2026 Best 40-Under-40 Business Professors: Camille Meyer, University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business

Camille Meyer
University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business 

“He is nominated for his exceptional contributions to Executive Education and the Executive MBA, advancing innovative approaches to climate change, sustainable finance, and inclusive economic development. He is part of a small, internationally trained group of experts capable of bridging the gap between complex global environmental challenges and practical executive decision-making. His work is particularly valuable in the South African and broader African context, where there is an urgent need for new models that address the climate and biosphere emergency alongside inequality. Prof Meyer combines deep technical expertise with the ability to engage executives in meaningful, practice-oriented learning, enabling real-world impact across sectors. In addition, his personal qualities—integrity, compassion, responsibility, and a deeply relational orientation (Ubuntu)—enhance his ability to influence leadership practice in transformative ways.” – Kosheek Sewchurran, Professor of Strategy and Leadership practice

Camille Meyer, 38, is Associate Professor of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Director of the Executive MBA at the University of Cape Town (UCT) Graduate School of Business. His work sits at the intersection of innovation, governance and sustainability, with a focus on how social enterprises, digital innovations, and collective action can drive inclusive and regenerative economic systems. 

At UCT, Camille serves as Programme Director of the Executive MBA, where he leads the strategic design of the program, integrating sustainability, technology, and global partnerships to strengthen its position as a flagship executive program in Africa. He previously launched and directed the CEMS Master in International Management and co-convenes the “Lead Campus: Sustainable Leadership in Africa” international executive program in partnership with HEC Paris and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.  

Additionally, Camille holds an International Visiting Chair at HEC Paris and Hi! PARIS (2026–2028). He was a Fellow at The New Institute (Germany) in 2025 and has received numerous research honours, including the Emerald/EFMD Outstanding Doctoral Research Award in Management and Governance, the FIR-PRI Finance and Sustainability Best PhD Thesis Award, and the Society for Business Ethics Founders’ Award.  

Camille’s research has been published in leading academic journals including Research Policy, Journal of Business Venturing, Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, Organization Studies, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Business Ethics, Business Ethics Quarterly, and Academy of Management Discoveries. His work examines topics such as the governance and management of commons, social entrepreneurship, digital innovations, and complementary currencies. He also contributes to practitioner-oriented outlets and policy-relevant publications focused on innovation and sustainability. 

BACKGROUND 

At current institution since what year? 2019 

Education: Ph.D. in Economics and Management Sciences, Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, Free University of Brussels (ULB), Belgium. 

 List of MBA/graduate business courses you currently teach: I teach Business Model Innovations and Management & Sustainability. Across programs, my goal is to empower students and executives to create meaningful social and environmental impact through business. 

TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR 

I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … I realized the power of education to influence both public discourse and corporate action. Universities are uniquely positioned to shape how current and future leaders think about responsibility, sustainability, and the role of business in society. 

What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it?  I’m currently researching a social enterprise called Abalobi and its efforts to integrate small-scale fishing communities into formal seafood supply chains. One of the most exciting insights is how digital innovation can enhance socio-economic inclusion while simultaneously supporting ecological regeneration. It’s a powerful example of how the use of technology can assist in serving both society and the planet.  

In addition, as part of my role as International Visiting Chair at HEC and Hi! PARIS, I explore how artificial intelligence can be developed and governed as a commons, i.e. a shared resource for collective benefit. My work focuses on ensuring AI advancements are accessible, equitable, and aligned with societal needs, rather than concentrated in the hands of a few. This perspective is crucial for fostering innovation that truly serves the public good. 

If I weren’t a business school professor… I would love to be an art curator. I have always been captivated by art and the way it reflects social and cultural change. I especially admire South African artist Esther Mahlangu and Ghanaian painter Ablade Glover, who have both found powerful ways to bridge tradition and modernity through their work. Realistically, though, I would most likely work in policy or the NGO sector, striving to make a meaningful impact for the common good. 

