IMD has recognized Bettina Büchel, Professor of Strategy and Organization, as the inaugural recipient of the Impact Through Innovation Award. This award celebrates individuals who spur innovation by embodying IMD’s core values, demonstrating a pioneering spirit and a commitment to challenging what is and inspiring what could be.
Büchel joined IMD in 2000 and has continuously pushed boundaries, expanding the institute’s reach and exemplifying its core values of being pioneering, open, collaborative, and brave. She played a key role in establishing IMD’s presence in Singapore as the first director of its Asia hub and previously served as Dean of Programs and Innovation.
“Since joining IMD 25 years ago, Bettina has embodied the very essence of our institution. She has championed collaboration, encouraged bold thinking, and experimented fearlessly, ensuring that every voice is heard,” said IMD President David Bach.
Seán Meehan, Professor of Marketing and Management, emphasized the lasting significance of Büchel’s work. “As faculty, program director, and management team member, Bettina has been, and continues to be, admired by colleagues, participants, alumni, clients, and board members alike for her unwavering commitment to IMD’s values. Her impact on IMD is profound and enduring.”
Upon receiving the award at a ceremony, Büchel reflected on her 25-year journey at IMD, highlighting how she found her niche through a client-centric and innovative approach. “My time at IMD has been rewarding because I’ve been able to be a mentor, do innovation for impact and come up with ideas and dare to explore them,” she said.
Faculty and staff hailed Büchel as a trailblazer – not only as one of the first female faculty members, but also for her dedication to excellence, her strong sense of citizenship, and her ability to inspire others through her generosity, creativity, and courage.
The award shall henceforth be known as the Bettina Büchel Award for Impact Through Innovation and be given annually to an IMD faculty member who exemplifies the institution’s values and inspires the community through their innovation.
An expert on strategy implementation, new business development, and change management, Büchel’s work is focused on leading strategic transformation programs and working closely with CEOs to build capabilities to deliver strategic priorities.
She had been at the forefront of pedagogical education, co-designing Strategic Feat, a simulation game, with technology company Ososim in 2009 as well as other board-based simulations on change and sustainability. These tools have been widely integrated into MBA and executive education programs.
Büchel has authored several books on smarter strategy execution and related topics. She has also led custom programs for major corporations, including fast-moving consumer goods groups, B2B firms, and specialty chemicals companies. Notably, the custom program she developed for Moroccan state-owned mining and fertilizer firm OCP in partnership with Africa Business School won the EFMD Excellence in Practice Gold Award in 2022.
Büchel’s steadfast commitment to helping companies increase the likelihood of successful implementation of strategic initiatives through innovative teaching and pedagogical tools cements her legacy as a pioneer in this field.
