Jordi Canals (born 1967) is a Spanish economist and management scholar specializing in corporate governance, strategic management, and organizational theory. He serves as a Professor of Strategic Management at IESE Business School, part of the University of Navarra, and has held several leadership positions within the institution.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration, University of Barcelona.
- Ph.D. in Business Administration, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Academic and Professional Career
- Joined IESE Business School in 1998 as a faculty member in the Department of Strategy.
- Appointed Director of the IESE Center for Corporate Governance, overseeing research and advisory activities on governance practices in Europe and Latin America.
- Served as Dean of IESE Business School from 2015 to 2020, during which the school expanded its global campus network and launched new executive education programs.
- Holds visiting professorships and has delivered lectures at institutions such as the University of Oxford, Harvard Business School, and the London School of Economics.
Research Focus and Contributions
Canals’ research concentrates on:
- The role of boards of directors and governance mechanisms in firm performance.
- Strategies for corporate renewal and transformation.
- The impact of institutional environments on managerial decision‑making.
His work has been published in peer‑reviewed journals including Academy of Management Review, Strategic Management Journal, Corporate Governance: An International Review, and Journal of Business Ethics. He is also a regular contributor to practitioner‑oriented publications and has provided expert commentary to media outlets on topics related to corporate governance and strategic leadership.
Professional Affiliations and Honors
- Fellow of the Academy of Management.
- Member of the European Corporate Governance Forum.
- Recipient of the IESE Best Teacher Award (multiple years).
- Served on advisory boards for several multinational corporations and nonprofit organizations.
Publications (selected)
- Boards of Directors and Corporate Redeeming: A Global Perspective (co‑edited, Routledge, 2016).
- “Institutional Ownership and Board Monitoring: Evidence from Europe” (Journal of Corporate Finance, 2014).
- “Strategic Change and Governance: The Role of the Chairman” (Strategic Management Journal, 2012).
Jordi Canals continues to be active in academic research, executive education, and consultancy, contributing to the development of governance frameworks and strategic practices worldwide.