What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? What sets me apart as a professor is my global perspective; shaped by experience across four continents, fluency in multiple languages, and a deep understanding of diverse cultures and academic systems. This global perspective helps me to make complex topics accessible and engaging, whether I’m advising corporate executives or collaborating with marginalized communities to drive sustainable innovation.  

Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: The role is as much about leadership and institution-building as it is about research and teaching. You don’t just educate students: you shape the future of the institution itself, mentor colleagues to unlock their potential, and build enduring communities that amplify impact far beyond the classroom.  

Professor I most admire and why: My PhD supervisor, Marek Hudon (Free University of Brussels, Belgium), who built a unique research platform around sustainable business models and created a strong, collaborative community advancing the field. His commitment to public discourse reinforced my belief in academia’s role as a catalyst for societal change. Marek’s example taught me that true leadership in academia requires generosity, long-term vision, and the courage to engage beyond traditional boundaries. 

What do you enjoy most about teaching business students?  I find teaching executive students especially rewarding. Their rich professional experience, inquisitive mindset, and drive to apply classroom insights to real-world challenges create a dynamic and impactful learning environment. At the same time, I’m equally inspired by the curiosity and fresh perspectives that younger MBA students bring; their eagerness to explore and question enriches every discussion. 

What is most challenging? Students sometimes have limited exposure to disciplines like the humanities or natural sciences, which can lead to a narrow focus on profit alone.  

When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as… fair and analytical. 

LIFE OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM 

What are your hobbies? Going to the beach, hiking in the mountains, exploring food and wine. Cape Town offers all of this! 

How will you spend your summer? With my family in Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer in Brittany, France, where I grew up. 

Favorite place(s) to vacation: Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, holds a special place in my heart: its vibrant food, soulful music, and rich history generate a deep spiritual connection. Equally unforgettable is Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, where the wild, untouched landscapes offer a breathtaking escape into nature. 

Favorite book(s): Since moving to South Africa, I’ve immersed myself in African literature. Works by classical authors such as Chinua Achebe and Ben Okri have offered me profound insights into African heritage and identity, while more contemporary works like Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi and Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie bring modern perspectives through richly textured storytelling. 

What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? My favorite film is the classic: 12 Angry Men. I value its exploration of human nature, prejudice, and the power of reasoned debate. It’s a timeless reminder of the importance of critical thinking and standing up for one’s convictions, even when they are unpopular. 

What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? For the past few years, I’ve been captivated by the South African genre Amapiano. What I love most is how it has organically grown from local roots to global recognition, showcasing the power of cultural expression in music. 

THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS 

If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this…  First, interdisciplinarity, with stronger integration between business education, the natural sciences, and the humanities. A broader intellectual foundation is essential if we expect business leaders to design solutions that meaningfully address global and societal challenges.  

Second, a commitment to tech for good, embedding ethical digital innovation at the core of every curriculum. Technology should not just drive profit, but also solve pressing human and environmental problems, ensuring that progress is inclusive and sustainable.  

Third, a deeper engagement with public discourse, particularly on social media. As younger generations mainly inhabit these spaces, it is vital for scholars and universities to be present there; not only to share knowledge, but to uphold critical thinking and intellectual rigor. We cannot afford to leave these platforms without informed, evidence‑based engagement.  

In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at… moving beyond scaling standardized business models toward scaling context-sensitive impact. Too many solutions still prioritize efficiency and replication over resilience and relevance, treating communities as markets rather than partners. The organizations that will lead the future are those that embed sustainability, social innovation, and protection of cultural and ecological heritage into core strategy; thereby co-creating solutions that are locally grounded, digitally enabled, and designed to build inclusive and regenerative economic systems. 

I’m grateful for… the opportunity to live in Africa. Its cultural, social, and economic richness has been a transformative experience. The continent’s energy, opportunities, and people have broadened my worldview, offering new perspectives that complement my time in Europe, Latin America and North America. 

 

DON’T MISS: THE ENTIRE 2026 ROSTER OF THE WORLD’S BEST 40-UNDER-40 GRADUATE BUSINESS PROFESSORS 

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