Prof. Dr. Christian Homburg holds the Chair of Business-to-Business Marketing, Sales & Pricing at the University of Mannheim's Faculty of Business Administration. Since 2007, he has been a Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne. His research spans marketing strategy, sales management, pricing, and customer relationship management, with a focus on business-to-business contexts. He collaborates with global firms such as Accenture, BOSCH, SAP, and BASF. Research Interests: Prof. Homburg explores topics like sales force automation, key account management, IoT in marketing, and augmented reality in sales. His work bridges academic theory and practical implementation, emphasizing organizational systems driving customer and competitor responsiveness. Scientific Awards: Hermann Billing Prize (1989) Multiple Best Paper Awards from the American Marketing Association (1997-2010) Louis W. Stern Award (2009) Best Paper Awards from Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science and Journal of Business to Business Marketing Publications: Author of 7+ editions of Marketing Management , co-editor of the Handbook of Customer Loyalty Management , and contributor to leading journals like Journal of Marketing and Strategic Management Journal .
Romain Franck is an Associate Professor in Marketing at IÉSEG School of Management, with a focus on advanced research in marketing strategies and digital tools. He previously served as an Associate Professor of Sales and Marketing at EM Strasbourg Business School (2022–2024) and earned his Advanced Research in Marketing degree from IAE of Grenoble in 2017. His research explores the intersection of technology, sales performance, and consumer behavior. Education: 2017 – Advanced Research in Marketing (IAE of Grenoble) His work examines how digital technologies (e.g., sales force automation, social media) influence sales effectiveness and the adoption of eco-innovations like laser-marked organic products. Recent publications highlight barriers and motivations in sustainable consumer behavior, alongside the role of interpersonal dynamics in tech-mediated sales environments. Email: r.franck@ieseg.fr
Mika Yrjölä serves as a University Lecturer in Marketing at Tampere University's Faculty of Management and Business. He is an active member of the Customer-Oriented Research Group with extensive research experience in strategic marketing, value propositions, and business models. His academic work spans over a decade with 53 research outputs from 2013 to 2025. Yrjölä's research primarily focuses on strategic marketing, including value propositions, business models, capabilities, and customer orientation. He employs both quantitative and qualitative methods in his investigations, with particular interest in digital transformation, artificial intelligence in retail, and business-to-business platforms. His work contributes to understanding how organizations can create value in evolving market contexts, especially through digital channels and platform-based business models. His publication record shows consistent scholarly output with recent emphasis on AI-enhanced platforms, value creation in ecosystems, and retail transformation. The research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward understanding digital transformation in marketing contexts, with increasing focus on AI applications in services and retail environments. His work spans both theoretical contributions and practical applications for businesses navigating digital disruption. Marvin Jolson Award (2022) - for research in sales management Yrjölä has supervised master's students and doctoral candidates while actively participating in academic service as a journal reviewer and conference committee member. His activities include 41 scientific journal reviews, 19 media appearances, and 11 master's student supervisions. He has also served as an external reviewer for The French National Research Agency (ANR). As a member of the Customer-Oriented Research Group, Yrjölä collaborates with colleagues on projects examining consumer behavior, retail transformation, and digital marketing strategies. His research increasingly focuses on the intersection of AI and service delivery, particularly in platform-based business models and retail contexts.
Professor Ashley Braganza serves as Dean of Brunel Business School at Brunel University London and holds the Chair in Business Transformation. He founded and co-directs Brunel's interdisciplinary Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (established 2018), which includes a dedicated AI Lab and forms part of Brunel's broader AI Ecosystem. His leadership secured £3.5 million in grants during the 2022/23 academic year and a recent €5.8 million ELOQUENCE EU project (2024-2027). His academic qualifications include a PhD in Organisational Change and Information Systems from Cranfield University and an MBA in Strategic Management Responsibility from the University of Strathclyde. Professor Braganza's research centers on artificial intelligence, big data, change management, strategy implementation, process and knowledge management, and transformation-enabled information systems . His practice-based approach stems from over 40 major consultancy projects with global organizations including BT, Microsoft, McDonald's, Astra Zeneca, and UN agencies. He champions interdisciplinary experiential learning and rigorous academic research with real-world applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in applying AI and digital technologies to healthcare supply chains, blockchain governance, and socioeconomic challenges like digital poverty. His work consistently bridges operations management, information systems, and social sciences while examining human-organizational impacts of technological transformation. His distinguished recognition includes: Election to the British Academy of Management College of Fellows for 25+ years of scholarly contribution and community service Professor Braganza has directed significant research initiatives including the British Academy-funded digital poverty study in Margate, UK-India collaborative projects on AI in healthcare productivity, and curriculum development for special needs trainers. His consultancy assignments with major corporations have co-created practical frameworks for implementing complex organizational change programs. He founded and chairs the British Academy of Management Special Interest Group in Transformation, Change and Development, and directs Brunel's AI: Social and Digital Innovation Research Centre, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration through the Operations and Information Systems Management Research Group (OISM).
