slides.

The Swiss company TAG Heuer, maker of luxury watches, is part of the LVMH group (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton). CEO Jean-Claude Biver, a true legend in the Swiss watch industry, has to decide whether to launch its first-ever fully connected Swiss watch, manufactured in partnership with Google and Intel. Entering this new market presents an unprecedented challenge: making a watch based on a technology (microprocessors) that the Swiss have not mastered. Is TAG Heuer ready to compete in the digital space? What are the technological, organizational and leadership challenges involved in the digital journey of a traditional Swiss multinational when it partners with Silicon Valley titans like Google and Intel? Which leaderships lessons can we learn from this case?

Theo Vermaelen
Business ethics : a contractual approach
Slides

Relations between various stakeholders in an organisation are governed by explicit and implicit contracts. While ideally we would like to eliminate ambiguity through explicit contracts, the problem is that writing and monitoring explicit contracts is costly and may create unintended negative side effects. Hence business ethics defined as respecting implicit contracts may be a more efficient way to control conflicts of interest. Hence in this view ethical behaviour is not about promoting highly subjective values but building a more efficient organisation.  

The presentations, slides or videos that the professors will be happy to share will be available after the event.

Accommodation

INSEAD has made block bookings at hotels in the area for alumni returning for their Reunion Weekend. However, please don't delay in making your booking as we expect a high demand for rooms.

In order to secure your booking in one of the hotels, please contact them ahead of time (consult the list here) and mention the code ARWJune17. Please note there is limited capacity.

INSEAD has secured an additional 70 rooms at the CEDEP located next to the campus, click here to book your room. We have also pre-booked rooms at the INSEAD Hotel Clos St Merry. Click here to reserve your room for a 2-night stay from Friday the 17th to Sunday the 19th.

For suggestions of other hotels or B&Bs in the area, which may have vacancies, please consult the Fontainebleau Tourist Office hotel listing.

If you need assistance, please contact [email protected].

Children's camp

Share the reunion weekend with your family! Your partner and your children are also invited to take part in the reunion, but please note that not all activities are suitable for children.

To ensure that your children can have fun during the weekend – while you and your partner enjoy the reunion – we have arranged an on-campus Children’s Camp for children ages 3 to 12, for Friday afternoon (16:00 until 19:00) and all day Saturday (8:00 until 18:00).
 

The programme

The Children’s Camp is organised by Magma Group. The programme has been conceived and implemented in partnership with a team of educators to ensure the pedagogical value of the proposed activities, which also respects the natural rhythm of the child.

During Children’s Camp, children will enjoy a variety of activities. As there will be many opportunities for your child to use paint, mud, sand and other “messy” things on the playground, we recommend that you dress your child in clothes that can get dirty and/or bring change of clothes. This will allow your child to experience the greatest amount of freedom in the activities available. For your child’s safety, please ensure that your child wears closed-toed shoes, preferably tennis shoes. We discourage sandals, “crocs” and flip-flops which may cause slipping on the playground or make it difficult for your child to run and jump freely.
 

The camp team

As required by law, the Magma Group staffing levels will be a minimum of 1 childcare provider per 10 children. The team will be composed of childcare providers, most of whom are holders of a BAFA (Brevet d’aptitude aux fonctions d’animateur) as well as PSC1 (Prévention et secours civique de niveau 1) diplomas. Magma Group’s insurance coverage is provided by the insurance group RC Organisation for professional liability.
 

Registration and cost

Children’s Camp is available on a first-come, first-served basis, via the online reunion registration page.

The cost for Children’s Camp is €150 per child. This includes the half-day program on Friday, a ticket for the Barbecue on Friday evening, and the full-day programme, including lunch, on Saturday. Please note that to provide this high-quality childcare option, we must require children to be registered for the entire Children’s Camp, whether they will attend both days or only one.

Space is limited, so please be sure to register early to ensure your child – and you – can enjoy the reunion!
 

