Their destinations may differ, but they all began at the same place. A look at alumni stories of success that started at Ivey.
The HBA Class of 2000 celebrated its 25th reunion at Ivey’s Homecoming this past weekend, and Ivey Professor Adam Fremeth, HBA ’00, was among those taking part. In addition to reconnecting with classmates, Fremeth also moderated a panel discussion on how leaders from different generations have leaned on their Ivey education and networks to navigate times of uncertainty.
In the Q&A below, he reflects on his path from HBA student to professor and shares more about who he is, what inspires him, and how Ivey shaped his journey.
Tell us about your path.
I grew up in Ottawa before moving to London, Ontario, for my undergraduate studies at Western University. After working in government and at a think tank in Ottawa, I went to graduate school at the University of Minnesota. There was always a strong pull to return to Canada – and to Ivey. In 2009, I came back to join the faculty. Today, I’m proud to serve as the E.J. Kernaghan Professor in Energy Policy and Associate Professor of Business, Economics, and Public Policy. Homecoming was a powerful reminder of the lasting connections and impact of the Ivey experience.
What led you to your career, and how has it evolved over time?
Growing up in Ottawa, I was surrounded by politics and policy. I saw firsthand how governments and businesses interacted, and I became fascinated by the questions those interactions raised: What do they mean for firms? How do they shape policy? And what are the consequences for the broader public? I even had the chance to work in the House of Commons when I was quite young. Watching those dynamics play out up close sparked a curiosity that never really left me.
When I arrived at Ivey, I was weighing different career paths. Like many HBA students, I considered consulting or banking. But during my time here, I worked as a teaching assistant for finance professor Ron Wirick. He encouraged me to think about academia – something I hadn’t considered before. Soon after, I started teaching in Ivey’s pre-business program (now Business Foundations) and working with professors like Guy Holburn, who shared my interest in government–business relations
That early encouragement changed everything. I worked at a trade think tank, then pursued my PhD at the University of Minnesota to explore those questions in depth. In 2009, I returned to Ivey as a professor. Since then, I’ve built my career around those original interests, combining teaching, research, and engagement with policy-makers and industry leaders.
Who inspired you?
My parents were my first inspiration. They were the first in their families to go to university, and that achievement shaped so much of how I grew up. Education was always emphasized in our household, but so was curiosity – asking good questions and pushing yourself to find answers.
That foundation gave me the confidence to take a different path than most of my HBA classmates.
How did Ivey play a role?
Ivey’s approach to business education was transformative for me. What makes this School unique is the balance it strikes – world-class teaching that is highly engaging and interactive, combined with research that is rigorous but also deeply practical and relevant. That combination shaped how I think about my own career.
As a student, the case method pushed me out of my comfort zone. It taught me to analyze problems quickly, defend my ideas, and listen carefully to others – skills that have been valuable throughout my career.
As a professor, I try to bring that same balance to my work: being an effective educator in the classroom while producing research that matters to policy-makers and business leaders.
If I had studied business elsewhere, I might have had a very different path. At Ivey, I learned the value of being an effective, relevant educator while also producing research that has real-world impact.
Why did you choose the HBA Program specifically?
When I came to Western, there wasn’t an AEO pathway into the HBA Program, so we all applied in our second year. I was studying political science and economics, but after taking Business 20 (now 1220), I enjoyed the way it connected theory with practice.
Ivey’s use of the case method was something I found engaging and that I believed would help me understand concepts that were completely new to me. All of those things led me to the HBA.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Personally, I’m proud of my family – my wife, Rachel, and our 11-year-old twins, Seth and Layla. We love travelling together, which is a nice part of academic life.
Professionally, I’m proud to have been named a Fulbright Scholar, and, early in my career, to receive the E.J. Kernaghan Chair in Energy Policy. The relationship that I’ve built with Ted Kernaghan, HBA ’65, has been very meaningful.
I’m also proud of my time as MBA Faculty Director, from 2021 to 2024, particularly the opportunity to bring Ukrainian students to Ivey so they could continue their education despite the war in their country. That was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make as a School.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I play hockey with colleagues and retired professors, which is a lot of fun. I also love the outdoors. My family and I are always looking for new adventures – discovering new places and things – in and around London.
What is your favourite memory from your time at Ivey?
My first 48-hour report stands out. I can still remember my learning team, the debates we had, the music we were listening to, and the intensity of those two days. Our professor was Ann Frost, which is especially meaningful now because I have the chance to work alongside her as a colleague. That experience was formative and bonded us as classmates while also reminding me of the calibre of professors at Ivey.
What is the most important takeaway from your Ivey experience?
Don’t shy away from uncomfortable situations. Those are the moments where you discover what you’re truly capable of.
I first learned that as an HBA student, and later as a young instructor. Since then, I’ve carried that lesson into every role at Ivey – from teaching to research to leadership – and it’s a principle I model for my students: lean into the discomfort, because that’s where learning and leadership happen.
Are you still connected to the School in any way?
I’ve been a faculty member at Ivey since 2009, so I’m very connected! Beyond teaching, I also engage with alumni groups through speaking opportunities and School events. Being able to give back to Ivey in these ways is incredibly rewarding.
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