Alumni Events

Business School honours exceptional student and alumni impact through Dean’s Community Awards 2025

Shamita Harsh — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:07:36 +0000

Business School honours exceptional student and alumni impact through Dean’s Community Awards 2025

Shamita Harsh Thu, 07/08/2025 - 14:07

4 June 2026 News

Social Impact Day 2026

2 June 2026 News

Good governance and the non-executive director: The Centre for Financial Technology's 2026 conference

18 May 2026 News

Expert in wealth inequality listed among the world’s top 40 business academics under 40

15 August 2025

Each year, Imperial Business School celebrates the remarkable ways in which our ��ý and alumni shape our community. Whether it is championing inclusivity or driving social impact and sustainability, they have consistently carved a way to lead by example.

The Dean’s Community Awards honour those who have gone above and beyond to lead, inspire, and pioneer new initiatives that make a difference both within the School and beyond. These awards are an yearly reflection of our community of practice, voted for by our staff and ��ý, recognising the work of ��ý and alumni who excel in extra-curricular activities.

Join us in congratulating winners of Dean’s Community Awards 2025:

Improving Society Award

Mohammad Zaid Abid Dalla, MSc Strategic Marketing, received the Improving Society award for leading impactful community initiatives as VP of Societal Engagement, including the What the Tech?! digital literacy programme and a Christmas dinner for care leavers, both of which fostered social inclusion and student volunteerism.

Dhruv Syam, BSc Economics, Finance & Data Science, received the Improving Society award for revitalising the Effective Altruism Society at Imperial and launching initiatives such as the Intro Fellowship and Impact Research Groups, which promote ethical, evidence-based engagement and empower ��ý to address global challenges.

Mohammad Zaid Abid Dalla

Dhruv Syam

Inclusive Business Award

IB Sunset Festival Student Committee comprising of Edward Lim, Kevin Alvaro Handoko, Zaid Abid Dalla, Omar Elali, Milan Koehler, Zhamilya Mukai, Sumitra Natesan, representing the courses MSc Business Analytics Online, MSc Global Health Management, MSc Strategic Marketing, received the Inclusive Business award for creating and delivering the inaugural IB Sunset Festival, an inclusive, culturally diverse celebration that successfully reimagined the School’s summer event and strengthened community engagement.

Aisha Qadi, MSc Management, received the Inclusive Business award for initiating and organising the School’s first Iftar event, which fostered inclusion, cultural understanding, and community among Muslim and non-Muslim ��ý during Ramadan.

IB Sunset Festival Student Committee

Aisha Qadi

Inspiring Brilliant Minds

Paolo Stagni, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the award for Inspiring Brilliant Minds for launching Imperial’s first-ever Hult Prize On Campus Competition, mobilising over 100 ��ý and coordinating a major cross-campus event that brought global social entrepreneurship to the heart of the university.

Andrea Martini, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the award for Inspiring Brilliant Minds for his leadership as Vice President of the Consulting Club, where he organised a diverse programme of events that enhanced student skills, broadened industry perspectives, and fostered meaningful professional connections.

Paolo Stagni

Andrea Martini

Pioneering Practical Solutions

Sameeksha (Sammy) Sahni, Global Online MBA, received the Pioneering Practical Solutions award for launching the Global Coffee Connect initiative in Dubai and hosting online prep sessions that fostered meaningful connections and support among online ��ý, alumni, and peers across programmes and geographies.

Laotan Faji, MSc Business Analytics and Maria Hayek, MSc Economics & Strategy for Business received this award in Pioneering Practical Solutions for organising the largest-ever School Intra-Programme Football Tournament, significantly improving participation, event structure, and promotion to deliver a highly successful and inclusive student experience.

Sameeksha Sahni

Laotan Faji and Maria Hayek

Power of Innovative Thinking

Rhea Khanna, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the Power of Innovative Thinking award for founding and leading Medora, a venture addressing oral care in dementia through inclusive, user-driven innovation, while also advancing student entrepreneurship and healthcare accessibility through multiple interdisciplinary initiatives.

Lara Biter, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the Power of Innovative Thinking award for contributions to entrepreneurship, inclusive innovation, and student wellbeing at Imperial, including co-founding Medora, leading national startup initiatives, and advancing accessibility and policy reform through multiple high-impact projects.

Rhea Khanna

Lara Biter

Sustainable Business Thinking

The Analytics for Society 2025 Student Organising Committee: Laotan A Faji, Margaux Drochon, Elena Lickel, Emily Peters, representing the MSc Business Analytics, Full-Time MBA, received the Sustainable Business Thinking award for transforming Analytics for Society into a global, cross-institutional platform by securing strategic partnerships, expanding international reach, and establishing a financially sustainable model that significantly enhanced the competition’s impact and visibility.

