January 18, 2012

He started his career patrolling the streets in Northern Ireland as a British Army Captain engaged in counter-terrorist operations, went on to lead newspaper distribution in London for WHSmith, then took aim at an MBA to launch into luxury goods. So it should be no surprise that IMD MBA 1999 Alumnus Mark Cornell’s latest move is calculated, daring, and gives him the chance to cut new territory.

There are other indications in Mark’s story of his ability to set his sights and let nothing stand in his way—like getting to IMD for that MBA. Having chosen IMD for its respected, international program, he convinced the Admissions Director to take him on even though he lacked a university degree. Mark’s subsequent career proves this exception was warranted.

“IMD proved to be the catalyst I’d been seeking,” he says. “The program projected me into the world I aspired to: from domestic to international; low margin to high margin; with increased autonomy and responsibility.” Upon graduating at the age of 32, the Briton headed to luxury goods leader LVMH. He started in strategy and business development but soon distinguished himself with successes like turning around Hine Cognac, a product then in difficulty. In 2002, he went on to become CEO of one of the world's finest champagnes, Krug. Mark’s decade with LVMH was capped by five years as President and CEO of New York-based Moet Hennessy USA.

Despite enjoying the range of challenges at LVMH, he says, “I came to a point where I had to confront the entrepreneurial itch.” The right opportunity came from Monaco-based Edmiston & Company. After just 15 years of operation, the privately-held company is recognized as a global leader in the sale, charter and management of super yachts. Attracted by the prospect of rapid growth and future potential in the industry, Mark became CEO and part owner in May 2011.

The challenges ahead include building a strong commercial team to expand into Asia, Russia and the Middle East. “I’m ready to prove myself in a different world,” he says. “It’s about going back to basics and getting into a world of creation where the risk and reward element is even more real."