Why retailers must invest in people as AI advances
Artificial intelligence may transform how retailers operate, but Charles de Brabant, Executive Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, says the human touch could become their greatest competitive advantage.
Viral raccoon coin blurs investing and charitable giving
Pepper, Montreal’s viral raccoon, has become the face of a cryptocurrency valued at more than $1 million. The memecoin has attracted thousands of buyers, with funds raised through the project expected to help support Pepper and a proposed wildlife sanctuary. Katrin Tinn, Professor at McGill Desautels, warns that this charitable framing could lead buyers to mistake a speculative investment for a direct donation.
MMA student Nebiyou Timotewos receives Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers
Nebiyou Timotewos, a Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) student at McGill Desautels and 2026 McCall MacBain Scholar, has received the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers, the province’s highest honour for youth aged 15 to 24.
AI transforms how retailers set prices
Artificial intelligence is giving retailers new ways to tailor prices, discounts and promotions to individual customers. Maxime Cohen, Professor at McGill Desautels and author of the forthcoming book Pricing in the Age of AI, says the technology can combine purchase history, browsing behaviour, location and other signals to estimate willingness to pay in real time.
In the Age of AI, Investing in the Human Touch Is Fundamental for Retailers
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into retail, Executive Director Charles de Brabant argues that technology alone will not be enough to create lasting competitive advantage. While AI can enhance efficiency, decision-making and customer experience, retailers that continue investing in trust, expertise, empathy and meaningful human relationships will be best positioned to succeed.
Canada’s data centre boom comes with trade-offs
Canada’s AI data centre boom could bring investment and high-paying jobs, but its benefits may come with higher consumer costs and pressure on infrastructure. Simon Blanchette, course lecturer at McGill Desautels, cautions that employment projections should be viewed carefully.
Airport concessions open new paths for pension investment
Canada’s proposed airport concessions could give pension funds access to established infrastructure while allowing governments to recycle capital into new projects. Sebastien Betermier, Professor at McGill Desautels, says major airports offer established cash flows and limited development risk, but their attractiveness will depend on transparent bidding, regulatory certainty and clearly defined decision rights.
Why AI training isn't one-size-fits-all
As workplace AI use accelerates, employee training is struggling to keep pace. Nearly two-thirds of workers now use AI on the job, yet access to learning and development resources has declined.
Rethinking how TPA is evaluated
The Total Portfolio Approach (TPA) is reshaping how large institutional investors manage their portfolios, giving investment teams greater flexibility to manage risk and opportunities across entire portfolios rather than within individual asset classes. But can its benefits actually be measured?
Preparing for the AI risks we don't yet see
As AI systems gain autonomy, traditional safety testing may no longer be enough to address emerging threats. McGill Desautels faculty lecturer Simon Blanchette and Professor Emmanuelle Vaast argue that the industry needs both a slowdown in development and a stronger culture of anticipatory thinking.
Governance rights shape defence investment decisions
As governments seek private capital for defence projects, pension funds are looking for structures that protect their fiduciary responsibilities and provide meaningful governance rights.
Reshaping retail: AI, customer relevance and smarter decisions
On September 29, 2026, the Bensadoun School of Retail Management (BSRM) hosted its annual Reshaping the Future of Retail Conference at the Ritz-Carlton Montréal, powered by KPMG.
Assessing defence investments through a fiduciary lens
Pension funds are examining how defence-related investments can be structured without compromising fiduciary duty. Sebastien Betermier, Professor at McGill Desautels says the key is aligning government objectives with investors’ financial, ethical and regulatory obligations.
Supply chain pressures reach Canadian shoppers
The latest escalation in the Canada-U.S. trade war could leave Canadian consumers facing higher prices, fewer choices and longer waits for certain products.
Saibal Ray, professor of supply chain management at McGill Desautels, says construction materials and auto parts may be particularly vulnerable to shortages because of tariffs on steel and aluminum.
A shorter work week could reshape Canadian workplaces
As debate grows over whether Canada is ready for a four-day work week, Jean-Nicolas Reyt, associate professor at McGill Desautels, argues that working less could benefit employees and employers through stronger motivation and retention.
