Joachim Schwass is Professor of Family Business at IMD.

He teaches Family Business and Entrepreneurship and is Director of the Program “Leading the Family Business”. His main teaching focus is on owner related issues and, in particular, from the next generation perspective. He has lectured and conducted Family Business programs around the globe.

Prior to joining IMD, Professor Schwass was Managing Director of several companies which were part of his own family's business. He was managing industrial manufacturing businesses in Australia and USA as well as an international trading business in Switzerland. He started up several international businesses.

Educated in Germany, France and Switzerland, Professor Joachim Schwass attended graduate studies at Technische Universität Berlin and Université de Fribourg where he obtained a Lic rer pol and a Dr rer pol.

Professor Schwass has published numerous articles. His book “Wise Growth Strategies in Leading Family Businesses” was published in 2005, in German in 2007 and in Spanish in 2008.

He directed the Annual Distinguished Family Business Award for 10 years. He was Executive Director of the Family Business Network (FBN) for 10 years and currently serves on the Board.