Nicolas Muller, Abdul Amin & the Climate Investment Challenge Committee comprising of Arushi Wasan, Ellie Schofield, Jessica Nutt, Alessio Boggio-Chaibi, Ofure Iribhogbe, Shraddha Kalpathi Jaidev and representing the programmes MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance, MSc Finance & Accounting, MSc Global Health Management, MSc Strategic Marketing. The group received the Sustainable Business Thinking award for organising the 2025 Climate Investment Challenge, securing new international funding, expanding global participation, and delivering a high-impact, professionally run competition addressing climate-focused financial innovation.

The Analytics for Society 2025 Student Organising Committee

Nicolas Muller, Abdul Amin & the Climate Investment Challenge Committee

Outstanding Contribution to the Business School

David Driskell and Tatiana Chang, Full-Time MBA, MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance, received the Outstanding Contribution to the Business School award for leading the creation of the School’s first student-authored EQUIS Student Report, coordinating diverse focus groups and delivering a high-quality submission that contributed significantly to the 2025 re-accreditation process.

Joanne Linder, Full-Time MBA 1996, received the Outstanding Contribution to the Business School award for chairing the Alumni Advisory Council for 13 years.

David Driskell and Tatiana Chang

Joanne Linder

Dean’s Community Award for Alumni

Marc Richly, Business Analytics Online (2023), received the Dean’s Community Award for Alumni award for leading the development of a machine learning tool to improve UNICEF India's fundraising effectiveness and for sustained contributions to student initiatives and alumni engagement through the Gandhi Centre for Inclusive Innovation.

Yasmin Baker, Intercalated BSc (2024), received the Dean’s Community Award for Alumni award for setting up a buddy scheme connecting alumni with current ��ý to enhance mentorship and support student wellbeing, and for establishing the non-profit “More than Medics”, supporting medical ��ý to explore careers beyond traditional clinical roles including consulting, medtech and policy.

Marc Richly

Yasmin Baker

Subscribe to the IBK newsletter

Alumni Events

Culture and Inclusion

Education and Learning

Academic area

Management & Entrepreneurship

External

Off

Celebrating the individuals championing diversity, inclusion and community through impactful initiatives and collaborative action.

Main image: IB Sunset Festival Student Committee - Edward Lim, Kevin Alvaro Handoko, Zaid Abid Dalla, Omar Elali, Milan Koehler, Zhamilya Mukai, Sumitra Natesan

4 minute read

Imperial’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

Imperial’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

Shamita Harsh Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

4 June 2026 News

Social Impact Day 2026

2 June 2026 News

Good governance and the non-executive director: The Centre for Financial Technology's 2026 conference

18 May 2026 News

Expert in wealth inequality listed among the world’s top 40 business academics under 40

16 March 2026

Imperial Business School has once again been recognised as one of the world’s leading providers of online business education, with its Global Online MBA ranked second globally and first in the UK in the latest Financial Times Online MBA Ranking. This year’s result is particularly notable as the ranking has expanded from 15 schools last year to 20 institutions globally.

The programme also rose to first place worldwide for salary three years after graduation, with alumni reporting an average salary of $253,733. The School retained its position as first in the world for international faculty, while the proportion of female ��ý improved significantly, rising to sixth place globally from twelfth last year. Imperial also strengthened its position in the FT’s research ranking, moving up to second place from third.

These indicators reflect the Business School’s commitment to combining rigorous academic research with an inclusive and globally connected learning environment.

The Global Online MBA is designed for ambitious professionals seeking to develop leadership skills while continuing their careers. Delivered part-time through Imperial’s dedicated digital learning platform, the programme blends cutting-edge technology with collaborative, interactive learning.

Within this online environment, a diverse global cohort engages with world-class faculty and industry experts. The platform integrates lectures, discussions, simulations and group projects, encouraging ��ý to challenge established thinking and apply insights to real-world business challenges.

The Financial Times ranking is based largely on alumni outcomes, including salary progression, career development and overall satisfaction with the programme. As a result, the achievements of Imperial’s Global Online MBA reflect not only the strength of the curriculum but also the success of its graduates.

Responses to the FT’s alumni survey highlighted the calibre, career progress and professional impact of Imperial graduates. Their achievements continue to strengthen the programme’s global reputation and reinforce its position among the world’s leading online MBA offerings.

