November 24-25, 2023. London – Today marked a significant milestone as the CEIBS European Alumni Reunion took place in London. The event gathered alumni, industry leaders, and experts to create a vibrant tapestry of intellectual exploration and professional camaraderie.

The reunion addressed the nuanced strategies required for multinational corporations (MNCs) in China and the globalisation endeavors of Chinese companies. CEIBS Zurich Advisory Council member and Managing Director of China Macro Group Markus Herrmann, complemented by insights by VP and Managing Director of Overseas Investment of Legend Holdings Jing Li, underscored the imperative to understand risks and formulate responses amid an intricate geopolitical landscape.

Leadership dynamics took centre stage, with a dedicated panel spotlighting the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs. CEIBS Alumna and CEO of Seams and Stitches Limited Yemi Chukwurah, CEIBS Alumna and Co-Founder of Quantum View Sofia Galante, CEO and CTO of Guildhawk Jurga Zilinskiene, and Sharon Cheng all shared inspiring stories, emphasising resilience and the transformative power that failure can have on businesses.

A panel on artificial intelligence (AI) featuring CEIBS Alumni and Client Contact Center Transformation Lead of Jaguar Land Rover Costa Peter Delis, CEIBS Alumni and Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of DEKRA e.V. and DEKRA SE Stan Zurkiewicz, and CEIBS Alumni and Head of Center of Excellence for Commercial & Institutional Banking of Standard Chartered Louise Vogler, highlighted the need for empathetic leadership to bridge the gap between AI's rationality and entrepreneurial irrationality for disruptive innovation.

"AI is a true gamechanger," Professor Zurkiewicz noted. "But it cannot be “above the game”, it has to play by some rules to be enforced by national governments or supranational organisations. Without such robust regulatory framework, this powerful technology could endanger our economies, our health, and even peace." 

Insights from Professor of Economics and Finance Xu Bin and McKinsey & Company Partner Junna Shi predicted China’s economic rebound in two years, emphasising adaptability and a shift from scaling to innovation and globalisation.

“China’s economy still has a good chance to climb out of the slump and continue on a moderate-high growth path. This optimistic scenario is established on the vitality of China’s private sector and the elasticity of China’s institutions as derived from pragmatism of the Chinese people and Chinese leaders.” Prof. Xu said.

The reunion facilitated the discussion of real-world business challenges, with three dedicated case studies about the M&M Medical Centre in Ghana targeting the healthcare industry with business scaling strategies, a case on Middle East Luxury on the Rise highlighting leadership in family businesses and succession planning alongside international expansion, and a case about Cast Box in China, analysing the podcast industry and business growth strategies.

Maloe Nartey, CEIBS Alumna and CEO and Managing Director of M&M Medical Centre, Kristina Likhovid, CEIBS Alumna and Co-Founder and President of Luxury For The Future Foundation, and Valentina Kaledina, CEIBS Alumna and Director of Business Development of Cast Box, all engaged the audience together with the analytical minds of CEIBS Professors David Erkens and Jeffrey Sampler and CEIBS Zurich CEO Dr. Robert Straw. The case analysis and presentations were followed by an enthusiastic brainstorming session. Feedback from attendees reflected a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and invaluable insights gained from fellow alumni.

The agenda, woven through with keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, offered a wealth of knowledge. Professor Álvaro Mendez, Senior Research Fellow, Director of the LSE Global South Unit and Academic Director, London School of Economics, set the stage with keynote speech, and a dialogue on the future of global and Chinese economics, moderated by Dr. Robert Straw, provided profound insights.

The event theme of Bridging Horizons: Navigating the Future of Global Business in and with China echoed throughout the event. Panelist and Chief Executive of China-Britain Business Council Andrew Seaton's inquiry into establishing trust in partnering with China encapsulated this theme, emphasising the need for close engagement and face-to-face discussions.

The reunion concluded with a highly-anticipated Masquerade Gala Dinner at the iconic Freemasons' Hall in Covent Garden. A whirl of decadence, drama, and delight awaited the attendees, transforming the venue into The Masquerade Club. The recreation of the Venetian carnival featured masked sellers, stunning decor, and a talented DJ, promising a feast for all the senses. The guests were welcomed with a sparkling reception, the Masquerade Gala Dinner served as a dazzling crescendo, capping off the transformative experience of the CEIBS European Alumni Reunion or, as pointed out by Dr. Robert Straw, the CEIBS Alumni Reunion in Europe; alumni had travelled from all over the globe to join the community event in London.

In the words of CEIBS Vice President and Dean Frank Bournois, the reunion wasn't merely an event, but an opportunity to bridge horizons and gain insights into the future of global business. The combination of intellectual rigor, professional networking, and personal connections, culminating in the enchanting Masquerade Gala Dinner, made the CEIBS European Alumni Reunion a truly unforgettable and transformative experience. As alumni disperse globally, they carry forward not just insights, but a strengthened network poised to navigate challenges and seize whatever opportunities are on the horizon. More than just a reunion, the event was a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration, innovation, and leadership, as reflected in CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin’s opening remarks:

“Let’s keep in mind that it takes time to build a great brand in a very crowded field, since we have about 15,000 competitor business schools around the world. You as alumni of CEIBS are the ambassadors of our brand. Your success reflects on us and we pride ourselves in developing responsible leaders and therefore you bear, just like the rest of us, a major responsibility in leading, working and behaving responsibly.”