24 June 2010

Greetings from INSEAD!

A lot has been happening at INSEAD lately and I wanted to keep you informed.

On Thursday 13 May, we hosted The Circle of Patrons dinner. Created in 1995, the Circle of Patrons recognises alumni and friends who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of INSEAD. The annual gathering gave us the opportunity to thank all our patrons and to welcome a new member, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court. We also used the occasion to recognise campaign donors whose gifts totalled €100,000 or more.

The Leadership Summit Europe 2010 on 14 May was a powerful event where we shared ideas and perspectives on current global challenges. The Summit gathered over 700 participants from all over the world – business leaders, academics, students, government and media representatives – to discuss ‘Creating a new architecture for business and society: which way forward?’ Adopting a new format, it included three parallel tracks on entrepreneurship, innovation & corporate governance and private equity, chosen for their key role in rebuilding the economy amid a continuing financial crisis. More than 50 speakers, panellists, moderators and an engaged audience made this an intense, insightful and thought-provoking Summit. My thanks to all those who participated, to Booz & Co. the lead sponsor of the event, and CNBC our media broadcast partner, who made this a memorable event.

The next Leadership Summit will be held on our Asia campus on 12 November. Look out of further information on the event.

At the Summit, we also revealed the names of the final group of the 50 Alumni who changed the world: Christian Blanckaert, Vivienne Cox, François Dominique Faure, Reinhold Geiger, Philippe Houzé, Barbara Kux, Sir Andrew Large, Rudolf Maag, Michael Pragnell, Claude Rameau and Antonio Viana-Baptista. A special ceremony was held at the Summit to honour our 50 Alumni who changed the world and unique 50th Anniversary medals were presented in recognition of their outstanding achievements. It was a proud moment for the school.

If INSEAD is an intense learning experience, it is also a school where we have fun. The Great 50th Anniversary Ball on Saturday 15 May was an amazing experience. Over 2,000 alumni, students and staff enjoyed a wonderful evening on our Fontainebleau campus that was magically transformed by performing artists, acrobats, and dancers and illuminated by superb fireworks.

On 28 June INSEAD will be celebrating yet another milestone when we formally inaugurate our new Abu Dhabi campus under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and The Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the UAE.

With the end of the academic year, our 50th Anniversary celebrations are drawing to a close. It has been a great privilege and pleasure to be part of this momentous time. The spirit and values of INSEAD stood out through the many celebratory events. As we relived the past and renewed our commitment to the future, we celebrated our founders, volunteers, alumni, students, faculty and staff. They have made INSEAD what it is today, and will shape the INSEAD of the coming fifty years.