Dear IMD Alumni Community,
As an IMD alum, you know that our institute is a special place, a place where we challenge what is and inspire what could be, a place dedicated to real learning and real impact. And the principal way through which IMD has impact on the world is through you and your fellow alumni. As I assume the role of IMD President, I do so with immense gratitude that you placed your trust in us, whether recently or many years ago, whether in IMD or in our parent institutions IMEDE and IMI, whether to earn a degree or to attend an executive program. Your trust is my motivation to take IMD to new heights and to broaden and deepen our collective impact.
“There is no world class educational institution without an active, engaged, and committed alumni community.”
My second sentiment upon assuming the IMD presidency stems from this moment. In many ways, leaders and organizations face unprecedented challenges – ever-faster technological change, a rapidly worsening climate crisis, growing mistrust in institutions, including in business and government, and new geopolitical fissures that force a rethink of globalization. IMD was made for a moment like this. I am convinced that leaders can overcome these challenges, but only if there are places where they can come together, step back, ask the hard questions, never settle for easy answers, and re-energize themselves and their teams. At IMD, we do this better than anybody. Nobody leverages applied thought leadership and learning innovations better to frame impactful learning journeys than the amazing IMD faculty and our great team, from a two-day executive workshop all the way to transformational MBA or EMBA programs. Building on this strength is my priority.
My third and final message is a request. There is no world class educational institution without an active, engaged, and committed alumni community. In the months and years to come, I and my team will work hard to strengthen the bonds amongst you and between all of you and the institute. But we cannot do it without you. Your support, advice, and helping hand are critical. In this spirit, please do reach out and let me know what you are hoping to see, and how you are able to contribute during the next chapter in the history of this very special place called IMD!
With gratitude,
David Bach
President of IMD
Nestlé Professor of Strategy and Political Economy
