HMC Vice-Principal recognised in list of influential management thinkers

Harris Manchester College Vice-Principal and Fellow and Tutor in Management Professor Jan-Emmanuel De Neve has been recognised by Thinkers50, a global events organiser and publisher whose listings aim to highlight today’s most influential thinkers in business and management.  

Professor De Neve, who directs the HMC-based Wellbeing Research Centre and is an editor of the World Happiness Report, was identified earlier this year alongside Dr George Ward as a Radar Thinker – a figure likely to prove highly influential in shaping management and leadership thinking over the coming years. Thinkers50 awarded the accolade to the pair due to their ability to “offer a fresh data-driven perspective to definitions of workplace wellbeing.” 

Professor De Neve (left) with Dr Ward and their latest book, named one of Thinkers50’s Best New Management Books

Professor De Neve and Dr Ward, who was formerly a Research Fellow at the Wellbeing Centre before joining French business school INSEAD, were also named in Thinkers50’s Best New Management Books ranking for Why Workplace Wellbeing Matters, which was published earlier this year. 

To round off their strong showing in the listings, Thinkers50 has also shortlisted the duo for its 2025 Talent Award, which recognises thinkers who have driven businesses’ understanding of how to attract, develop and retain talent. The winner will be announced in a ceremony in London later this year. 

Read more about the work of the Wellbeing Research Centre and Professor De Neve’s research.