Claudia Astrachan Binz

Claudia Astrachan Binz is a Lecturer at the Institute for Business and Regional Economics (IBR CC Corporate Development, Management and Human Resources) at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts – Business. She has been working at the university since 2009 as a Research Assistant and Lecturer, following her business administration studies at the University of Bern (2001-2005) and doctoral studies at the University of Bern and the University of Witten/Herdecke (2009-2014).

Her academic background includes:

• Business Administration studies, University of Bern (2001-2005)
• Doctoral studies at the University of Bern and the University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany (2009-2014)

Claudia Astrachan Binz specializes in family business research with a focus on family dynamics, strategy, and branding. Her work explores how family firms communicate their identity, manage governance challenges, and navigate intergenerational transitions. She has developed particular expertise in family firm branding, examining how consumers and employees perceive family businesses and how these perceptions affect business outcomes.

Her research demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of family systems and business systems, with particular attention to governance structures, communication strategies, and the psychological aspects of family business ownership. She has pioneered work on money education within business families and the role of religious beliefs in family firm decision-making.

Claudia Astrachan Binz has received multiple awards for her contributions to family business practice, including the Best Contribution to Practice Award in 2023 and 2022, and the IFERA Award for Best Contribution to Practice in 2014. She serves as Head of Governance at Generation 6 Family Enterprise Advisors and as Chair of the Board for IFERA (2019-2026).

Her professional activities include:

• Head of Governance, Generation 6 Family Enterprise Advisors (2021)
• Chair of the Board, IFERA (2019-2026)