Akshay R. Rao is a Professor and General Mills Chair in Marketing at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management . He holds a PhD in Marketing from Virginia Tech and has served as founding Director of the Institute for Research in Marketing (2005-2010) and Chairman of the Marketing & Logistics Management Department (2003-2006). Rao has also held visiting positions at MIT and Hong Kong University of Science & Technology. Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Honors), Madras University (1978) Master of Business Administration in Marketing, XLRI - Xavier School of Management (1980) Doctor of Philosophy in Marketing, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (1986) Rao's research spans consumer behavior, pricing strategy, brand management , and political marketplace segmentation , with recent work examining vaccine hesitancy , political ideology effects on consumer behavior , and fake news dynamics . His work appears in top journals including Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing , and Harvard Business Review , covering topics from neuromarketing to information economics . Scientific recognition includes: Robert Ferber Award (1987) Harold Maynard Award (2000) Distinguished Alumnus, XLRI (2011) He has testified before the Federal Trade Commission and served on editorial boards of Journal of Consumer Research and Journal of Marketing . Beyond academia, Rao consults for global firms like 3M and Medtronic, and has conducted the Minnesota Orchestra twice in 2024-2025.
Aybars Tuncdogan is a Reader in Digital Innovation and Information Security at King’s Business School, King’s College London. He holds affiliations with the King’s AI Institute, King’s Cybersecurity Centre (Informatics), and King’s Cybersecurity Group (War Studies). A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, he also serves on the editorial review board of Industrial Marketing Management . Education : PhD in Management, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University MPhil in Business Research (Distinction), Erasmus University Bachelor’s in Business Management & Computer Science (Honors), Earlham College Research Interests : His work focuses on three pillars of digital innovation: generation (crowdsourcing, AI), marketing (digital brand personality, sales ambidexterity), and protection (information security, corporate espionage). He integrates psychology (individual differences, social identity) and computer science (machine learning/AI) frameworks. Publications Trends : Recent work addresses cybersecurity challenges in retail, AI ethics in healthcare, and interdisciplinary innovation. He frequently publishes in top-tier journals like Journal of Management and Scientific American , blending academic rigor with practitioner impact. Awards & Contributions : 2015 Best Paper Award (shared) Edited books including Oxford Handbook of Individual Differences and Strategic Renewal Teaching & Pedagogy : Develops innovative teaching methods like inquiry-based learning to foster student creativity. Taught modules on digital marketing, consumer behavior, and research methods. Labs/Teams : Contributes to cybersecurity initiatives at King’s, focusing on AI-driven defense mechanisms and organizational cyber resilience strategies.
Greg W. Marshall serves as the Charles Harwood Professor of Marketing and Strategy at Rollins College, with an extensive publication record cited over 11,600 times. His academic career spans more than two decades with continued scholarly output through 2020. Dr. Marshall's research focuses primarily on sales force management, workplace isolation among field sales professionals, and the impact of technological advancements on selling environments. His work examines critical issues such as sales strategy development, organizational commitment among salespeople, and the evolution of traditional sales methodologies in digital contexts. He has made significant contributions to understanding how virtual work arrangements affect sales performance and employee engagement. His publication trends reveal a consistent focus on sales management with increasing attention to technology's role in selling processes. Early work examined foundational sales concepts like the seven steps of selling, while more recent research investigates social media's impact on sales environments and the psychological effects of workplace isolation in virtual sales teams. Co-author of the 13th edition of Sales Force Management (2020), considered a contemporary classic in the field Extensive research on workplace isolation and its effects on sales performance Pioneering work on technology adoption in sales force environments Marshall has collaborated extensively with leading scholars in sales research including Mark Johnston, William Moncrief, and Juan Pablo Mulki. His research has practical implications for sales organizations navigating digital transformation and virtual work arrangements, with applications across multiple industries that rely on field sales forces.