Additional children’s activities and services available during the reunion

Friday Barbecue

Children are welcome for the casual barbecue on Friday evening. There is no charge for children under the age of 3. Children ages 3 to 15 need to be registered for a Children’s Barbecue ticket. Please note that children who are registered for Children’s Camp do NOT need a separate Children’s Barbecue ticket, as it is already included in the Children’s Camp fee.

 
The family room

INSEAD is unable to arrange childcare for children under the age of 3. If you attend the reunion with your little ones, you can visit the “family room” located near the main reception on the Lower Gallery level. The playroom is designed for our youngest guests and offers a child-friendly environment (toys, cribs, etc.). While visiting the family room, children should be under the supervision of the parents.
 

Babysitter list

If you need a babysitter during the weekend, please contact us at [email protected] to request a list of available babysitters. You must deal directly with the babysitters for all questions of scheduling, availability and payment.

Practical information

Getting to INSEAD

Need a refresher on how to get to INSEAD? Click here to get directions to the Europe campus.

Taxi reservations can be made directly through:

RTP – Resa Taxis Pro
Tel : +33 6 78 781 781
[email protected]
 

Shuttle Service

Covid-19 safety measures

The health and wellbeing of all reunion attendees, as well as the broader INSEAD community, are important to us, and INSEAD follows French government regulations with respect to Covid. For more information, please refer to the Covid safety measures section. 
 

Dress code

The dress code will be business casual for the on-campus events and the INSEAD Summer Ball will be black tie.
 

Computers and wifi access

Computers with online access and wifi access will be available for your use during the reunion weekend. For username and password, please ask your reunion coordinator at the welcome desk.
 

Sports activities

Reunion attendees are welcome to participate in various sport activities during the weekend. Please note that all players must have personal liability insurance to participate. INSEAD will not be held responsible and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any claims or controversies that may arise from sport activities.
 

Children at the reunion

Please refer to the Children's Camp section for more information about the Camp, the family room, and other options for children at the reunion.

You are welcome to share the reunion with your entire family; however, not all activities are suitable for children. INSEAD has arranged an on-site Children’s Camp for children ages 3 to 12 so that your children can have fun while you and your partner enjoy the reunion.

Most reunion events are not suitable for younger children. Please email [email protected] to request a list of available babysitters. You must deal directly with the babysitters for all questions of scheduling, availability and payment.

If you would like your older children to join the reunion with you, please register them for the reunion ticket package.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
 

Photos and videos

When you attend an INSEAD Alumni Reunion, you are attending an event where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By attending this event, you consent to INSEAD and its partners taking photos, videos, and sound recordings and you grant INSEAD and its partners the rights of your image and/or image of your underage child/children attending the event, in video or still, and of the likeness and sound of your voice(s) as recorded on audio or videotape, without payment or any other consideration. These images and recordings may be edited, copied, exhibited, published or distributed, and you waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of these images or recordings. Photographic, audio or video recordings may be used for any use including but not limited to: livestreaming, online videos, presentations, media and social media, news (press), and INSEAD websites. By attending this event, you and all members of your registration group accept to be photographed, filmed, and recorded during the event; acknowledge that these images and recordings may be used as noted above; and release any and all claims against INSEAD and its partners utilizing this material. If you would prefer that you, your underage child, or any member of your registration group not be photographed or recorded during the reunion, or if you would like us to delete your images, please contact INSEAD Alumni Reunions at [email protected].

Group photos will be taken on Saturday. Please check the timing for your class on the programme section. These photos will be emailed to you after the reunion.
 

Reunion App

Registered reunion attendees are invited to download Whova, the official event app. Visit the Networking Tool section for more information.
 

Footnote shop

The campus shop located in the bar area will be open during the weekend. Find all your INSEAD gear and the latest business publications here.

Making it happen

Successful reunions are the result of planning, preparation and dedication of alumni volunteers working hand-in-hand with INSEAD’s reunion team.

