In June 2010 Peter Brabeck, chairman of Nestlé, made a presentation to the company’s board of directors outlining what he believed was a major long-term opportunity facing the company. Peter thought that Nestlé should enter the “market space” between the traditional food and beverage industry and the pharmaceutical industry by creating foods that could delay or even prevent illness such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Such disease-modifying foods had to date been created by only a few firms. But with aging populations in the developed world, rising health care costs and continued advances in food science, Peter had no doubt that more and more pharmaceutical companies, working from their science base, and food companies, working from their market knowledge and brand strength, would be attracted by the opportunity. The challenge for Nestlé was to move more decisively and quickly to the middle ground between the two existing industries, hence his characterization of the situation as a “the race to the middle.”
ABB CEO Morten Wierod on leaner cleaner strategy, electrification, automation, robotics, AI, digital transformation, sustainability, leadership.
OpenAI’s new paper shows AI hallucination is inevitable. Discover how Gödel’s paradox reshapes AI strategy and leadership for 2026 and beyond.
New ideas behind innovative business models can feel sudden, but are rarely random. Innovation happens when you reframe challenges and opportunities.
Discover how family business leaders can nurture a generation of givers, ensuring wealth transfer builds lasting impact.
Earn the right to be heard by blending credibility with relatability, meeting audiences where they are, and building rapport through shared stories.
Circular and regenerative strategies are redefining business growth amid climate change, resource scarcity, and geopolitical tension within planetary limits.
Rohit Jawa, CEO of Hindustan Unilever, shares how HUL is leveraging digital, talent, and innovation to serve India’s growing middle class.
Explore how leaders can reframe post-summer blues into growth. Michael Watkins & Brenda Steinberg share advice on reflection, energy & change.
Guillaume Vermersch, CFO of Mercuria, shares how strategic agility, tech, and sustainability shape modern finance in global energy and commodities trading.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications