David Wessels

David Wessels is an Adjunct Professor of Finance and Director of Executive Education at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. As Academic Director for Wharton’s CFO Program on Strategic Leadership, he teaches corporate valuation, venture capital, and performance management to undergraduates, MBA students, and global executives. His prior roles include finance faculty at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, management consultant at McKinsey & Company, and technology analyst at Harbourvest Venture Partners.

• Education: PhD in Finance from UCLA Anderson School of Management, BS in Economics and BAS in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania.

Wessels’ research focuses on corporate valuation frameworks, the intersection of organizational structure and financial performance, and behavioral dynamics in business leadership. His work spans practical valuation techniques, mergers and acquisitions, and global capital expenditure trends. The 2025 book Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies solidifies his role as a leading authority in corporate finance.

His publication history emphasizes valuation methodologies, emotional barriers in leadership, and empirical studies on market drivers. Key trends include the application of discounted cash flow and price multiples in corporate finance, behavioral finance insights, and strategic approaches to acquisitions and capital management.

• Scientific Awards and Honors: Wharton Teaching Excellence Award (2018–2024), multiple Excellence in Teaching Awards (2004–2024), William G. Whitney Award for Outstanding Teaching (2016, 2015, 2013, 2012), and Trefftzs Award (2000) from the Western Finance Association.

Wessels’ teaching excellence has been recognized across Wharton’s programs, including the Full-time MBA and WEMBA San Francisco. He has supervised independent study projects in finance but no specific student names are provided in the source text. His teaching materials emphasize corporate valuation, venture capital, and financial decision-making.