Gaia Melloni appointed Vice Academic Director Committed of the HEC Lausanne Executive MBA

Gaia Melloni appointed Vice Academic Director of the HEC Lausanne Executive MBA

Prof. Gaia Melloni, recently appointed Vice Academic Director of the HEC Lausanne Executive MBA, brings to the programme extensive expertise in integrated and sustainable reporting, corporate sustainability, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. In addition to her academic achievements, she serves as a company advisor and board member, offering strategic insights on sustainability and governance to the corporate world. Her combined academic and practical experience makes her the ideal person to help shape the future of the EMBA programme.

In this interview, Gaia shares her vision for the HEC Lausanne Executive MBA, discussing how the programme can drive positive social and business impact.

1. What motivated you to join the HEC Lausanne Executive MBA team?

I have always been passionate about the transformative power of education in shaping future leaders. However, what excites me most about executive education is its immediacy—the ability to influence decision-making in real time. Working with executives who are already leading organisations provides a unique opportunity to have a direct impact on shaping their strategic thinking and business practices. Additionally, the diversity of industries and backgrounds that EMBA participants bring into the classroom creates a fertile ground for collaborative learning, where we not only share knowledge but also co-create solutions that can lead to meaningful and innovative business practices. This dynamic exchange is what drew me to the HEC Lausanne Executive MBA.

2. How can an Executive MBA programme impact business and society?

In my roles as an academic, advisor, and board member, I have seen firsthand how deeply businesses can influence society. An Executive MBA can empower leaders with the values, knowledge, and skills needed to not only build economically successful organisations but also to drive positive social and environmental change. By embedding sustainability and ESG principles into the curriculum, we can encourage leaders to adopt strategies that create shared value—balancing profitability with social responsibility and environmental stewardship. This programme equips executives to make decisions that shape the cultures of their organisations and ripple out into society. The true power of an EMBA lies in its ability to not just prepare the leaders of tomorrow but to transform the leaders of today.

3. What’s one key takeaway you hope leaders gain from an EMBA?

The importance of continuous, research-led education. In an ever-changing world, staying informed and adaptable is critical. However, the quality of the information matters. Leaders need to base their decisions on the latest scientific advancements and research insights to drive innovation and ensure their strategies are forward-thinking. Another key takeaway is the development of strong social and relationship capital. EMBA participants have the unique opportunity to build a network of experts and peers from diverse industries, enriching their professional toolkit and enabling them to leverage this expertise in their current and future roles.

4. As Vice Academic Director, what influence do you hope to have on the programme?

A central goal of mine is to further elevate sustainability topics within the curriculum, ensuring they are not seen as optional but as essential components of strategic leadership. Sustainability is no longer an issue on the periphery of business; it is at the core of value creation in today’s economy. I want participants to leave the programme understanding that long-term business success must include social and environmental considerations. By integrating these themes more deeply into the programme, we can equip leaders to drive value that benefits not only shareholders but all stakeholders and society.

5. More globally, how do you see the future of executive education?

The future of executive education will be increasingly continuous and interdisciplinary. As industries evolve and become more interconnected, the skills required to lead require a constant update and cross-disciplinary approach. I believe future programmes will need to integrate insights from management, sustainability, and technology in ways that break down traditional silos. This diversity will enrich the learning experience and better prepare leaders for a globalised business environment.

The HEC Lausanne Executive MBA community trusts that, with her vision and expertise in sustainability and responsible leadership, Gaia will further bring these essential values to the core of the programme in an integrated and impactful way. We look forward to seeing her strengthen our community’s impact by empowering executives to drive meaningful change.