Michael Roberts

Executive Director, Entreprenership at Harvard Business School

Michael Roberts is a prominent figure in the field of entrepreneurship, serving as the Executive Director of Entrepreneurship at Harvard Business School (HBS). He has a robust academic background and extensive experience in both teaching and practical application of entrepreneurial principles.

Academic Background and Career

Education: Michael Roberts earned his BA in Economics from Harvard College in 1979, followed by an MBA with high distinction from Harvard Business School in 1983. He completed his doctorate in Business Administration from HBS in 1986, where he was a Dean's Fellow.
Teaching: At HBS, he teaches courses focused on entrepreneurial management, including the elective course "Evaluating the Entrepreneurial Opportunity." He has contributed to the curriculum by developing over 100 case studies related to entrepreneurship and management transitions.1 3

Leadership Roles

Arthur Rock Center for Entrepreneurship: Previously, Roberts served as the Executive Director of this center, which focuses on fostering entrepreneurial ventures within the HBS community.
Case Development: He has also held the position of Executive Director of Case Development at HBS, overseeing significant aspects of case study production for educational purposes.2

Professional Experience

Before his academic career, Roberts worked in various sectors:

He was involved with McKinsey & Co. and Morgan Stanley, providing strategic insights and financial expertise.
He served as the Director of International Business Development for Cellular Communications, Inc., where he played a key role in acquiring a cellular license in Italy.
His entrepreneurial experience includes positions such as Chief Financial Officer for a start-up restaurant chain and Vice President of Business Development in healthcare services.1 3

Contributions to Entrepreneurship

Roberts has co-authored influential texts like "New Business Ventures and the Entrepreneur," which is widely used across graduate business programs. His research focuses on managing transitions from entrepreneurial ventures to professional management, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in business.1 3

In summary, Michael Roberts combines a rich academic background with practical experience, making significant contributions to entrepreneurship education at Harvard Business School.