Emma Bell takes up H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf's professorship in leadership

The Stockholm School of Economics has appointed Professor Emma Bell to the H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf Chair in Leadership. The chair was established in 2023 to mark the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 50th anniversary on the throne and is funded by, among others, the Torsten Söderberg Foundation. It represents a significant investment in leadership research at the Stockholm School of Economics.

Emma Bell's research focuses on exploring the complexities of leadership, with a particular focus on how culture, power and emotions interact to shape leadership practice. She also examines how perceptions of leaders change over time, which is particularly relevant in today's rapidly changing society.

Professor Bell emphasizes that leadership is not just about individual characteristics, but is a social phenomenon that is constantly scrutinized and reshaped by societal expectations. A central part of her work is to broaden the understanding of what leadership can be, beyond traditional hierarchical models. Her interdisciplinary approach provides new perspectives on how organizations can develop and adapt to future challenges.

The Torsten Söderberg Foundation made the donation for the professorship together with the Ragnar Söderberg Foundation and PO Söderberg. Other donors include Carl Bennet AB, the Erling-Persson Foundation, the Schörling Family Foundation, Stena AB, and the Wallenberg Foundations. The total donation amounted to 60 million kronor.

More about the donation in connection with HM the King's 50 years on the throne.

Photo: Juliana WG