The Team

Karoline STRAUSS, Chair Professor

Karoline STRAUSS is a professor within ESSEC’s Management Department. She teaches leadership and human resource management across different programs at ESSEC, and is the Academic Director of the BBA dissertations. She holds a Masters in Psychology from the University of Vienna (2006) and a PhD in Organizational Psychology from the University of Sheffield (2010). Prior to joining ESSEC in 2015, she was an associate professor at Warwick Business School. 

Her research focuses on well-being and performance, and on sustainable careers. Her work has been published in leading journals such as the Journal of Management, the Journal of Applied Psychology, and Human Resource Management. Her most recent research explores how leisure activities such as sports build psychological resources which promote performance in organizations. In her ongoing work she explores how individuals actively manage their careers and navigate career transitions.  

Lise COSIMI, Chair Executive Director

With more than 25 years of experience in the international sports industry, Lise Cosimi has a deep knowledge of international mega multi-sport events, from bidding to organisation and delivery. Her international expertise offers Lise a deep insight of the world’s sports industry and associated challenges, dealing on a daily basis with worldwide key sports stakeholders. Prior to joining the sports chair, Lise was the Managing Director of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee. Lise graduated from ESSEC and holds a Master 2 degree in General Management as well as an Executive Certificate “Women Board Ready”. She also holds a Master 2 degree in Media and Telecom from IMM Paris and a translator &interpreter diploma from ISIT in 3 European languages. 

Julien BEKONO, Chair Coordinator

Julien BEKONO has been working at Essec since 2011, and has spent his time coordinating some of the best programs such as the MS SMIB, Master in Finance and the Savoir-Faire d'Exception Management Chair.

His passion for sport and caring for people is sure to provide a great experience for all members and partners of the Essec Sports Chair.