The results demonstrate the value of sustained investment in digital learning innovation. The Global Online MBA represents a key element of Imperial’s strategy to expand access to high-quality business education through flexible, technology-enabled teaching.

Subscribe for research and events from the Business School

Alumni Events

Careers

Education and Learning

Off

External

Off

Programme retains UK’s top position and ranks first globally for salary three years after graduation

Main image: Imperial Business School | Thomas Angus

2 minute read

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

Shamita Harsh Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

4 June 2026 News

Social Impact Day 2026

2 June 2026 News

Good governance and the non-executive director: The Centre for Financial Technology's 2026 conference

18 May 2026 News

Expert in wealth inequality listed among the world’s top 40 business academics under 40

17 March 2026

What does generosity look like in global finance? This question framed the conversation between Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange and Peter Todd, Dean of Imperial Business School, at this year’s Joan Woodward Memorial Lecture.

As part of this year’s theme “Give to Gain”, the event, which marked International Women’s Day, focused on how generosity in leadership, mentorship and opportunity can shape stronger institutions and more inclusive markets.

The event honoured Joan Woodward, one of Imperial’s earliest female professors and a pioneering scholar, whose research showed that organisational structures must adapt to their social and technological context.

A sociologist in finance

Opening the discussion, the Dean noted that Woodward’s insight on organisations being fundamentally social systems remains highly relevant today.

“Joan Woodward brought a sociologist’s eye to questions of power, structure and technology – and demonstrated that management is, above all, a social practice.” he said. “It was therefore especially fitting that our speaker this year should be Dame Julia, someone who has carried that social and political science perspective into the heart of global finance. It was a great pleasure to have her with us.”

That perspective has shaped Hoggett’s own career. In 2024, she was awarded a Damehood for services to business and finance, recognising both her industry leadership and her work championing more inclusive workplaces.

“Markets are really sociology with money,” she told the audience. “They’re about how large groups of people think, behave and organise themselves.”

“It was... especially fitting that our speaker this year should be Dame Julia, someone who has carried... [a] social and political science perspective into the heart of global finance.”

Peter Todd

Dean, Imperial Business School

Trust and access to capital

Exchanges, Hoggett argued, act as essential conveners in the global financial system.

“Stock exchanges bring together those who have capital with those who need it,” she said. “Trust has been at the heart of every transaction in this city for 300 years, and it still is. Maintaining it requires institutions that prioritise trustworthiness.”

“What the world needs is not more trust,” Hoggett said, echoing philosopher Onora O'Neill. “The world needs more trustworthiness.”

That principle has also shaped her views on access to capital: “One of the reasons I care so passionately about public markets is that they are inherently democratising.” she said.

By contrast, she suggested that private markets can concentrate opportunity among already wealthy investors. Supporting companies as they move from private to public funding, she said, helps broaden wealth creation across the economy.

Leadership through generosity

For early-career professionals in the audience, Hoggett emphasised that leadership is about generosity – giving time, mentorship and opportunity to others.

Her advice: “You can lead from any seat in an organisation. Leadership starts when you understand your role in the wider system and take full ownership of it. Master your brief, understand the context and seek to shape outcomes, and you can do far more than you think.”

That spirit reflects the legacy of Woodward herself: a scholar whose work reshaped how organisations are understood and whose influence continues to inspire new generations of leaders to rethink how markets truly work.

Subscribe for research and events from the Business School

Alumni Events

Culture and Inclusion

Finance and institutional resilience

Academic area

Economics & Public Policy

Off

External

Off

Speaking on the theme “Give to Gain” at the Business School's annual Joan Woodward memorial lecture, Dame Julia Hoggett, London Stock Exchange CEO, highlighted why trust and culture matter for markets – and why access to capital matters for the country

Main image: Imperial Business School

2 minute read

“Representation influences capital allocation” says Lara Cathcart at Imperial’s third annual Women in Finance event

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

“Representation influences capital allocation” says Lara Cathcart at Imperial’s third annual Women in Finance event

Shamita Harsh Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

4 June 2026 News

Social Impact Day 2026

2 June 2026 News

Good governance and the non-executive director: The Centre for Financial Technology's 2026 conference

18 May 2026 News

Expert in wealth inequality listed among the world’s top 40 business academics under 40

3 March 2026

Once characterised as a “boys’ club”, the finance sector is undergoing a cultural shift that is reshaping how decisions are made. Greater representation at senior levels is increasingly recognised as influencing how capital is allocated.

Imperial Business School’s third annual Women in Finance event explored how women are influencing capital markets and redefining leadership across sustainable finance.

