Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise

Welcome to INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise

Our Vision

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 is at the base of all our centre activities. Generating knowledge about old and young, small and large family businesses from around the globe provides us with new content to share at our various events. Whether it is understanding the uniqueness of family firms, their impact on regional economies or how to solve the challenges of generational transition, our research is the key to remain a world-leading centre for family enterprises

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.

Our mission is to improve family firms' long-term performance through tailored programmes and activities. We hope you will take advantage of our resources and we look forward to welcoming you to INSEAD.

Numbers at a glance

4000+

Family business community members

1700+

Related publications

13

Contributing faculty

5

Events (in-person and online) a year

Family business expertise at INSEAD

Executive Education Programmes

Our teaching is based on global research and case stories about real world businesses. The international nature of INSEAD creates a unique environment, allowing a rich source of teaching material and a wide sharing of experiences.

Learn more about our programme offerings

Company Specific Programmes

Our specialist family business faculty have extensive experience creating tailor-made programmes for family businesses. These programmes offer members of family businesses a confidential environment and an opportunity to cater to specific needs.

Get in touch with us to find out more

Research

Faculty's cutting-edge research are integral to the development of course materials for our programmes and content for our events.

Applied Research Studies

Our applied studies complement our research by gaining insights on pertinent issues relevant to family business.

Featuring some of our Applied Studies conducted with Partners:

Good for Business, Business for Good Compass - January 2023
Joint research study by INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise in collaboration with UBS and INSEAD Hoffmann Global Institute for Business and Society

The embodiment of the four distinct family business elements - longevity, loyalty, values, and involvement sets family firms in an influential position to drive positive impact on society. The practical guide highlighted how leading family businesses drive the business for good agenda and through sharing their success stories, how they overcome their challenges and the practical steps and lessons learnt in their impact journeys, we hope the Compass will inspire others to drive their companies towards positive impact

Making External Executives Successful in Family Businesses - December 2022
Joint research study by INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise in collaboration with PwC and AvS - International Trusted Advisors

The purpose of the study is to understand the reasons family businesses hire external executives and their experiences in doing so. More specifically, we aimed to understand how these executives are recruited, how they are integrated into the company and how their relationship with the family develops. A second survey was launched to understand the impact of Covid-19 on family businesses.

Engage with us

MBA family business club: This club is a community for sharing and exchange between INSEAD students interested in family business at get-togethers, movie nights, or discussion forums. Visits to family businesses are part of the club agenda.

The INSEAD MBA Family Business Club aims to create lasting relationships that foster learning, sharing, and cooperation among students from family business backgrounds both during and after their time at INSEAD.

Contact the club: Europe campus or Asia campus.

Family business next generation mentoring sessions: The INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise has developed a unique offer for MBA students to help them discuss, reflect and throughout the INSEAD journey decide whether and how to be involved with the family business. A decision process that takes time and involves the family as well. Find out more >

Join our events: 1. Family Enterprise Day

Organised by INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise as a component of the MBA elective "Family and Privately Owned Businesses elective", the flagship event is held twice a year on Europe and Asia campuses. The event brings together family business members, scholars and MBA students for a time of knowledge sharing and exchange led by INSEAD faculty and family business scholars. Through the conference, participants will be discover family enterprise theoretical frameworks followed by engaging live testimonials, cases and panel discussion in an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality under Chatham house rules.

2. Conference and Webinars

We have hosted several events and webinar with partner organisations such as the Hénokiens Association, Columbia Business School’s Global Family Enterprise Program, PwC and AvS – International Trusted Advisors.

Search for upcoming events

Links to access our past events or read the summary:

Family Enterprise Day on "Learning from Tradition to Build the Future with the Hénokiens"
3 June 2023, Europe Campus, in collaboration with Hénokiens Association

Family Enterprise Day on "Regenerating Success, Transition and Longevity in Family Firms"
4 Feb 2023, Asia Campus

The Hénokiens: From Remarkable Success to Lasting Legacy
23 Sep 2022, Europe Campus, in collaboration with Hénokiens Association

New Ideas in Family Firms Virtual Conference (Read the summary)
13 May 2022, Virtual, in collaboration with Columbia Business School’s Global Family Enterprise Program

Successful External Succession in Family Businesses
3 Dec 2020, Virtual, in collaboration with PwC and AvS - International Trusted Advisors

Join our programmes: Browse through our programme offerings that are suitable for family enterprise members.

Find out more

In the Spotlight

Hoshi Ryokan: The World’s Oldest Family Firm and the First Female Succession in 1,305 years

Case Study by Morten Bennedsen, Kengo Itoh, Mark Stabile, and Brian Henry examined the journey that leads to the first female succession in Hoshi Ryokan, a hot springs hotel in Japan.

https://publishing.insead.edu/case/hoshi-ryokan-worlds-oldest-family-firm-and-first-female-succession-1305-years

In the Press: Article on "Pinto Basto celebrating 252 years of family-run maritime services in Portugal"

China Family Business Review, September edition (in Chinese) by INSEAD Visiting Professor Morten Bennedsen and Brian Henry

China Family Business Review Article by Morten Bennedsen and Brian Henry

The Power of Distinct Owners as Value Catalysts

Knowledge article by INSEAD Professors Massimo Massa and Ludo Van der Heyden and non-executive director, Kai Taraporevala on 13 Sep 2023, uncovered the unique elements owners need to achieve business success and resilience.

https://knowledge.insead.edu/family-business/power-distinct-owners-value-catalysts

Value Creation for Owners and Directors (New Book!)

Based on INSEAD's executive programme "Value Creation for Owners and Directors", latest book by INSEAD's Faculty, Massimo Massa and Ludo Van der Heyden with co-author Kai Taraporevala, brings forward the key aspects of business, ownership, and governance, and their deep connections to value creation or potential value destruction. Read the book to understand the interplay between ownership and governance and learn the practical handles to manage the underlying tensions and exercise responsibilities more effectively.

VCOD Book

Every gift makes a difference

The Centre is pleased to recognise contributors at all levels.

INSEAD activities in the field of family businesses were initiated thanks to Wendel, and further developed with support from other family businesses and individuals, in particular the Tetra Laval Research Fund for the Large Family Firm, the Berghmans Lhoist Chair in Entrepreneurial Leadership, and the André and Rosalie Hoffmann Chair and Research Fund in Family Enterprise.