Marion Debruyne

On the principle that nothing is as practical as a good theory, Marion Debruyne loves bridging the worlds of academia and business.  

With a background in engineering and marketing, she has always been passionate about understanding the impact of technology and innovation on markets. Her research focuses on the challenges companies face as they deal with fundamental industry shifts – and her work has been published in several renowned academic journals. 

In 2015, Marion’s book Customer Innovation won her the CMI Management book of the year award in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship category. She recently co-authored a new book, Making Your Way, with Professor Katleen De Stobbeleir. 

Marion has been Dean of Vlerick since 2015. Before taking on her current role, she was Director of Masters programmes. She also has extensive executive education experience – and has delivered customised programmes for companies in a range of industries, from pharma and healthcare to financial services.  

Outside her academic work, Marion is an independent director on the boards of Ackermans & Van Haaren, Guberna and Kinepolis.

Who am I

• Dean, Full Professor and Partner at Vlerick Business School 
• Assistant Professor at the Goizueta Business School - Emory University, US (2002-2005) 
• Visiting Scholar at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management - Northwestern University, US (2001-2002) 
• Visiting Doctoral Fellow at the Wharton School - University of Pennsylvania, US (2000-2001) 
• Doctor in Applied Economics at Ghent University 
• Master in Marketing at Vlerick Business School 
• Master in Civil Engineering at Ghent University