The Family Business Center at the Universities of the Economy of Tomorrow
Participate
On the occasion of the Universities of Tomorrow’s Economy, the HEC Paris Family Business Center is organizing a panel discussion on the role of the next generation in transforming family businesses.
The HEC Paris Family Business Center will take part in the eighth edition of the Universities of Tomorrow’s Economy, organized by Mouvement Impact France on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris.
On this occasion, Cécile de Lisle, Executive Director of the Center, will moderate the panel discussion: “Family businesses: a new generation for tomorrow’s economy?”
This session will bring together several family business leaders to share their experiences of the key challenges surrounding succession, legitimacy, governance, and transformation. In particular, it will explore how the next generation can develop economic, social, and environmental models while preserving the history, values, and cohesion of the family business.
How can a family business be transformed without turning its back on what has made it strong? What role can the next generation play in setting new directions? How can governance, a long-term perspective, and a commitment to impact become drivers of sustainable transformation?
The panel discussion will notably bring together:
- Caroline Schildt, Picoty;
- hibault Petithuguenin, Paprec;
- Xavier Unkovic, Bonduelle;
- as well as another speaker who will be announced shortly.
The discussion will take place before an audience of committed business leaders and entrepreneurs, as part of a day devoted this year to the theme “Independence Day.”