Cristina Cruz Serrano

Dr. Cristina Cruz is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the IE Center for Families in Business. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.

She is an internationally recognized expert in the study of family businesses and entrepreneurial families. Her research on corporate governance, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship within family-controlled organizations has been published in leading academic management journals. Her outstanding research contributions have earned her several awards, and she currently serves as Associate Editor of the Family Business Review.

As Director of the IE Center for Families in Business, Dr. Cruz leads numerous applied research projects and supports entrepreneurial families in their primary challenge: creating value across generations. By collaborating with various institutions, she provides innovative strategies and practical solutions to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within family organizations. Her teaching focuses on developing responsible owners and shareholders, as well as more entrepreneurial executives.

She is a Fellow of the Family Firm Institute, a distinction awarded to professionals who demonstrate ongoing commitment and expertise in the field of family business. Additionally, she is a member of the scientific board of the Family Office Observatory at Politecnico di Milano.

Academic Background

• PhD in Business Economics and Quantitative Methods, Carlos III University (Madrid)

• Executive Development Program in Family Business, IE Business School

• BA in International Economics, Manchester University

• Degree in Economics, University of Murcia (Spain)

Teaching and Research Experience

• Head of the Entrepreneurship Department, IE Business School, 2014 - 2018

• Professor of Entrepreneurship, IE Business School, 2004 - present

• Director of the Banca March-IE Project to study family businesses

Latest Publications

• Becerra, M., Cruz, C., Graves, C. (2020). “Innovation in Family Firms: The Relative Effects of Wealth Concentration Versus Family-Centered Goals”. Family Business Review, Vol. 33 (4): 372-392

• Cruz, C., Justo, R., Larraza-Kintana, M., & Garcés-Galdeano, L. (2019). “When Do Women Make a Better Table? Examining the Influence of Women Directors on Family Firm’s Corporate Social Performance”. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Vol. 43 (2): 282-301

• Firfiray, S., Cruz, C., Neacsu, I., Gomez-Mejia, L. (2018). “Is nepotism so bad for family firms? A socioemotional wealth approach”. Human Resource Management Review, Vol. 28 (1): 83-97

• Cruz, C., Justo, R. (2017). “Portfolio Entrepreneurship as a Mixed Gamble: A Winning Bet for Family Entrepreneurs in SMEs”. Journal of Small Business Management, Vol. 55(4): 571-593