An investment narrative that is rooted in embracing change

The keynote address was delivered by Hortense Bioy, former Head of Sustainable Investing Research at Morningstar Sustainalytics, who focused on building a more sustainable and inclusive financial future. She explored how geopolitical uncertainty has reshaped sustainable investing strategies, creating both complexity and opportunity.

“The media often debates whether ESG is dead,” Bioy observed. “What we are witnessing right now is an evolution of practices, a recalibration by businesses and investors alike. What’s fading is a version of ESG that relied heavily on labels and was often disconnected from financial outcomes, to make room for pragmatism and realism.”

Her message underscored the importance of data-driven research and thoughtful analysis in navigating rapidly changing markets. She also offered advice to young women entering the sector, encouraging attendees to embrace opportunity: “Step beyond your comfort zone. Visibility and persistence matter. No is rarely the end.”

“Through events like Women in Finance, Imperial Business School reaffirms its commitment to advancing women across the financial sector, creating space for leadership, visibility and meaningful dialogue.”

Lara Cathcart

Professor of Finance, Academic Director for MSc Finance and MSc Risk Management and Financial Engineering

Improving gender inclusion in sustainable finance

The panel discussion, moderated by Fiona Frick, Finance Advisory Board Member and Founding Partner at Circe Invest, examined how female voices are shaping sustainable finance, impact investing and fintech.

Lise Renelleau, Head of Research and Innovation for the IQ Lab at HSBC Asset Management, reinforced the importance of measurable impact. She expressed optimism that as access to high-quality data improves, ESG – once perceived as a top-down imposition – is increasingly being integrated into portfolio construction and reporting. While AI and advanced technologies can enhance data analysis, she stressed that human judgement remains essential in translating information into meaningful insight.

Kamini Banga, Chair of the Banga Family Trust, reflected on her experience working in India, where workplace equity was less established when she began her career. From identifying public healthcare investment needs in rural communities to overseeing family enterprise, she highlighted the importance of a just transition in emerging markets.

Zoe Jankel, Vice President and Senior Credit Officer at Moody’s Ratings, spoke about cultural change within organisations. She noted a shift away from expectations that women must conform to traditionally masculine leadership styles. Increasingly, authenticity is recognised and valued at senior levels.

The evening concluded with remarks from Lara Cathcart, Academic Director for MSc Finance and MSc Risk Management and Financial Engineering. Acknowledging the significant evolution in the finance industry, she reflected that there are still male-dominated pockets, especially at the senior leadership level:

“Representation is not simply about equity; it directly influences how capital is allocated, how risk is assessed, and how innovation is fostered. Through events like Women in Finance, Imperial Business School reaffirms its commitment to advancing women across the financial sector, creating space for leadership, visibility and meaningful dialogue.”

Note: This article's headline was updated from: “Representation influences capital allocation” says Professor of Finance at Imperial’s third annual Women in Finance event on 05.03.2026.

Subscribe for research and events from the Business School

Alumni Events

Climate Change

Climate Finance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Sustainability and climate change

Academic area

Economics & Public Policy

Off

External

Off

Imperial Business School’s event showcased female leaders driving sustainable investing, ESG innovation and long-term value creation.

Main image: Imperial Business School | Fergus Burnett

3 minute read

Business School alumni reconnect in Asia

Francesca Hoare — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:26:19 +0000

Business School alumni reconnect in Asia

Francesca Hoare Thu, 27/02/2025 - 09:26

29 May 2026 Alumni

Real career advice from Imperial MBA alumni

We recently caught up with alumni from Imperial Business School’s Full-Time MBA, Weekend MBA and Global Online MBA programmes, who shared insights and advice into succeeding in your career post-MBA studies. Read what they have to say in this blog.

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

After beginning his career at Finance Think, Besnik Mustafa went on to advise Members of Parliament in North Macedonia. He later joined Salience Consulting, gaining experience across multiple international markets.

6 November 2025 Alumni

Joanne Linder, Full-Time MBA 1996

Joanne Linder, Full-Time MBA 1996, is one of the Business School’s most dedicated alumni volunteers. She joined the Alumni Advisory Council (AAC) 13 years ago and was appointed Chair just a year later, providing steady leadership through a period of significant change.

8 April 2025

Alumni

This spring, members of the Imperial Business School Community came together for a series of alumni receptions across Asia.

Nearly 200 alumni gathered for three events in Singapore, Hong Kong and Shenzhen, offering former ��ý the chance to reconnect with each other, as well as members of the Business School’s Alumni Engagement team.

