People

Professor Jeffrey L. Sampler is a Professor of Practice in Strategy and Technology at the University of Hong Kong.  Previously, he was a faculty member at the London Business School and the University of Oxford for over 20 years.  Most recently, he spent 12 years on the faculty of the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS).  In addition to his teaching roles, Professor Sampler has collaborated with MIT’s Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) for over two decades.  His research interests include the strategic implications of new technology and the management of information as a strategic resource.  His work has been published in prominent journals such as Accounting, Management, and Information Technology, Fortune, Journal of Management Studies, Journal of Management Information Systems, MIS Quarterly, Sloan Management Review, and the Strategic Management Journal.  Notably, his paper with John Cross and Michael Earl on the “Transformation of IT at British Petroleum Exploration” won first prize in the Society of Information Manager’s paper competition.  Professor Sampler has authored two influential books on the economic transformation of Dubai, titled “Sand to Silicon” and “Sand to Silicon – Going Global”.

His research straddles the intersection between strategy and technology.  Professor Sampler is currently investigating how digital technologies serve as a driving force in the transformation of various industries.  Another key area of his research involves exploring the nature of strategic planning in turbulent and rapidly growing markets.  His recent book, “Bringing Strategy Back,” provides companies with valuable insights for effective planning in such dynamic environments.

Professor Sampler is a highly sought-after speaker at conferences and corporate management retreats, having travelled over 4 million miles to deliver lectures in more than 35 countries.  His extensive experience includes advising and serving on the boards of both FTSE 100 corporations and start-ups.  Notably, he spent five years as an advisor to the former president of Nokia and has provided counsel to two Heads of State.  In addition, he served as a non-executive director of an internet travel company for four years, during which time the company’s annual revenue skyrocketed from $16 million to over $1 billion.  His expertise extends to advising family businesses, having collaborated with prominent family groups in India, Thailand, and China for many years.  His insights and contributions have been recognized in major media outlets, including Newsweek, BBC Television, BBC World Service, BBC Radio, CNBC, Economic Times, Financial Mail, and IT Web.