BROWN x EDHEC Talk by Katherine Melchior Ray ’85

Katherine Melchior Ray ’85 will explore key themes about how leading brands like Louis Vuitton, Nike, Nestlé, and Natura leverage cultural intelligence to localize their marketing strategies and build authentic connections across diverse cultures. Her expertise in cultural intelligence (CQ) offers practical insights for executives looking to strengthen their brand's global relevance while maintaining local resonance.

After her 30-minutes presentation, we will have a discussion with a three-person panel about global careers with Fama Toure, MPA ’22 and Melba Melton ’06, our new Board Member and EDHEC MBA ’26.

This interactive session will provide a unique opportunity to participate in thought-provoking discussions and socialize with fellow executives, Brown University and EDHEC MBA participants & alumni. We look forward to seeing you there.

PS: Please note that the main venue entrance at Le Centorial will close at 8:00 p.m. We kindly ask guests to arrive before that time. For security reasons, exits will be final. 

Bio: Katherine Melchior Ray is a global marketing expert and former CMO of Shiseido (Tokyo) and Babbel (Berlin), with senior leadership roles at the world’s most prestigious luxury, fashion, beauty, and hospitality brands including Nike, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Hyatt. Fluent in French and Japanese, she teaches global marketing at UC Berkeley Haas, exploring how cultural intelligence helps brands enter new markets, embrace disruption, and lead organizational transformations. President of Globe Ally Consulting and author of the Amazon #1 Bestseller in International Business, Brand Global, Adapt Local, she speaks worldwide on global marketing, culture, and leadership. She is an Expert in Residence and on the Strategic Advisory Board for EDHEC MBA and graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in History and attended Keio University in Tokyo and the Stanford D School.

Fama Toure - President, Brown Club of France

Melba Melton - Board Member, Brown Club of France, and EDHEC MBA '26