New family business chair for Swiss business school

Switzerland's IMD business school has appointed a new chair for family business, sponsored German family firm Wild Group.

Denise Kenyon-Rouvinez, an academic with 20 years experience in consulting and education with family businesses internationally, has taken the role. She was also the founder and president of the Suisse Romande Family Business Network chapter – set up for French speaking Swiss businesses.

In the past her chief areas of research have been strategic alliances among privately-owned companies, and alliances between public and private firms. In her new role, she will be focusing on the various performance drivers in family businesses during and after company mergers.

Hans-Peter Wild, the second-gen head of the Wild Group – one of the world's biggest manufacturers of natural flavourings for the food and drink industries – donated the professorship.

Kenyon-Rouvinez said Wild Group was a suitable sponsor because it had successfully combined rapid growth with long-term sustainability.

The Wild Group, owners and inventors of the Capri Sun drinks brand, saw revenues of €840 million in 2012 – an increase of 29% on the previous year.