JEREMY THOMAS GALBREATH

I worked with Jeremy in academia for the last 15 years, and very closely, almost daily, for the last 5 years, co-authoring many papers. I've sent this to the global academic community to which he contributed so much. In Memoriam: Professor Jeremy Galbreath (1964–2026) The international academic community has lost an outstanding scholar, teacher, mentor, and colleague with the passing of Professor Jeremy Galbreath, who died peacefully on 15 July 2026, though unexpectedly, from leukemia. Following almost two decades of working in business ventures in the United States, Jeremy transitioned to academia in 2002, completing a PhD in strategic management in Australia. He went on to build an internationally recognised career spanning strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the circular economy. His scholarship earned him inclusion among the Stanford University–Elsevier Top 2% of Scientists Worldwide. Over his career, Jeremy produced nearly 200 scholarly publications, received eight best paper awards, secured more than NZD $1 million in research funding, and accumulated over 10,000 Google Scholar citations. His work appeared in leading journals including Business & Society, British Journal of Management, Business Strategy and the Environment, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Technovation. After retiring from full-time academic work in 2023, Jeremy joined the Department of Management and International Business at the University of Auckland Business School as a Visiting Professor in 2024. Within a short time, he became a valued member of the Business School's Beacon for Circular Economy in Business. Remarkably, Jeremy remained an active and prolific scholar until the end of his life. He continued developing manuscripts and collaborating with leading international researchers in circular economy, sustainability, climate change, and strategic management. Several papers already in the publication pipeline will continue to be developed by co-authors. Jeremy will be remembered for his intellectual curiosity, collaborative approach, humility, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to scholarship. His contributions to the University of Auckland Business School and to the international research community leave a legacy that will influence scholarship for many years to come.

It is hard to believe that you are no longer with us, Jeremy. Over the past several years, you became so much more than my mentor. You became a true friend—someone whose wisdom, kindness, humility and unwavering belief in people changed lives, including mine. Some of my favourite memories will always be the simple ones: sharing a glass of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon together, talking for hours about life, business and the future. Moss Wood, Cullen and Howard Park were always among our favourites. Those moments of conversation and laughter are memories I will treasure forever. You loved the beauty of nature—the mountains, Waiheke Island in New Zealand, and Albany in Western Australia. There was something about those places that reflected who you were: peaceful, grounded and inspiring. You believed that businesses should create something meaningful, something different, something that genuinely made an impact. You believed in building companies unlike any other in the region, and your excitement and encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue that vision. Your fingerprints will always be part of C4C, and your influence will continue to guide us as we strive to build something worthy of the faith you placed in us. More than anything, I will remember your generosity. You celebrated the success of others as if it were your own. You inspired people not by seeking recognition, but by quietly helping them become the very best version of themselves. Thank you for your friendship, your wisdom, your belief in me, and for walking beside me on this journey. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to have known you. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Until we meet again… Fair winds and following seas. With love, respect and gratitude, Hamoun Aria

Rest well, Jeremy. I hope you knew what a profound impact you had, and will continue to have, on the lives of many former students. Vale, gone far too soon.

So sad to learn of Jeremy’s passing. He was a good friend to Jane and I, lots of fun and also a man of strong faith who was happy to go deep in the conversations whilst we enjoyed many great meals together. God bless you Jeremy.

As a fellow "Yank" American from the Midwest in the United States, Jeremy and I formed a special connection and shared many funny insights about our adjustments to fit in with the Australian culture. We developed a friendship throughout our time working together at Curtin and remained close friends right up until his passing. We caught up with each other for lunch just a couple of months ago and he shared all of his optimism and excitement for what "retirement was going to look like" moving forward. It is so hard to believe that you have left us. A generous, light-hearted bloke with an amazing desire to assist others is how I will always remember you. Thank you for being a true friend and mentor to me. Rest In Peace Jeremy... You have left a legacy for us all to strive towards.

Jeremy, I can't believe I'm writing this. I'm still in shock. I once heard it said that a person is never truly gone while there is someone alive holding a memory of them. By this measure, you will be with us for a very long time. My own memories are countless, but I will mostly associate you with Cullen wines (red) and Black Sabbath’s Paranoid. “…Make a joke and I will sigh and you will laugh and I will cry … I tell you to enjoy life, I wish I could but it's too late.” RIP. We miss you already. xx

Fare thee well, Jeremy — travel softly, tasting the wine at every stop. Taken too soon, yet carried forward in every warm story we will tell. Such happy memories of our times at Curtin GSB, where friendship felt easy and the days were bright. Those moments stay with us — a little treasure we get to keep, even as we let him go.

I have so many happy memories of those years when we were both post docs and working with the great team at GSB. I'm not sure that we ever resolved the question of ACDC's greatest album but the discussion sure was fun. Rest in peace.

I will always remember our Wintery trips to Margaret River for good food and wine, and evenings with roaring log fires and watching Wimbledon, until late. Nights in my kitchen in Leederville putting the world to rights, over glasses of red wine. Sharing a bottle of 1989 Penfolds Grange before I left for Adelaide. Hosting your 50th birthday with glossy chocolate and orange cakes, shared with friends. The joy of introducing you to the magic of Waiheke Island, New Zealand. I’m so please you got to visit one last precious time, just before time was called. It has been a privilege and a joy to have your in my life and call you my friend. I will miss you, Jeremy. Go gently.

Really enjoyed working with Jeremy at Curtin in the MBA program, and enjoyed having him over for our American style BBQ, I remember fondly the time he brought over Bork burgers. RIP brother. Long way from Denver.

I am devastated to learn about Jeremy's passing. We only spoke about a month ago. He was sharing his ongoing adventures! We constantly exchanged stories and the world of wines, women and wisdom. I will always remember the lens of shared adventures, his / mine and the many times we travelled together for work and personal leisure! We will always have our Shanghai rooftops! I think of the times we wandered through exotic places, marvelling at art galleries that stirred our souls, sipping fine wine under warm skies, and laughing until our sides ached. Those moments of joy, culture, and indulgence in the finer things of life are treasures that live on, even as I say goodbye. The memories of friendship woven through dedicated work ethics, travel, art, and laughter are a legacy of love and connection that can never fade. Saying goodbye with a heavy heart.

I remember working fondly for years with Jeremy during our MBA times at the CGSB discussing controversial ideas for nature and the good Earth. An active scholar, dedicated lecturer and friend, RIP. ️

I remember Jeremy as a focussed academic but more importantly as a friend. Rest in peace Jeremy.

Jeremy was newly arrived in Australia when I got to know him as his PhD supervisor. He was super focused and would have another 20-30 pages written before I’d reviewed the last material. He remained focused through his career and while he was a very private person at work, outside of work he enjoyed good food and wine and was always great to have at a function. As someone who enjoyed nature and quiet living it is such a shame he did not get to enjoy more time in Albany post his retirement.

I remember my time working with Jeremy at Curtin with a smile, he had a way about him - a wonderful dry sense of humour and a look in his eye that told the world he knew exactly what he was talking about.... and he surely did. His impact on the Curtin MBA was legendary. Go well Jeremy.