Bettina Büchel Award for Impact Through Innovation

Recognizing faculty who challenge what is and inspire what could be

The Bettina Büchel Award for Impact Through Innovation honors current and former IMD faculty members whose pioneering ideas, innovative spirit, and enduring contributions have had a significant impact on IMD, business, and society.

Named in honor of Bettina Büchel, the award celebrates individuals who embody IMD’s values through their commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence. It recognizes those who challenge conventional thinking, inspire others, and leave a lasting legacy through their work.

Honoring Bettina Büchel’s legacy

The award is named in memory of Bettina Büchel, Professor of Strategy and Organization, whose remarkable 25-year career helped shape IMD’s culture, global reach, and commitment to innovation. Throughout her career, she championed bold thinking, encouraged collaboration across boundaries, and created opportunities for others to thrive.

A respected academic, teacher, and leader, Büchel played a key role in advancing IMD’s presence in Asia, served as Dean of Programs and Innovation, and pioneered new approaches to executive learning. She was known not only for her achievements, but also for her generosity, curiosity, courage, and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.

Following her passing in April 2025, the award was renamed in her honor to ensure that the values she championed continue to inspire future generations of faculty and leaders.

Recognizing innovation and lasting impact

Honoring the legacy of Professor Bettina Büchel, the award celebrates IMD faculty members whose pioneering ideas, innovative spirit, and contributions have made a lasting impact on business, society, and IMD.

Bettina cared deeply about the IMD community and embodied the very essence of our institution, ensuring that every voice was heard. Her commitment to real learning and real impact was unmatched.

David Bach President

Receiving this award means a lot to me because of its association with Bettina Büchel, who was my colleague and someone I learned a great deal from. Making innovation a lifestyle has become part of my life’s mission, and this award is a meaningful reminder of that commitment.

William Fischer Professor Emeritus of Innovation Management

Award criteria

Recipients are recognized for demonstrating excellence across four dimensions:

01.

Innovation

Introducing new ideas, approaches, programs, pedagogies, or initiatives that advance learning, leadership, and management practice.

02.

Impact

Creating meaningful and lasting influence on IMD, its participants, partner organizations, and society.

03.

Leadership

Inspiring others through vision, collaboration, mentorship, and the ability to drive positive change.

04.

Values

Embodying IMD’s principles through openness, courage, curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

The spirit of the award

The award recognizes faculty who turn bold ideas into meaningful progress. In Büchel’s spirit, recipients combine intellectual curiosity with courage and generosity, bring people together across boundaries, and create opportunities for others to succeed.

Read the full recipient announcement

A message for Bill Fischer

Chairman Zhang, Founder of Haier, shares a personal message for Bill Fischer in recognition of the Bettina Büchel Award.

2026: William Fischer
2025: Bettina Büchel

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