MSD China joins the Visions of Leadership Center as a founding member

Jouy-en-Josas, November 23, 2010

HEC Paris and MSD China (Merck) have laid grounds for a new form of partnership encompassing three major areas: recruitment and development of Chinese leadership talents, cooperation with other academic partners in China, case studies and company consulting projects in areas of interest for MSD China.

Michel Vounatsos, President of MSD China, says “We are committed to develop, to train, and to attract the most promising Chinese talents to Merck and to MSD China. HEC is well recognized as a leading business school in the world where future leaders - a significant proportion of whom are from emerging markets including China - have been trained. I am very pleased and encouraged by this partnership that will be of benefit to all parties involved.”

Daniel Bernard, Chairman of the HEC Foundation who personally contributed to this project, highlights “With MSD’s support and the existing partners of the Center, the HEC Foundation will contribute to funding the VoL Center in order to identify and anticipate major leadership challenges in the 21st century”.

"The HEC Paris Visions of Leadership Center proposes a new type of corporate partnership that will benefit MSD China; through a long-term R&D relationship with HEC Paris faculty and experts and privileged access to selected students. The increasingly strong presence of Chinese students, faculty and guests from the business community benefits our campus and is expected to create a base for the recruitment of Chinese talents”, indicates Bernard Ramanantsoa, Dean of HEC Paris.

"Binding knowledge and experience from around the world to generate leading-edge research and professional expertise creates new pathways for leadership training.” says Valérie Gauthier, Associate Dean of the HEC MBA program and project supervisor of the Center. “Through the VoL Center, HEC Paris is a real actor and vector for analysis and ideas for a more responsible leadership tomorrow.