Michael Hilb

Titular Professor at University of Fribourg / Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance at Executive School of Management, Technology and Law

Biography

Executive School of Management, Technology and Law

Michael Hilb is founder of DBP Group and a member of the boards of directors of Klingelnberg, Kuhn and Sigvaris Group. He is a titular professor at the University of Fribourg and teaches strategy, entrepreneurship and corporate governance at the University of St. Gallen, the University of Zurich and Singapore Management University.

Michael is chair of the Board Foundation and vice-chair of the Foundation for Value Creation. He serves on advisory boards of several organizations, including the International Corporate Governance Network, the European Confederation of Directors' Associations and Chapter Zero Switzerland.

Previously, Michael led group strategy and digital business at DKSH, where he and his team built a leading, profitable pan-Asian digital business, connecting 400 brands with 100 platforms in eight markets. He joined the company after five years at Roland Berger and working for Holcim.

Michael studied business at the University of Michigan, the Stockholm School of Economics and the University of St. Gallen, where he earned an MSc and a PhD. He was a visiting fellow at INSEAD and Harvard University and completed several executive education programs.

Education

University of St. Gallen

  • PhD in Management 2005
  • MSc in Strategy and International Management 2001

Harvard University

  • Executive Education, Harvard Business School 2007
  • Fellowship, Kennedy School of Government 2003

INSEAD

  • Certificate in Corporate Governance 2020
  • Fellowship 2004-2005

Executive Experience

  • DBP since 2018
    Founder
  • DKSH 2010-2018
    Vice President, Group Strategy and Digital Business (P&L)
  • Roland Berger 2005-2010
    Manager
  • Holcim Commerce 2001-2003
    Project Manager

Supervisory Board Experience

  • Klingelnberg since 2018
    Member, Board of Directors and Audit Committee
  • Kuhn since 2020
    Member, Board of Directors
  • Sigvaris since 2020
    Member, Board of Directors and Strategy and Nomination & Remuneration Committees
  • Board Foundation since 2022
    Chair, Board of Trustees
  • Foundation for Value Creation since 2020
    Vice Chair, Board of Trustees

Advisory Board Experience

  • International Corporate Governance Network: Committee Member
  • European Confederation of Directors’ Associations: Board Member
  • Chapter Zero Switzerland: Co-Chair

Academic Experience

  • University of Fribourg since 2016
    Titular Professor in Strategy
  • University of St. Gallen since 2006
    Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance
  • Singapore Management University since 2012
    Lecturer in Business Development in Asia
  • University of Zurich since 2019
    Lecturer in Digital Transformation

Articles and Book Chapters

Hilb, M. (2023): From corporate governance of sustainability to sustainable corporate governance. In Governance of sustainability: The role of the board of directors and management in sustainable value creation. 9-16. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (2023): The multipurpose corporation as a driver for sustainable value creation. In Governance of sustainability: The role of the board of directors and management in sustainable value creation. 54-61. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (2023): Resilience and vulnerability in the Swiss elite system: Fostering a Daedalus mentality to prevent another Icarus moment. In Elite Quality Report 2023, 94-95. Seismo, Zurich, CH.

Hilb, M. (2023): The Swiss elite model under siege - Daring more Daedalus mentality to prevent another Icarus moment. Board Perspectives, April 4.

Hilb, M. (2022): In praise of acapreneurship: Aspiring for the best of both worlds by spanning the boundaries of academia and entrepreneurship. In Academic and Educational Entrepreneurship, Aldogan Eklund, M. and Wanzenried, G (eds.). 153-158. Springer, Cham, CH.

Hilb, M. (2022): Mission accomplished? The state of digital governance in 2022. In The Corporate Governance Dialogue 2022. 29-32. Ecoda, Brussels, BE.

Korine, H. and Hilb, M. (2022): Reinterpreting the role of the board of directors. Think. London Business School. August 2.

Hilb, M. (2022): Circular capitalism’s principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity enrich the elite quality index project. In Elite Quality Report 2022, 110. Seismo, Zurich, CH.

