Designed for family owned businesses with a global presence or interested in developing one.

Global Family Enterprise

Thunderbird is host to the annual Global Family Enterprise (GFE.) GFE is typically held in Phoenix at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa.

Video 1
Global Family Enterprise Program Overview
01:42 mins Global Family Enterprise Program Overview
Video 2
Program participants share their thoughts
02:37 mins Program participants share their thoughts

Program Overview

Sponsored by Thunderbird's Walker Center for Global Entrepreneurship and the Center for Global Family Enterprise, the event welcomes domestic and international business owners and operators of family businesses from all industries. It is designed for members of family enterprises that have a global presence or are interested in developing one.


Global Family Enterprise

The focus of this executive program is about the complexities of the family business. Program participants (family members active in the business, family shareholders/trustees, and key nonfamily management) will learn how to effectively manage growth, establish successful governance strategies, and ensure continuity between generations of family leaders.

Live case study discussions, group exercises, case analyses, lectures, GFE Forums and family group projects will be part of the curriculum, taught by Thunderbird faculty. A select group of family business experts will also provide current industry insight to participants.


Inquiries & Reservations

Historically the program is $5,400 for the first registrant, $4,500 for additional registrants from the same family business at least two participants from the business must participate. 

The program cost does not include accommodations, or travel to and from the hotel.


Contact Us

For more information about this program, please contact Carol Pacelli with the Thunderbird Walker Center for Global Entrepreneurship:

Carol Pacelli
carol.pacelli@thunderbird.edu 
Telephone: (602) 978-7251
Fax: (602) 439-1435