It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Emeritus Professor Alden (Alli) G. Lank, a distinguished member of the IMD community and a pioneering figure in the field of family business. Professor Lank passed away peacefully on 30 December 2024, surrounded by his loving wife Connie and his daughters.
Professor Lank’s association with IMD spanned over 25 years, during which he served as the founding Executive Director, former President, Chairman, and Honorary Member of the Executive Board of the Family Business Network. He also served on the Board of the Family Firm Institute (FFI). His tenure at IMD (and its predecessors “Centre d’Etudes Industrielles” and “International Management Institute”) was marked by his instrumental role in establishing the family business area, dedicated to delivering educational and research programs in this vital field. As the IMD Stephan Schmidheiny Professor of Family Enterprises and Professor of Organizational Behavior, Professor Lank’s expertise encompassed change management, governance, corporate and family culture, communication, motivation, team building, and leading family firms. His contributions to these areas have left an indelible mark on the academic and business communities.
Professor Lank’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Middlebury College, Vermont, followed by a certificate in international business from the Centre d’Etudes Industrielles, and a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. He served on the editorial boards of the Family Business Review and the Journal of Managerial Psychology, and was a board member of several private and public organizations across Europe and North America. A prolific author, Professor Lank co-authored the pioneering book “The Family Business: Its Governance for Sustainability” with Fred Neubauer. His accolades include the Joseph Vago Cross-Cultural Award from FFI in 1997, election as a Fellow of FFI in 2001, an Honorary Fellowship from the International Family Enterprise Research Academy in 2002, and election as a Fellow of the Business Families Foundation in 2003. Born on 1 February 1934, in Argentina, Professor Lank was a Canadian citizen who dedicated his life to advancing the field of family business. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations.
“Professor Lank was a visionary and a mentor to many. His contributions to the field of family business and his dedication to IMD have left an enduring legacy. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, “said Stefan Michel, Dean of Faculty and Research. The IMD community extends its heartfelt condolences to Professor Lank’s family and friends during this difficult time.
