Winfried Ruigrok

Winfried Ruigrok is a Full Professor of Management at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), specializing in International Management. He holds leadership positions including Dean of the Executive School of Management, Technology and Law (2011–2024) and President’s Delegate for Ranking and Executive Education (2012–2024). His career includes roles as Founding Academic Director of the MBA and MIM programs, and Managing Director of the Research Institute for International Management since 1997.

Education:

• Ph.D. in International Political Economy (University of Amsterdam, 1993)
• Doctorandus (≈MA) in International Relations (University of Amsterdam, 1986)
• Kandidaat (≈BA) in Political Science (University of Amsterdam, 1982)

Research Interests:

• International Strategy & Corporate Governance
• Top Management Teams (TMT) and CEO Dynamics
• Executive Compensation and Leadership Diversity
• Globalization Trends and Regional Strategy

His work bridges academic rigor with practical executive education, emphasizing leadership development and strategic decision-making.

Award Highlights:

• 2020 Best Lecturer (Full-Time MBA)
• Myrdal Prize (1996) & Rotterdam School of Management Research Award (1993)
• Multiple nominations for best paper awards at Academy of Management and European Academy of Management conferences

Executive Education Leadership: As Dean, he transformed the Executive School into a top-ranked institution (#1 in German-speaking Europe). His initiatives include the Top Team St.Gallen platform and annual reports on executive education effectiveness.

Key Collaborations:

• University of International Business and Economics (China)
• CASE Western Reserve University (USA)
• SCOPES program with Eastern European universities

His research also engages with boards of directors, sustainability challenges, and the intersection of leadership diversity and firm performance.