Professor of Family Business and Strategy at IMD

Marleen Dieleman

Professor of Family Business and Strategy at IMD

Marleen Dieleman holds the Peter Lorange Chair in Family Business at IMD. Her research focuses on the governance, strategy, internationalization, innovation, and transformation of emerging market enterprises, in particular family business groups.

She is an award-winning teacher, a frequently invited speaker and panelist at conferences, and has worked with numerous Asian family firms as a consultant and board member, especially in the area of family governance.

Marleen has published widely on the strategy and governance of Asian family business groups, including books, book chapters, teaching cases and articles in academic journals.

Previously, she was Associate Professor at NUS Business School in Singapore. Marleen holds a MSc degree from Rotterdam School of Management and a PhD from Leiden University, both in The Netherlands. She is based in Singapore.

Session

Behind the Scenes: The Vital Role of Spouses in Shaping Family Business Legacies

Small Group Discussion

In family-owned enterprising families, spouses and in-laws often play crucial yet sometimes understated roles. As partners, parents, and educators, they influence the next generation of family members who may one day become owners, leaders, or stewards of the family enterprise. This session is designed to bring together spouses of family business owners to openly discuss their unique challenges and opportunities in supporting their spouses in an often invisible role, educating and preparing the next generation for their roles as future owners and decision-makers.

The session aims to provide a space for spouses to share their experiences, insights, and strategies for contributing to the work of their partner, the education and values transmission to the next generation.