In Tribute to Michel Laroche, 2025 Cutco/Vector Distinguished Marketing Educator Award Recipient
I had the privilege of knowing Michel Laroche as a colleague, collaborator, and dear friend for over 30 years. While he was an accomplished scholar whose research influenced generations of marketing academics, what I will remember most was his kindness. Michel was genuinely interested in people. He made time for others, celebrated their successes, and was always willing to offer encouragement, advice, or simply a listening ear. He was particularly dedicated to his graduate students.
Family was at the center of his life. No matter how busy his professional responsibilities became, it was always clear that his greatest pride and deepest joy came from those he loved. He spoke of his family with pride, warmth, and affection, and that devotion was reflected in the way he treated everyone around him.
Michel also believed strongly in giving back to the discipline. We worked together for more than fifteen years at the Journal of Business Research, where he served as Managing Editor and I served as Marketing Section Editor. His dedication to service extended far beyond the journal. He devoted countless hours to numerous professional organizations. We worked closely together to support and grow the Academy of Marketing Science and the Society for Marketing Advances. He helped strengthen the marketing academic community and the mentoring of scholars around the world.
Michel also embraced life's pleasures. He introduced me to Collioure, Calvados, and foie gras, and he delighted in sharing good food, good wine, and good conversation with friends. Among the many topics we discussed, he was well-versed in my family's history and taught me of "le grand derangement." I am so much the richer for it. I will particularly remember our good times at the table.
His scholarly legacy is significant, but the kindness, generosity, and humanity he brought to every relationship are what I will miss most. He made our profession, and our lives, richer. May the perpetual light shine upon him.
Barry J. Babin
Executive Director • Board of Governors Co-Chair • Co-Director of International Programs