Florian Zettelmeyer is the Nancy L. Ertle Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and Faculty Director of the Program on Data Analytics at Kellogg. He also serves as a senior science leader at Amazon, leading the Advertising Economics organization. His research focuses on marketing analytics, digital advertising, and the economic implications of artificial intelligence in business. PhD in Management Science from MIT (1996) Vordiplom in Business Engineering from University of Karlsruhe (1992) MS in Economics from University of Warwick (1991) Professor Zettelmeyer specializes in analyzing how analytics and AI transform firms, with notable work on advertising measurement, pricing strategies, and consumer decision-making in automotive markets. His publications span journals like Marketing Science, Management Science, and American Economic Review, emphasizing empirical validation through field experiments. He has received prestigious awards including the John D.C. Little Award (twice), Sales SIG Excellence in Research Award, and multiple teaching honors such as the Sidney J. Levy Teaching Award and L. G. Lavengood Outstanding Professor of the Year Award. His research frequently appears in top-tier journals and working paper series.
Alireza Keshavarz is an Assistant Professor/Lecturer in Marketing at Maynooth University Business School. He holds a PhD in Management Sciences (Marketing) from HEC, Paris. His research focuses on strategic marketing, salesforce management, and compensation dynamics, particularly examining gender pay gaps and salesforce mobility. He is affiliated with organizations such as AMA, EMAC, CNRS Lab GREG-HEC, and Labex ECODEC. His teaching spans marketing analytics, sales management, and business analytics across undergraduate, graduate, and MBA programs. Education: PhD in Management Sciences (Marketing), HEC Paris Research Interests: Sales Force Management Compensation and Incentives Sales Force Mobility Digital Literacy B2B Marketing Strategic Marketing Ambidexterity Recent Research Trends: Recent work emphasizes the interplay between salesforce structures, organizational strategies, and labor market dynamics, with a focus on gender disparities and incentive systems. Professional Contributions: Member of the Editorial Board for Journal of Business Research Regular presenter at conferences like AMA, EMAC, and INFORMS Labs/Teams: No specific labs or collaborative teams explicitly noted in available data.
Lisa Saum-Manning is the Associate Director of the International Security and Defense Policy Program, a Senior Political Scientist, and Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy, RAND Corporation. She is actively engaged in research that bridges defense policy, international security, and public administration. RAND Corporation – Associate Director, International Security and Defense Policy Program RAND Corporation – Senior Political Scientist RAND School of Public Policy – Professor of Policy Analysis Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. Ph.D., Political Science – University of California, Los Angeles Lisa Saum-Manning's research focuses on strategic planning for the U.S. Armed Forces and Department of State, particularly in the areas of security cooperation, conflict prevention in fragile states, WMD nonproliferation, and unconventional warfare. She has also led field research on building sustainable security capacity in Africa, Central and South America, and disaster recovery in Puerto Rico. Her work frequently addresses diversity and inclusion in the military, homeland security policy, and U.S. foreign military sales accountability. She recently served as a senior advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict Stabilization Operations during implementation of the Global Fragility Act. Her recent publications span topics such as Foreign Military Sales (FMS) accountability, Army readiness, disaster recovery in Puerto Rico, and diversity in military personnel. The body of her work demonstrates a consistent focus on policy-relevant research that informs national security decision-making, with an interdisciplinary approach combining political science, security studies, and public policy analysis. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: No specific awards listed in the provided text. Lisa Saum-Manning has advised on major defense and homeland security initiatives, including FEMA’s terrorism risk formula, U.S. Army personnel policy, and Coast Guard diversity strategies. She has received funding for multiple RAND studies from U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. Her advisory roles include direct engagement with senior officials in the State Department and Congress, particularly through her testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services. She leads and contributes to research teams at RAND focused on international security, defense policy, and stability operations. Her projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration, field data collection, and policy implementation analysis, particularly in complex operational environments such as post-conflict zones and disaster-affected regions.
Barry Babin is the Phil B. Hardin Professor of Marketing and Chair of the Department of Marketing, Analytics and Professional Sales at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) School of Business Administration. He also serves as Executive Director of the Academy of Marketing Science®. Education: B.S. in Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University (1982) M.B.A. in Business, University of Central Florida (1987) Ph.D. in Business Administration, Louisiana State University (1991) Barry's research focuses on customer experience design , wine marketing , value creation , and marketing analytics . He has published over 200 works, including books like Multivariate Data Analysis and CB: A Consumer Value Framework , with an h-index of 88. His meta-analyses and sensory marketing studies have significantly influenced service and retail marketing practices. Recent publications highlight trends in augmented reality marketing , robotic shopping assistants , and sustainable packaging . His work spans consumer behavior , salesforce management , and digital innovation . Awards: AMS Harold W. Berkman Distinguished Service Award Barry has directed over 20 dissertations/theses and consults on graduate program structures. He is a sought-after speaker in France and globally on marketing research topics.
