Inside the HEC Paris Family Business Summit

On May 29–30, 2026, HEC Paris hosted the inaugural HEC Paris Family Business Summit — a two-day, student-led experience that brought together students and family business leaders from around the world for candid conversation across generations, industries and borders. 

The Summit opened on Friday evening with a riverside welcome at the Noti Club, before a full day of conversations at the HEC Alumni House on Saturday — from the opening remarks to the closing roundtable.

Co-organized by the HEC MBA Family Business Club and the HEC Paris Family Business Center, the Summit gathered students from HEC Paris, INSEAD, University of St.Gallen, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, Bocconi University, EADA Business School, Gisma University of Applied Sciences, Les Roches, The Wharton School and Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education, alongside entrepreneurs and trusted advisors. Across the day, the conversations explored the questions family businesses face most directly — succession, governance, legacy, and leadership transitions — and how each generation redefines what it means to build something that lasts.

The Voices of the Summit

This first edition brought together leaders and next-generation members of some of the most storied family businesses: Thomas Derichebourg — Groupe Derichebourg Julien Wormser — Banque Wormser Frères Philippe Houzé and Romane Belloy — Galeries Lafayette Aude de Vassart — Groupe SEB Sophie Dimich-Louvet — Incept Sport Simon Nehme — Nehmeh Corporation Olivier Mellerio — Mellerio dits Meller Marianne Pennanéac'h — Chanel.

Opened by Anthony Nehme and Cécile de Lisle, Executive Director of the Center, this inaugural edition set the tone for a conversation the Center looks forward to continuing — with the speakers, participants and student team whose energy made it possible.

Learn more about the Family Business Center