Thank you to the following classmates who have stepped up as leaders in planning your reunion weekend and reunion gift campaign:

5-year reunions - MBA'16J&D

Class of 2016J 

Social committee: Michael Dirkx, Cristina Justes, Yannik Keller, Boniswa Lakheni Ntshingila

Class of 2016D

Social committee: John Collins and Carlo Hohmann

10-year reunions - MBA'11J&D

Class of 2011J

Social committee: Jean-Christophe Barrette, Luc de Camas, Lucie Martin, Mita Sen, Kim Saskia Serena

Special thanks to Guy Brennan MBA'11J for graciously offering 24 Procera Gin 2021 Vintage Blue Dot bottles to serve at the Summer Ball on 18 June.

Class of 2011D

Social committee: Nicole Goldstein, Thao Nguyen, Philippe Papanastassiou, Stephan Peters

15-year reunions - MBA'06J&D

Class of 2006J

Social committee: Wissam Anastas and Chady Zein
Fund committee: Canan Anli, Marwan El-Hakim, Dustin Hindman, Matt Shore and Victor Sunyer

Class of 2006D

Social committee: Ijeoma Agboti, Jamil Akbar, Victoria Brebner, Alex Brodbeck, Dario Montalcini and Nathalie Yan

It’s not too late to get involved in the organisation of your reunion and your reunion class gift! If you’d like more information about volunteering, please contact Disha Kohli at [email protected].

Giving back

Reunions are a time when classmates join forces to invest in INSEAD, and that collective reunion energy fuels participation in support of the school. Reunion class giving is a powerful statement at a pivotal time – strengthening INSEAD’s competitiveness, broadening our reach and deepening our impact.

If you would like to learn more about the special giving opportunities or to discuss your own giving, please contact your INSEAD class gift liaison:

5-year reunions
Aurélie Cardon

10 and 15-year reunions
Jennifer Grimshaw


To access your dedicated reunion class gift page, click here on your promotion:

MBA'16J 
MBA'16D
MBA'11J
MBA'11D
MBA'06J
MBA'06D

The Salamander awards

The Salamander – a legendary creature, famed for its valour and perseverance – was the insignia of King François I. It decorates the Château de Fontainebleau where the first INSEAD classes were held and inspired the INSEAD Alumni Association to choose it as their emblem.

Beginning in 1987, INSEAD has awarded Salamander statuettes to alumni and friends who have supported INSEAD with exceptional lifetime giving. In addition to listing Salamander holders on campus donor walls and in the annual Donors Report, INSEAD celebrates the generosity of Salamander donors during alumni reunions.

We look forward to honouring the Salamander holders in your class at the special Dean’s Leadership Reception during your reunion weekend.

Are you interested in joining this circle of leadership donors? Salamander statuettes are awarded to recognise cumulative lifetime giving at the following levels:

     
If you’re thinking about making a special reunion gift to earn your next – or your first – Salamander, please contact Emily Robin, Senior Director of Development, at [email protected].

Networking tools
 

Covid-19 safety measures

INSEAD follows French government regulations with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the current guidelines that went into effect as of 14 March 2022, the French vaccination pass has been suspended. As of 16 May 2022, mask wearing is no longer required in most situations including in public transport, taxis, trains, and planes. However, masks remain mandatory in hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare settings.

Laws and regulations are constantly evolving, and guidelines and protocols may be amended from time to time. We encourage you to check the official French government “Informations Coronavirus” website, as well as the INSEAD Alumni Reunion website, before traveling to Fontainebleau for the reunion.

Additionally, in order to support the best reunion for you, your family and your classmates, we encourage all attendees, no matter their age, to take advantage of the Covid self-tests that will be available free of charge on campus. Self-tests are very easy to do and help to ensure that everyone can be safely and happily together again.