Hilb, M. (2021): From corporate to ecosystem governance. In Governance of Ecosystems, Hilb, M. 11-22. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (2021): Multidextrous strategy – How to excel in platform-driven ecosystems. In Governance of Ecosystems, Hilb, M. 33-42. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (2021): The power of power in shaping organizations. In Governance of Ecosystems, Hilb, M. 53-63. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (2021): Agile Governance – Wunsch, Wirklichkeit und Wirkungsansätze: Gedanken zur Stärkung der Vereinbarkeit von agilen Führungsgrundsätzen mit den Prinzipien effektiver Corporate Governance. In Ein Kunstflug durch das Recht und die Governance, Geiser, T. et al. 217-228. Dike, Zurich, CH.

Casas, T., Hilb, M. and Lim, A. (2021): Maintaining pole position along different paths – An examination of the quality of elites and their influence on value creation. The Business Times. March 23.

Casas, T., Hilb, M. and Lim, A. (2021): Singapur und die Schweiz – zwei unterschiedliche Wege zu einer nachhaltigen und inklusiven Wertschöpfung. Neue Zürcher Zeitung. March 26.

Hilb, M. (2021): Circular capitalism: Unlocking the power of ownership and citizenship through stewardship. SN Business & Economics 1, 14, 1-7.

Hilb, M. (2020): Toward artificial governance? The role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of corporate governance. Journal of Management and Governance. 24, 851–870.

Hilb, M. (2020): Venture governance – The hidden value driver of entrepreneurial value creation. In Governance of Ventures, Hilb, M. 11-23. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (2020): Cracking the collaboration codes – How to succeed in ecosystems. In Governance of Ventures, Hilb, M. 97-106. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (2019): Unlocking the board’s data-value challenge. Directorship, May/June, 60-61.

Hilb, M. (2018): Utilizing data and platforms – How SMUs can benefit from the benefits offered by digitalization (translation of NZZ article). Medium, August 28.

Hilb, M. (2018): Daten nutzen und Plattformen errichten – wie KMU von den Chancen der Digitalisierung profitieren können. Neue Zürcher Zeitung. August 23, 10.

Hilb, M. (2017): Toward an integrated framework for governance of digitalization. In Governance of Digitalization, Hilb, M. 11-21. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (2017): The co-evolution of digital ecosystems: Who wins the battle for global dominance in the digital space? In Governance of Digitalization, Hilb, M. 108-114. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (2017): Tracking 5 key e-commerce trends in Southeast Asia for 2018. Linkedin, December 12.

Hilb, M. (2017): Who wins the battle for global dominance in the digital space? Linkedin, August 2.

Hilb, M. (2017): The five golden rules of market expansion in a no-line human-to-human age. Linkedin, May 23.

Hilb, M. (2017): E-commerce in Asia: Will South East Asia be the next China? Linkedin, January 5.

Casas, T. and Hilb, M. (2016): Founders in the living-dead trap: A theoretical exploration at entrepreneurship’s dark core. Entrepreneurship Research Journal. 6, 4, 401-423.

Hilb, M. (2016): Understanding strategic opportunities and challenges. Fantree News. 17.

Hilb, M. (2016): Strategy: Innovate for success. Fantree News. 17.

Hilb, M. (2015): Foreign entry mode choices of emerging market multinationals: The role of institutional voids in shaping strategic cognition. In Advances in International Management, Tihany, L.; Banalieva, E.; Devinney, T. and Pedersen. T, 28th edition. 471–502. Emerald, Bingley, UK.

Hilb, M. and Casas i Klett, T. (2015): Towards a construct of entrepreneurial strategizing – The case of private equity. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing. 7, 1, 84–101.

Hilb, M. (2014): Capturing digital growth opportunities. Fantree News. 14, 14-15.

Hilb, M. (2014): Venture capital. In Wiley Encyclopedia of Management, Cooper, C.L. Volume 6, International Management, 3rd edition, 425-426. Wiley, London, UK.

