September 21, 2025. Zurich – Against the stunning backdrop of Milan, a city that breathes heritage, elegance, and design, CEIBS recently brought together more than 110 alumni, senior business leaders, professors, and friends from across Europe, Asia, the US, Africa, and Latin America for the 2025 Alumni Reunion & Zurich Campus 10th Anniversary. The mix of cultures and perspectives created an electric energy underscoring the school’s position as a bridge between China and the world.

This year’s theme, “Charting Futures: Bridging Innovations and Traditions”, underscored how heritage and innovation go hand-in-hand. As one keynote speaker at the event, Mr. Paolo Tubito, phrased it: “heritage grounds you, innovation moves you forward.”

The reunion was not only a celebration of CEIBS’ vibrant global community, but also a platform for lifelong learning, reflection, and inspiration.

Highlights of the day

Executive Keynote: Heritage Meets Innovation – The Future of Luxury

Paolo Tubito, Chief Marketing Officer of Sani/Ikos Group and former Global CMO of Maserati, opened the day with a powerful reflection on brand storytelling, experiential innovation, and global growth. Through his personal leadership journey, he shared how luxury brands thrive by blending heritage, purpose, and digital transformation to meet the evolving expectations of a new generation. His inspiring storytelling set the tone for the day.

Faculty & Alumni Exchange: Innovation in Traditional Industries

CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin and Professor of Strategy Zhang Yu guided an interactive session with alumni leaders Gulnara Abdullina (MBA 2009), Pete Schweighofer (GEMBA 2019), and Thomas Robert (GEMBA 2019). Together, they explored how digitalisation, sustainability, and emerging tech are transforming legacy sectors such as food systems, manufacturing, and automotive. The alumni shared candid reflections on both success and failure, sparking an open dialogue on how to execute innovation in practice.

Fireside Chat: Driving Innovation Forward – EV Ecosystems and the Future of Sustainable Mobility

A fireside chat then explored how Europe’s mobility sector is being reshaped by electric vehicles, green energy, and cross-border innovation. Moderated by Sally Yan (Drivetide Capital AG), the dialogue featured Zhang Hui, VP of NIO Europe, and Paul Li, CEIBS EMBA alumnus and CEO of U POWER Tech. Together, they shared insights on market entry, user-centred design, sustainable supply chains, and U POWER’s groundbreaking skateboard chassis platform, as well as execution challenges. Together, the speakers offered practical lessons for alumni leaders navigating global expansion.

Gala Evening: Black Tie Dinner & Steinway Spirio Performance

The day culminated at Hotel Parigi with a black-tie gala dinner featuring an exclusive live performance by pianist Francesco Parrino. In collaboration with Steinway & Sons Italy, Francesco performed on the revolutionary Steinway Spirio, the world’s first high-resolution self-playing piano. Spirio technology allows performances to be recorded and replayed with astonishing precision, capturing every nuance of touch and tone, exactly as played by the artist. This performance epitomised the reunion’s theme, showcasing how innovation enriches tradition and moves it into the present.

Lifelong learning, lasting impact

More than just a reunion, the event was a living example of lifelong learning and community in action. Alumni reconnected with peers, discovered new insights from industry leaders, and reflected on how CEIBS motto of “Conscientiousness, Innovation, and Excellence” continues to shape their professional and personal journeys.

The thread throughout the weekend was clear: heritage grounds us, but innovation drives us forward.

Special Thanks

A heartfelt thank you to all our speakers and partners, including Paolo Tubito, Sally Yan, Hui Zhang, Paul Li, Gulnara Abdullina, Pete Schweighofer, Thomas Robert, and Francesco Parrino, as well as Maura Romano, Alessandro Livi from Steinway & Sons Italy for their collaboration.

Finally, a special note of gratitude goes to CEIBS’ leadership figures Prof. Dominique Turpin, Prof. Katherine Xin, Prof. Zhang Yu, and Dr. Robert Straw for their executive presence and inspiring contributions, and to our organising team, led by Jessica Linsen at the CEIBS Zurich Campus, for curating a rich and impactful programme.