Last updated 8 June 2022

The INSEAD Private Equity Conference - Friday 24 May (Morning)

IPEC hosts a number of events throughout the year which are geared towards students planning careers as:

• General partners in any aspect of private equity (venture capital, buyout, turnaround, real estate, mezzanine, or social venture capital)
• Investors in private equity funds (pension funds, funds of funds or secondaries)
• Advisers to private equity funds (placement agents, investment bankers, strategy consultants, auditors, lawyers)
• Entrepreneurs or financial managers planning to raise capital from private equity sources.

The Annual INSEAD Private Equity Conferences, in Fontainebleau and Asia, are Europe’s and Asia’s largest MBA student-run private equity events. The Conferences provide an exceptional forum for discussions of the latest industry developments and market conditions, as well as excellent networking opportunities. The INSEAD Private Equity Conferences are distinguished by their professional and friendly campus atmosphere, with extended access to private equity practitioners and IPEC Members.

For more information click here!

Africa's Leapfrog Developments and Impact Investments - Friday 24 May (lunch time)

What if you were asked this simple question: “What does Africa mean to you?” Did you know that:

Africa counts 54 countries with more than 2000 languages?
Almost half of the world’s fastest growing economies in 2019 will be African?
The number of African youth entering the workforce is estimated to surpass the rest of the world’s by 2050?
Several industries in Africa, including manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, show potential for increased acceleration in the next 5-10 years?

Key developments include the digital revolution, trends marked by the powerful informal sector and the recently launched Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to accelerate trade and industrialization in the region, and ensure inclusive and diversified economic growth across the Continent. While the Continent’s potential is undisputed, a growing debt profile and rising poverty in certain countries pose risks to sustainable and inclusive growth. As such, Africa cannot be defined in simple terms.

Globalization is transforming the world, and Africa represents the next big market in terms of development and business growth. Recognizing this, and the fact that our alumni and students are increasingly seeking opportunities to engage the Region, we are focused on building our relationship with the Continent around INSEAD’s Values, Vision and Ventures: it’s about Partnerships.

Join us to initiate a conversation, share learnings and explore potential paths that align with INSEAD’s core belief that business is a Force for Good. More details on the programme coming soon – stay tuned! In the meantime please reach out to Anna Sarr from the INSEAD Advancement Department or Nabila Aguele, MBA’14J if you have any questions.

Summer Ball at the Chateau

The Summer Ball at the historic Château de Fontainebleau is a special INSEAD tradition.

Though timed to coincide with the 5, 10, and 15-year reunion weekend, the Summer Ball is open to the wider INSEAD community: alumni, current students, staff, faculty, friends and families.

As the Summer Ball welcomes the wider INSEAD community, registration for this magical evening is separate from reunion registration, and Summer Ball tickets are not included in the reunion ticket package.

Summer Ball tickets are available at the Early Bird rate of €294 per person through 8 May 2022. From 9 May, full price tickets are available at €354 per person.

Please visit the dedicated Summer Ball website for more information and a link to register.

Frequently asked questions

• How can I register for my reunion? Will I be able to register by phone or via email?

Registration is an easy process via a dedicated online registration page. Registration will launch in March 2022, so please keep an eye on your email, or return to this website, for the link.

We encourage you to use the online registration website. If you are having difficulty accessing it or for any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

• Do I need my INSEAD login and password to register? If so, where can I get that information?

You will need your INSEAD login to access the online registration page. To reset your password, please visit http://iforgot.insead.edu/. If you do not know your credentials, please contact INSEAD’s 24/7 IT service desk at [email protected]. Please include your full name, programme and date of graduation to expedite the response.

• What is included in a reunion ticket package, and what does it cost? Are tickets to the Summer Ball included?

The reunion ticket package provides access to all scheduled on-campus activities on Friday and Saturday, including the welcome barbecue on Friday evening, lunch on Saturday, and coffee breaks and snacks throughout the program.

