AlumniNews
July 2025
It’s been a month of sunshine and showers on campus, and now we have somewhere amazing to take shelter because Plowden is back! The building reopened on 21 July after a year of extensive renovations and it’s open to all of us. There is a fantastic café and lounge and several breakout areas. Take a look at the video to find out more.
Earlier this month, we celebrated one of the most important moments in the School calendar, Congregation. More than 1,600 new graduates crossed the stage – huge congratulations to our newest alumni! We also announced the winners of this year’s Student Awards as well as the Dean’s Award, which recognises students who embody the School’s values. The 2025 recipients were Kelly Wilson EMBALJ2025, Adelaide Young MBA2025 and Brian Dsouza MIFPT2025 – well done!
And if you haven't yet, take a moment to watch our special 60th anniversary film where Deans from the School’s past and present reflect on LBS’s remarkable journey.
There’s much more to explore this month. Scroll down for the full roundup.
Warm wishes,
Ramsey Sargent EMBAG2005
Executive Director, Alumni Engagement
School updates
Sustainability strategy and report launched
LBS has launched its sustainability strategy (2025–2030) and published its first annual sustainability report, highlighting progress, challenges and contributions from across the community, including the Alumni Sustainability Club.
LBS celebrates winners of International Association for Applied Econometrics Award
Daniele Colombo PhD2022 shares IAAE Best Paper Award.
Sloan alumnus Gautam Gangoli SLN2019 joins LBS’s top team
LBS appoints a Chief Operating Officer to help drive forward strategy and growth.
Dean Sergei Guriev joins the Group of Thirty
The Group of Thirty aims to deepen understanding of economic and financial issues, and of the international repercussions of decisions taken in the public and private sector.
Professor Lynda Gratton joins MIT SMR Editorial Advisory Board
Professor Lynda Gratton brings extensive management knowledge to this new appointment.
The Summit Series with Steve Blank, ‘Father Of Modern Entrepreneurship’
Silicon Valley entrepreneur, author, professor and the man behind the Lean Start-up movement talks to LBS students.
Alumni benefits
- New Electives
- Alumni Careers
- Executive Education
- Library
Autumn 2025-2026 electives are almost here!
As part of our Forever Learning offer, eligible alumni can now join current LBS students in the classroom, an incredible opportunity to reconnect with our faculty, refresh your knowledge and expand your network. Registration closes two weeks before the start of each elective, and they are selling out quickly!
Led by Academic Director of Next Gen Digital Strategy, Yuri Romanenkov
Block week: Monday 1–Friday 5 September 2025
Mergers, MBO’s & Other Corps. Reorgs
Led by Assistant Professor of Finance, Rui Silva
Modular Saturday elective: Taking place on 20 September, 4 October, 18 October, 1 November, 15 November 2025
Led by Professor of Marketing, Simona Botti
Block week: Monday 1–Friday 5 September 2025
Led by Professor of Finance, João Cocco
Dubai block week: Tuesday 18 November–Saturday 22 November 2025
Led by Professor of Finance, Christopher Hennessey and Adjunct Professor of Finance, Alon Avner
Block week: Monday 8 September–Friday 12 September 2025
Led by Professors of Management Science and Operations Jérémie Gallien, Nicos Savva and Kamalini Ramdas
Block week: Monday 1–Friday 5 December 2025
Community
Recently graduated? Become your Alumni Class Lead
You'll play an instrumental part in building a lifelong partnership between your class and the School. See details in the Class Lead Guide. Express your interest via this form.
Forever Forward
Professor Elias Papaioannou appointed as Alexander Knaster Chair in Economics
Professor Elias Papaioannou has been appointed Alexander Knaster Chair in Economics, effective 1 August 2025. Supported by a generous gift from Alexander Knaster, the Chair strengthens LBS’s commitment to academic excellence.
“Endowed chairs are the cornerstone of academic excellence at LBS, empowering our School to attract and retain distinguished scholars, foster groundbreaking research, and inspire future generations of business leaders. We’re thrilled by the appointment of Professor Papaioannou as the next Knaster Chair."
– Emily A. Robin, Associate Dean of Advancement
Congratulations
Professor of Finance Anna Pavlova and Clinical Professor of Organisational Behaviour Ben Hardy have been named as joint winners of this year's Excellence in Teaching Award.
Randall S. Peterson, Professor of Organisational Behaviour, has received the Joseph E. McGrath Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Study of Groups from the Interdisciplinary Network of Group Researchers (INGRoup).
Upcoming Events
London
This event brings together current students, alumni and their close family members for a relaxed and memorable gathering. The event offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and welcome the newest cohorts of MiF students into the community.
Location: London Business School, Front Lawn
Date: Sunday 7 September
Reunion weekend: Festival of Minds 2026
Location: London Business School
Date: Friday 12–Sunday 14 June 2026
Events around the globe
Infra Speaking Series in Dubai
The LBS Alumni Infrastructure Club, in collaboration with the LBS Infrastructure and Construction Club, is delighted to invite you to an exclusive Infra Speaker Series event featuring Abdulla Humaidan, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan, and Usman Jehangir, Senior Vice President at The Saudi National Bank.
For any questions please reach out to Anas Aboul Hosn at anasa.embads2026@london.edu or Radim Radkovsky at radimr.embals2023@london.edu
Location: LBS Dubai Campus - Level 2, Auditorium, Dubai International Financial Centre
Date: Wednesday, 6 August
LBS entrepreneurship fireside chat in Sydney
This fireside chat will feature Mohit Midha, the founder of Hoogly, an AI employee engagement startup, and Charlie Ill, CEO at Investible, an early-stage venture capital firm. Mohit and Charlie will share their stories and explore key trends shaping Australian and global entrepreneurship scene.
Location: SuperChoice, Level 4, 45 Clarence St, Sydney
Date: Wednesday 27 August
Save the date:
Worldwide Alumni Celebration returns in 2025, bringing the LBS community together across continents and time zones. From city events to local gatherings, WAC is a chance to connect, reflect and celebrate the global spirit of LBS.
Mumbai: Friday 19 September
Singapore: Wednesday 24 September
Amsterdam: Wednesday 1 October
New York: Wednesday 8 October
Chicago: Thursday 9 October
London: Thursday 16 October
Tokyo: Tuesday 21 October
Shanghai: Wednesday 22 October
San Francisco: Monday 27 October
Dubai: Wednesday 29 October
More cities and dates to be announced soon, keep an eye out as the celebration continues to grow!
Save the date:
Middle East Conference
Date: Friday 30 January 2026
Save the date:
Alumni Reunion in Dubai
Date: Saturday 31 January 2026