Wayne Visser, one of the world's foremost experts in sustainable and regenerative business, has joined Católica Porto Business School as Professor of Practice in Regenerative Business, Innovation and Technology. This appointment marks him the world's first professor in this specialised area, a milestone in academia, and was announced at the 4th INSURE.hub conference (INnovation in SUstainability and REgeneration - INSURE - hub), held at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa campus in Porto on October 29th and 30th.
Recognised among the world's top ten speakers on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and one of the most influential voices on social media about responsible business, Wayne Visser brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Católica Porto Business School. He is the author of over 40 books, including the international bestseller “Thriving: The Breakthrough Movement to Regenerate Nature, Society and the Economy”.
The dean of Católica Porto Business School, João Pinto, emphasises: “Our ability to attract talent of this calibre reflects our growing reputation. Professor Visser, a fellow at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and former Director of Sustainability Services at KPMG, will greatly enhance our teaching and research capacity and connections with practice.”. At Católica Porto Business School, Wayne Visser will play a multifaceted role, contributing to programmes across the bachelor's, master’s, and executive education levels. He will also serve on the INSURE.hub Advisory Board. INSURE.hub (INnovation in SUstainability and REgeneration - INSURE) is a platform from the mobilisation of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, in Porto, through its Schools - Católica Porto Business School and Faculty of Biotechnology - and of Planetiers New Generation.
Wayne Visser’s vision for his role is ambitious: "I aim to strengthen the partnership and connection between Católica Porto Business School and industry. The school’s strategic plan includes sustainability and innovation, and we will focus on this while developing a new knowledge-transfer centre and different projects, building a bridge between Universidade Católica Portuguesa and academic and corporate players.”
Additionally, Wayne Visser will work closely with GALP group, a longstanding corporate partner of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, which has collaborated on numerous innovation and sustainability-focused research initiatives. This close collaboration between the university and industry reflects both partners’ commitment to fostering innovation and technological development to enhance student education, increase competitiveness, and promote sustainable economic growth.