The package is available at an Early Bird rate of €100 per person through 8 May 2022. Starting 9 May, the full price of the ticket package is €120 per person.

The reunion ticket package does not include the Summer Ball. Tickets to the Summer Ball must be purchased separately. Summer Ball tickets are €294 per person, Early Bird through 8 May 2022. Starting 9 May, the ticket cost increases to the full price of €354 per person. Please refer to the Summer Ball section for more information.

• What about lunch on Sunday?

An optional buffet lunch at the INSEAD Restaurant will be offered as an add-on to the reunion ticket package.

Working on Sundays is strictly regulated in France, and to be able to open the INSEAD restaurant for you, we are required to have a firm commitment on the number of attendees who will join well in advance. As such, this option is available by pre-registration and pre-payment only at the following prices:

- Full Sunday lunch, for all other attendees: €25
- Children’s Sunday lunch, for children ages 3 to 15: €15
- Baby and Toddler Sunday lunch, for children under the age of 3: no charge

• Do my family members need to register for the reunion?

For the health and safety of all attendees, as well as students, faculty and staff, only registered attendees will be allowed to access campus during the reunion weekend. As such, your partner, children and other accompanying family members must register as one of the following:

- Baby and Toddler ticket, available for children under age 3: no charge
- Children’s ticket for Friday Barbecue only, available for children ages 3 to 15: €20
- Children’s Camp participant (includes Friday Barbecue), offered for children ages 3 to 12: €150
- All other attendees, including partners and older children joining for the Friday Barbecue or other activities, must register for the reunion ticket package: Early Bird price of €100 per person through 8 May, thereafter full price of €120 per person

Additionally, an optional Sunday buffet lunch at the INSEAD Restaurant will be offered as an add-on to the reunion ticket package. In order to comply with French labour regulations and to minimise waste, the optional Sunday lunch is available by pre-registration and pre-payment only at the following rates:

- Full Sunday lunch, for all other attendees: €25
- Children’s Sunday lunch, for children ages 3 to 15: €15
- Baby and Toddler Sunday lunch, for children under the age of 3: no charge

• What if I cannot make it in the end? Is there a cancellation policy?

In order to provide a quality reunion experience for all attendees, INSEAD will apply the following refund policy to reunion registration fees:

- 50% refund until 8 May 2022, inclusive
- 25% refund from 9 May through 10 June 2022 (registration closure)
- No refund possible after 10 June 2022

If INSEAD cancels the reunion in order to comply with French government Covid-19 regulations, INSEAD will refund 100% of reunion registration fees.

All attendees are encouraged to subscribe to personal travel insurance.

• I have questions related to Covid. Where can I find more information?

The health and wellbeing of all reunion attendees, as well as the broader INSEAD community, are important to us, and INSEAD follows French government regulations with respect to Covid.

For more information, please refer to the Covid-19 safety measures section.

• What will my partner do on campus during the sessions?

There is no separate programme for partners, but they are welcome to attend reunion activities as long as they are registered.

• Is there on-site childcare? How can I find a babysitter?

A list of babysitters is available upon request. Please contact us at [email protected].

• What is the dress code on campus for the reunion?

The dress code will be business casual for the on-campus events. If you are also attending the Summer Ball, please note that it is black tie.

• When will the class photo be available?

The class photo will be available after the reunion. Electronic copies will be sent to alumni attendees by email.

Contact us

The Secretariat is available to answer your questions about the reunion, including the programme, accommodations, registration, and other practical matters. Please contact us at [email protected].

If you’d like more information about volunteering as a member of your class’s Reunion Committee, please contact Disha Kohli at [email protected].

If you’d like more information about your class’s Reunion Gift, please contact:

- Aurélie Cardon at [email protected] for classes MBA’16J and MBA’16D

- Jennifer Grimshaw at [email protected] for classes MBA’11J, MBA’11D, MBA’06J, and MBA’06D

We look forward to seeing you in June!