About
Russell Fralich is an Associate Professor at the Department of Management, HEC Montréal. He holds a Ph.D. from HEC Montréal, preceded by a Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering from McMaster University. His research focuses on strategic management, social capital, and quantitative methods in strategy, particularly examining how media coverage and market reactions influence executive decisions and organizational performance.
Education: Bachelor of Engineering (McMaster University), Masters of Engineering (McMaster University), Ph.D. (HEC Montréal).
Research Interests: Strategic Management, Social Capital, CEO Decision-Making, Mergers & Acquisitions, Media Influence on Executives, and Quantitative Strategy. His work explores how social judgments of senior executives affect strategic choices, with studies on CEO celebrity effects, Matthew effects, and merger wave timing supported by SSHRC grants.
Publications highlight trends in strategic decision-making dynamics, particularly the interplay between executive visibility, market reactions, and organizational outcomes. Notable works include analyses of CEO imprinting, M&A premiums, and strategic behavior influenced by social status.
- Awards: Most Inspirational Paper (EURAM 2022), Honourable Mention (ASAC 2020), Emerald Literati Award (2020).
- Teaching: Courses on strategic management, management simulation, and organizational policy.
- Supervision: Directed 13+ master’s theses and projects on topics ranging from executive leadership to digital transformation and organizational strategy.
His academic contributions bridge theory and practice, impacting corporate governance, executive decision-making frameworks, and strategic adaptation strategies in volatile markets.
