About the award

DISCOVER THE AWARD – HISTORY

Since 1996, the IMD-Lombard Odier Global Family Business Award has distinguished prestigious family businesses around the world from a variety of sectors on an annual basis. Awarded by IMD, one of the world’s leading business schools, and Lombard Odier & Cie, one of the main private banking firms in Europe, the award provides a unique opportunity to promote the indispensible role family businesses play in the global economy. The award, which is regarded by many as the most prestigious distinction for successful family businesses, also serves as a platform for family businesses to exchange best practices and analyze the economic backdrop.

“Being nominated for the award is a unique opportunity for the family to pause for a few weeks and take the time to reflect on where it came from, where it currently stands and where it hopes its journey will take it. We are extremely proud to have received such recognition, as in effect it acknowledges the exceptional job done by our elders and their associates. It is a sign for the next generations that they too will need to contribute for the legacy to continue. Winning the award is thus a wonderful moment for the family, one of humility and also great expectation about what the future will bear. It is a fitting reward for all the work, effort and passion not only of the family itself but also of all the friends and colleagues who have contributed to making the adventure what it has been so far.“

Marie-Christine Jaeger-Firmenich and Antoine A. Firmenich, Firmenich SA, 2011 Award Winner

“With this award, we wish to highlight the important economic contribution of family businesses to the global economy, recognize outstanding companies which will provide best practices and inspiration to their peers, and promote family business by turning the spotlight on the exceptional high standard they are capable of”.

Thierry Lombard, Managing Partner, Lombard Odier & Cie

“IMD’s vast experience with family businesses has made it possible to accurately compare them to public firms. Coupled with decades of research, our experience indicates that over time, family businesses are more solid and more successful than their public counterparts. Their success is due not only to their long-term vision, human values and unparalleled spirit of innovaton, but also to their capacity to take risks – a liberty that gives family businesses a real competitive advantage.”

Professor Dominique Turpin, IMD President