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Alumni stories

Read stories on how our alumni are bringing about positive change in the world.

Alumni stories

Read stories on how our alumni are bringing about positive change in the world.

Discover IMD MBA alumni success stories

Since 1972, our MBA alumni have been making an impact on business and society. Learn more about how they use the skills they learn at IMD, and the how the program has influenced their life choices, by reading some of our alumni stories.

”I was not the same 10 years ago, and I won’t be the same 10 years from now.”

Alarico Allegri (MBA 2014)

Allegri got a call from a Siemens executive and former client, who had bought a company and needed somebody to take the helm, grow it, and shape it to be integrated into Siemens later.

”It was an opportunity for me to really understand who I am as a person and what value I bring to a team.”

Carla Venter (MBA 2021)

After graduating from IMD, Venter’s dream of landing a role that would put her at the forefront of the fintech sector was realised when she secured a role as Head of Investments at Aperture.

“Inclusive hiring and promotion practices need to be nurtured like a relationship.”

Marie-France Tschudin (MBA 2000)

Top Novartis executive says companies must take deliberate measures to promote inclusivity.

“I was seeking meaning and how I could make a difference – just as IMD encouraged us to think.”

Shalom Tang (MBA 2008)

Moving jobs to an educational NGO that helps people in China’s rural communities access higher education and training, gave Shalom Tang, MBA 2008, something his global corporate career could not offer him: purpose.

“It’s important to adopt a servant leadership style, listening, being open and recognizing that you don’t have all the answers.”

Quah Ley Hoon (MBA 2010)

Quah Ley Hoon, Head of Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority, outlines how the pandemic has forced a focus on the difficult balancing act between public health risk and business continuity in the face of long-term uncertainty.

How COVID-19 is spurring innovation in South Africa.

Adam Craker (MBA 1996)

Adam Craker created startup SAtion to boost business and the economy through digitalization.

“Communication that combines empathy and bravery creates the optimal conditions for teams to feel empowered.”

Omar Molato (MBA 2010)

As many teams return to remote working, it is important to explore creative ways to build relationships and learn the value of healthy communication, says Omar Molato.

Trailblazing engineer and entrepreneur to take a lead role in accelerating renewable energy business.

Aurore Amaudruz (MBA 2020)

An engineering background and an innovator’s nose make Aurore Amaudruz a key driver of the move to renewables in Vaud.

Move over old dogs, challenger banks are here to take over!

Schuyler Weiss (MBA 2017)

For the fifth edition of Fintech Chain Mail, we spoke to MBA 2017 alumnus Schuyler Weiss (CEO at +alpian) about building a fully licensed digital bank in Switzerland. +alpian is incubated by REYL & Cie, and aims to provide banking, wealth management and investment products to mass affluent customers via its app.

“Pursuing an MBA is just as difficult as attending medical school.”

Roy Rong (MBA 2018)

The former Harvard Medical School Research Fellow spoke to IMD about his career transition from clinic to corporation and the need for the business world to embrace Diversity & Inclusion (D&I).

Trade to rebound and digitisation to accelerate, predicts Maersk CEO.

Søren Skou (MBA 1997)

Søren Skou, Maersk CEO, talks to Jean-François Manzoni, President of IMD.

“It was the best and most challenging year of my life.”

Gord Ray (MBA 2002)

An Instagram exec on the evolution of social media and how the MBA shaped his life.

Eat Me: creating a restaurant business that inspires.

Serena Shamash (MBA 2007)

Years of travelling to explore different food cultures has led an IMD alumna to create a restaurant business whose eateries offer dishes from around the world. Skills learned during her MBA have provided Serena Shamash with the tools to inspire her staff and customers

“I feel IMD is a very personalized and nurturing environment.”

John F. Gallagher (MBA 1976)

John F. Gallagher reflects on the IMD MBA in his past and present, why his daughter is following in his footsteps, and his reason for giving back.

Remembering the first IMD MBA class.

Jan M Koivurinta & Greg Minton (MBA 1990)

Prominent alumni revisit their experience of a lifetime.