IMD announces new Chairman of Foundation Board: Dr. Matti Alahuhta
Lausanne (ots)
IMD, a world leader in executive education, announced on December 1st 2004 that Dr. Matti Alahuhta has been elected Chairman of the IMD Foundation Board, replacing Heini Lippuner, who has served as Chairman elect of IMD's Foundation Board since 1999, Vice Chairman elect since 1996, and member since 1989. Mr. Lippuner, who has served as Director (since 1996) and member of the Chairman's Committee (since 1999) of Novartis AG, will remain on the IMD Foundation Board for one more year so that the School can continue to benefit from his experience and to assure continuity.
Peter Lorange, President of IMD, said:
"As former President of Ciba-Geigy and member of the Novartis Chairman's Board, Heini Lippuner brought his wide experience of the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries to bear at IMD, which also focuses heavily on research and development. Heini Lippuner's dedication to IMD has been outstanding, and he is broadly respected by IMD's Faculty, Board, staff and outside contacts. His wisdom and insights have contributed significantly to IMD's success."
Dr. Alahuhta, who now takes over from Mr. Lippuner, is Executive Vice President of Nokia. He has been a Member of Nokia Group Executive Board since 1993. From 1 January 2005, Dr. Alahuhta will become President and COO of KONE, another Finnish technology and services company. Dr. Alahuhta has served as a Member of IMD's Executive Committee since November 1999 and as Vice Chairman in 2004.
Peter Lorange, President of IMD, said:
"Dr. Alahuhta has a long background in a R&D oriented, high-tech business, which has many similarities to IMD. He also has the benefit of knowing the school well, as he did his doctoral thesis here 15 years ago and since then has actively cooperated with the school. Matti Alahuhta is the first IMD Foundation Board Chairman from outside Switzerland, which underscores IMD's global perspective and work".
Commenting on his election to the Chairmanship of the IMD Foundation Board, Dr. Alahuhta said: "Peter Lorange and his Faculty have done a great job in developing IMD to one of the leading management schools globally. I am honored at getting the Chairmanship and will do all my best to continue the great work Heini Lippuner has done!"
IMD, an independent not-for-profit foundation located in Lausanne, Switzerland, is one of the world's leading business schools, ranked consistently among the top in Europe. For over 50 years IMD has been developing executives of leading international companies, enhancing leadership in every area of management, and helping companies find new and innovative ways to sustain global competitiveness.
Contact:
Gordon Adler
Director PR & Communications
IMD
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