Hilb, M. (2014): Aufstrebender innerasiatischer Handel – Chancen und Risiken für europäische KMU. In Versprechen und Realität – Herausforderungen für Unternehmen in Ost- und Südostasien, Schönenberger, T. 39-47. Wolfsberg Script, Ermatingen, CH.

Hilb, M. (2013): Corporate social innovation discourse – Towards an integration of complementary theoretical perspectives. International Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management. 4, 2, 170-184.

Hilb, M. (2013): Strategy: Updating our strategy for sustainable, profitable growth. Fantree News. 12, 22-23.

Hilb, M. (2012): The virtue of virtual buyouts – What publicly listed companies can learn from private equity. In Asset Management, Frick, R.; Gantenbein, P. and Reichling, P. 575-585. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Altherr, H.; Hilb, M.; Korine, H. and Pfister, G. (2012): Ein Swiss Fund als Beitrag zur Sicherung der Wettbewerbsfähigkeit. Neue Zürcher Zeitung. May 10, 21.

Hilb, M. (2012): Strategy: Innovate for success. Fantree News. 7, 24-25.

Hilb, M. (2012): Strategy: Looking forward to the next successful decade. Fantree News. 7, 20-21.

Hilb, M. (2012): Strategy: Defining an industry. Fantree News. 6, 21-22.

Hilb, M. and Casas i Klett, T. (2010): Entrepreneurial strategizing: Risk vs. uncertainty dialectics bridging the entrepreneurship/strategy divide – The case of private equity. In Strategic entrepreneurship – The promise for future entrepreneurship, family business and SME research? Fueglistaller, U.; Volery, T. and Weber, W. KMU Verlag University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, CH.

Casas i Klett, T. and Hilb, M. (2010): The living-dead trap: Non-rationally sustained ventures – A keystone to elucidate entrepreneurial decision-making. In Strategic entrepreneurship – The promise for future entrepreneurship, family business and SME research? Fueglistaller, U.; Volery, T. and Weber, W. KMU Verlag University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, CH.

Gerundino, D. and Hilb, M. (2010): The ISO methodology – Assessing the economic benefits of standards. ISO Focus+. 6, 10-16.

Studer, D. and Hilb, M. (2010): Innovationen verankern – Strategieverständnis individuell einschätzen und entwickeln. Alpha. 37, 4.

Grünig, R. and Hilb, M. (2009): Kapitalismus auf dem Prüfstand. Finanz und Wirtschaft. 27, 25.

Hilb, M. (2008): Corporate Governance und Corporate Citizenship: Der Verwaltungsrat als Motor von Sozialinnovationen. In Corporate Governance – Zur personalen und sozialen Dimension: 44 Statements aus Wissenschaft und Praxis, Wunderer, R. 172-175. Luchterhand, Berlin, DE.

Henkel, C. and Hilb, M. (2008): Zielgerichtet den strategischen Erfolg ansteuern. IO Management. 7-8, 40-43.

Books

Grichnik, D., Hess, M. Reuther, J., Stöckel, A. and Hilb, M. (2023): The corporate venturing handbook: A step-by-step guide to the value creation process. Kogan Page, London, UK.

Hilb, M. (ed.) (2023): Governance of sustainability: The role of the board of directors and management in sustainable value creation. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (ed.) (2021): Governance of ecosystems: The role of governance in collaborative value creation. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (ed.) (2020): Governance of ventures: The role of venture boards, entrepreneurs and investors in entrepreneurial value creation. Haupt, Bern, CH.

Hilb, M. (ed.) (2018): Governance of digitalization: The role of boards of directors and top management teams in digital value creation. Haupt, Bern, CH. 2nd edition.

Hilb, M. (ed.) (2017): Governance of digitalization: The role of boards of directors and top management teams in digital value creation. Haupt, Bern, CH. 1st edition.

Hilb, M. (2005): Corporate impact innovation: Pathways to sustainable value creation. BF, St. Gallen, CH.

Hilb, M. (2005): Corporate social impact innovation: An empirical study of corporate citizenship initiatives in Swiss-based multinational firms. Doctoral thesis. University of St. Gallen, CH.

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