Robert H. Gertner

Robert H. Gertner is the Frank P. and Marianne R. Diassi Distinguished Service Professor of Economics and Strategy at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He has served as the John Edwardson Faculty Director of the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation and chaired the Board of Trustees of NORC at the University of Chicago. His academic career spans over three decades, with a focus on strategic decision-making and corporate finance.

• Bachelor’s Degree, Summa Cum Laude, Princeton University (1981)
• PhD in Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1986)

His research explores strategic pricing, corporate investment, organizational structure, and the intersection of law and economics. Recent work emphasizes social enterprises and efficient capital allocation in multidivisional firms. Gertner’s publications analyze internal capital markets, reorganization law, and board governance.

Key trends in his academic output include: (1) Investigating how corporate spin-offs improve investment efficiency; (2) Modeling incentive conflicts in large organizations; (3) Studying the impact of bankruptcy laws on corporate restructuring; (4) Examining price informativeness under cost uncertainty; (5) Advocating for coordinated antitrust and intellectual property policies.

Scientific Awards:

• Frank P. and Marianne R. Diassi Distinguished Service Professor (current)

Gertner has advised numerous PhD students and collaborated extensively with colleagues like Douglas Baird and Randy Picker. He has held leadership roles at Chicago Booth, including Deputy Dean (2012–2017), and maintains active engagement with executive education programs.