Ben Voyer Is Co-Directing Turning Points – New Research Chair Launched

Benjamin Voyer, professor for entrepreneurship at ESCP Business School London Campus, has been appointed co-director of a new research chair alongside Anne Laure Sellier from HEC Paris. With this joint initiative, Cartier for the first time brings together two leading business schools to advance research on emerging business and societal challenges.

Research on “Turning Points – Aspiration to Inspiration”

The chair “Turning Points – Aspiration to Inspiration” has the ambition to inspire organisations. In this way, businesses will tackle current and future turning points in their daily operations as well as generate wider societal impact. Research questions will revolve around current turning points such as sustainability, re-thinking consumption, and the generation Z. Likewise, the chair will host exciting debates that nourish, inspire and enlighten students and managers.

One of the first research projects of the chair-holders is a reflection on the language used to discuss sustainability. The reseachers will collect data on words that are used by French professionals to talk about sustainability. In this way, they will capture the complexity of the word “sustainability” in French.

Academic expertise and more

Beyond its academic focus, the Turning Points chair will provide a learning lab for Cartier and both student ecosystems. This makes the chair a unique example in which two leading business schools in Europe join forces. Specifically, they offer their complementary research expertise, cultural reach as well as distinct programmes.

Ben Voyer is looking forward to the new challenge. “Cartier has a unique culture and heritage that makes it stand out among other craftsmanship-focused Maisons. Having the opportunity to inspire such a distinctive Maison is a privilege. I look forward to fostering creative discussions with Cartier employees around the world, sharing cutting-edge academic research and insights, and bringing a different take on current business and societal issues, from sustainability to circular consumption and from cultural to generational differences”, he declares.

Cartier and HEC Paris as new partners of ESCP Business School

With the new research chair, ESCP Business School partners up with two prestigious organisations: Cartier and HEC Paris. As one of the most well-known brands in world of luxury, Cartier stands for open-mindedness and curiosity. Fine jewellery, watchmaking and fragrances, leather goods as well as accessories: Cartier’s creations symbolize the convergence of exceptional craftsmanship and timelessness. Today, the Maison has 265 boutiques worldwide.

Founded in 1881 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, HEC Paris has a full-time faculty of 140 professors that teaches 4,500 students and 8,000 managers every year. Specializing in education and research in management sciences, HEC Paris offers a complete and unique range of academic programmes for the leaders of tomorrow. The programmes include the Grande Ecole program, Specialized Masters as well as MBA, Executive MBA and TRIUM Global Executive MBA programmes. Moreover, HEC offers a Ph.D. programme and a wide range of programmes for executives and managers.