Christian Homburg is a Professor of Marketing and Director of the Institute for Market-Oriented Management (IMU) at the University of Mannheim Business School. He holds additional positions as Distinguished Professorial Fellow at the University of Manchester and Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne. His leadership extends to his former role as Managing Director of the Mannheim Business School (2006-2010), where he significantly expanded student enrollment and established globally recognized MBA programs. Homburg's research primarily focuses on business-to-business marketing, sales management, pricing, and customer relationship management. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, particularly in understanding the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty, market-oriented organizational culture, and service quality. His research methodology frequently integrates quantitative approaches with structural equation modeling to examine complex marketing phenomena. He has pioneered work in customer experience management and effective customer journey design, reflecting the evolving nature of marketing in digital environments. Homburg's publication portfolio includes over 40 articles in the three leading marketing journals (Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Consumer Research) and numerous influential books. His work demonstrates a clear evolution from foundational research on market orientation and customer satisfaction toward more contemporary topics like customer experience management and digital customer journeys. His research maintains a strong emphasis on empirical validation while addressing practical business challenges. Research.com Business and Management in Germany Leader Award (2021-2025) Fellow of the American Marketing Association (lifetime achievement) Ranked fourth worldwide for research productivity in top marketing journals (2011-2022) Most research-intensive professor in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (WirtschaftsWoche 2018, 2020, 2023) Honorary doctorates from Copenhagen Business School (2006) and Technical University Freiberg (2008) Professor Homburg actively supervises doctoral students and leads research initiatives through the Institute for Market-Oriented Management. His research has been supported by significant academic grants, though specific grant details aren't provided in the source material. His work has influenced both academic theory and business practice, particularly in European markets. The Institute for Market-Oriented Management serves as his primary research hub, where he collaborates with academic staff members including Nicola Weber and Matthias Kleinermann. His research team focuses on translating theoretical marketing concepts into practical business applications, with particular emphasis on B2B contexts.
Jennifer Spindel is an Assistant Professor in the Political Science Department at the University of New Hampshire , where she directs the International Affairs Program . Her research focuses on international security , arms trade dynamics , and civil-military relations , analyzing how weapons transfers function as strategic signals and shape global power structures. She contributes policy analysis to Foreign Affairs , War on the Rocks , and Defense One , and holds a non-resident fellowship at the Institute for Future Conflict (US Air Force Academy, 2024–2025). Education: Ph.D. in Political Science (University of Minnesota), BA in Peace and Conflict Studies (Colgate University) Research Themes: Arms trade as political signaling, diffuse power structures, public attitudes toward military diversity, civil-military relationship dynamics Policy Engagement: Regularly contributes to national/international media, addressing defense strategy and arms trade implications. 2025 work explores mid-tier weapons’ strategic importance through Ukraine’s conflict experience. Collaborates with Stanton Foundation , Lyndon B. Johnson Foundation , and Global Racial and Social Inequality Lab . Scientific Awards: 2019 Kenneth Waltz Prize (Best Dissertation in International Security) Course Development Grant (Stanton Foundation, 2021–2022) Advocacy: Breast cancer survivor and volunteer Patient Advocate with Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center
Valerie Good serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Marketing and Transportation at the Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas, where she contributes to academic research and teaching in marketing disciplines. Her research spans critical domains including: Sales Management : Investigating salesperson well-being, motivation, and digital transformation impacts Retail Marketing : Analyzing online retail formats and product sales dynamics B2B Marketing : Exploring brand leverage and end-user engagement strategies Corporate Social Responsibility : Examining CSR's role during economic recessions Analysis of her 15 recent publications (2021-2025) reveals three dominant trajectories: (1) Human elements in sales processes, including resilience, loneliness, and purpose-driven motivation; (2) Digital transformation effects on retail formats, lead quality, and sales arrangements; (3) Strategic applications of corporate social responsibility during economic volatility. Her work consistently bridges theoretical rigor with practical sales and marketing applications, demonstrating increasing focus on psychological factors within commercial contexts.
Mark Leach is the Mendicino Family Chair in Sales and Salesmanship and Professor of Marketing at the University of Wyoming. He holds a Ph.D. from Georgia State University and a BS from the University of Arizona. Research focuses on business-to-business marketing, sales force management, and customer relationship development. His work examines strategies for maintaining profitable buyer-seller relationships and sales training effectiveness. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on customer reacquisition strategies, cross-cultural sales approaches, and relationship management in evolving markets. Recent work explores psychological factors in buyer decision-making processes. Leach mentors multiple doctoral students in marketing and serves on editorial boards for the Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice and Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing. He received the Marvin Jolson Award for impactful sales management research.