The occasion also marked the first international trip for Professor Peter Todd, Dean of the Business School, who was eager to meet members of the community. Addressing alumni, Peter said ‘It’s fantastic to get alumni together and to give you a moment to reflect back on your time at Imperial.’

Kok Rie Ooi (MBA 2004), who attended the reception in Singapore on Friday 28 March commented,

‘It was an amazing crowd of people and a vibrant event where like-minded individuals could come together and share ideas like one family.’

Calista (MBA 2020) added, ‘The great thing about being part of Imperial Business School is that connections don’t end at graduation. The school consistently makes the effort to organise alumni meet-ups, giving me the chance to reconnect with old friends. These events also provide a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and expand my network.’

Executive Committee Member for the Imperial Alumni Association of Hong Kong, Boncica Tam (Global Online MBA, 2023), said “What a lovely evening to welcome Imperial Business School’s new Dean in Hong Kong! We had an overwhelming response to our reception yesterday at the Mandarin Oriental and we are so grateful for all the support of our alumni members.'

Rebecca Martin, Head of Alumni Engagement for the Business School, summed up the trip.

‘We had a wonderful week meeting hundreds of our alumni based in Asia and I’d like to say thank you to everyone who came along and shared their Imperial stories with me. One of the best things about being part of the Imperial alumni community is the connections we build—and what better way to strengthen them than over great conversations, delicious canapés, and in stunning venues?

A huge thank you also goes to the Imperial Alumni Association of Singapore (ICAAS), the Imperial Alumni Association of Hong Kong (ICAAHK) and the Imperial Alumni Association of South China (Shenzhen) for their help in the co-ordination and support of these activities. These dedicated Executive Committee (ExCo) members volunteer their time to organize events, share local knowledge, connections and friendship. They also serve as an important bridge between Imperial and their alumni members and we are truly grateful for their invaluable service.

We look forward to supporting them to further strengthen and support their activities over the coming year!

We also encourage ��ý and alumni to reach out to Tara Linyi He (Director of APAC Hub, Business School) who co-ordinates our careers consulting and employer and engagement in the region. Whether you’re looking to hire amazing talent from our current batch of ��ý, or change roles yourself, connecting with Tara is the best next step!

Photo credit: Zachary Lai Photography (Singapore), Leo LV (Shenzhen)

Alumni Events

2 minute read

Alumni Events

Business School honours exceptional student and alumni impact through Dean’s Community Awards 2025

Business School honours exceptional student and alumni impact through Dean’s Community Awards 2025

Social Impact Day 2026

Good governance and the non-executive director: The Centre for Financial Technology's 2026 conference

Expert in wealth inequality listed among the world’s top 40 business academics under 40

Improving Society Award

Inclusive Business Award

Inspiring Brilliant Minds

Pioneering Practical Solutions

Power of Innovative Thinking

Sustainable Business Thinking

Outstanding Contribution to the Business School

Dean’s Community Award for Alumni

Subscribe to the IBK newsletter

Share

Celebrating the individuals championing diversity, inclusion and community through impactful initiatives and collaborative action.

Imperial’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

Imperial’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

Social Impact Day 2026

Good governance and the non-executive director: The Centre for Financial Technology's 2026 conference

Expert in wealth inequality listed among the world’s top 40 business academics under 40

Subscribe for research and events from the Business School

Share

Programme retains UK’s top position and ranks first globally for salary three years after graduation

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

Social Impact Day 2026

Good governance and the non-executive director: The Centre for Financial Technology's 2026 conference

Expert in wealth inequality listed among the world’s top 40 business academics under 40

A sociologist in finance

Trust and access to capital

Leadership through generosity

Subscribe for research and events from the Business School

Share

Speaking on the theme “Give to Gain” at the Business School's annual Joan Woodward memorial lecture, Dame Julia Hoggett, London Stock Exchange CEO, highlighted why trust and culture matter for markets – and why access to capital matters for the country

“Representation influences capital allocation” says Lara Cathcart at Imperial’s third annual Women in Finance event

“Representation influences capital allocation” says Lara Cathcart at Imperial’s third annual Women in Finance event

Social Impact Day 2026

Good governance and the non-executive director: The Centre for Financial Technology's 2026 conference

Expert in wealth inequality listed among the world’s top 40 business academics under 40

An investment narrative that is rooted in embracing change

Improving gender inclusion in sustainable finance

Subscribe for research and events from the Business School

Share

Imperial Business School’s event showcased female leaders driving sustainable investing, ESG innovation and long-term value creation.

Business School alumni reconnect in Asia

Business School alumni reconnect in Asia

Real career advice from Imperial MBA alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

Joanne Linder, Full-Time MBA 1996

Share