Ayn Rand Institute Other Robert Hessen (September 1936 – April 15, 2024) was an American economic and business historian.

Prior to joining the Hoover Institution and taking his position at Stanford, he taught at the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University.

He was associated with philosopher Ayn Rand for 25 years, contributed articles to two of her periodicals, as well as her book, Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal.

He was a featured commentator on Milton Friedman's award-winning PBS television documentary series, Free to Choose.

In 1985, Hessen joined the Board of Advisors of the newly formed Ayn Rand Institute[2].