Launched in 2018 as a joint initiative between INSEAD and the INSEAD Alumni Association, the Alumni Recognition Awards programme celebrates alumni across five key categories. This year’s ceremony, introduced by Associate Dean of Advancement Nida Januskis, brought together senior leaders from the school and the alumni network, including Dean Francisco Veloso and INSEAD Alumni Association President Frans Blom, to honour six remarkable award recipients in person and two more who were unable to attend the Forum.
Honouring Dedicated Volunteers
The first category presented – the INSEAD Alumni Volunteer Leader Award – recognises alumni who have gone above and beyond in service to the school and its global alumni network. Three recipients were honoured this year, each of whom exemplifies leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to INSEAD’s mission.
Emma Goltz MBA’98J, IDP-C21’Oct, was honoured for her extensive volunteer leadership, including her impactful tenure as Chair of the INSEAD Alumni Fund Board (2017–2023). Her roles on the INSEAD Board, the Campaign Board, and as General Manager of the INSEAD Singapore Association demonstrated her unwavering dedication to advancing the school’s mission across continents. Reflecting on her journey, Emma shared, “Receiving the award is recognition of the journey that INSEAD’s been on with fundraising. I was lucky enough to be asked to lead that journey. It’s a cliché to say that INSEAD changed your life – but for me it definitely did.”
Paul G. Smith MBA’95J was lauded for his strategic leadership as President of the Canadian INSEAD Foundation. His work to introduce tax-efficient giving mechanisms in Canada helped secure a €3 million endowment and elevate Canada as a leader in alumni donor participation. Paul expressed, “My experience at INSEAD inspired me to take this role because it was my turn to lead in Canada, following in the footsteps of all those impressive people who came before me.”
The third recipient, Robert Maciejko MBA’92J, was recognised for his role in founding INSEAD AI, a vibrant community of over 3,000 members exploring the intersection of technology, business, and society. His past service as NAA Poland President and current leadership in NAA USA underscore his lifelong commitment to connecting people and ideas. Robert noted, “I don’t feel that it’s an award for me personally. It’s an award for the 3,000 people in the INSEAD AI community: they engage every day.”
A Force for Good
This year’s INSEAD Alumni Force for Good Award went to Mila Lukic MBA’12D, whose visionary work as founder of Bridges Outcomes Partnerships (BOP) has transformed how essential services are delivered to those most in need. Under her leadership, the not-for-profit social enterprise has supported over 45,000 individuals in the UK, creating £1.2 billion (€1.4 billion) in public value. Her impact serves as a compelling reminder of how business can be a profound force for social change. Mila remarked on how having the “inspiring, thoughtful, innovative” INSEAD community aligned with BOP’s values means everything to the organisation.
Entrepreneurial Excellence on a Global Scale
Rounding out the ceremony were the INSEAD Alumni Global Entrepreneurship Awards, presented to Alexandre Prot MBA’10D and Steve Anavi MBA’11D, co-founders of the fintech unicorn Qonto. In just a few years, the duo has reshaped business banking for SMEs and freelancers across Europe. With a valuation exceeding €4.5 billion, Qonto is not only a symbol of innovation but also a testament to the power of entrepreneurial vision rooted in purpose. Alexandre stated, “Finding the right business partner is always important, maybe amongst your INSEAD friends.” Steve added, “I loved my time at INSEAD, meeting all the friends I have today, diversity, excellence, and I loved it because that’s really how we try to enthuse the culture at Qonto around those same core values.”
Celebrating Young Achievers
Though unable to attend the ceremony in person, Sophie Cahen MBA’16D was awarded the INSEAD Alumni Young Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship. As co-founder of Ganymed Robotics, Sophie is revolutionising orthopaedic surgery through cutting-edge technology. With three patents and accolades such as Woman Entrepreneur of the Year and the French National Order of Merit, she represents the next generation of INSEAD changemakers.
In a message of thanks, Sophie shared, "INSEAD, through its curriculum of course, but also its spirit of openness to ideas, dedicated clubs, inspiring professors, amazing student body, and the rigorous Venture Competition process, is a spectacular launchpad towards entrepreneurship.
Yet nothing truly prepares for such a demanding ride. Eventually, the right intro at the right time, wise advice from someone who knows and cares, a conversation that suddenly shines a new light on a tough decision to make, or a much-welcome award that shows our efforts are being noticed: that will be what makes the difference along the journey. And INSEAD makes it all possible, through its alumni network and associations!"
Recognising a Leader in Learning
Also unable to attend, Chaitanya Kalipatnapu MBA’06D was honoured with the INSEAD Alumni Achievement Award. He shared his appreciation saying: “I am deeply honoured to be selected for the Alumni Achievement Award. I owe it to INSEAD for playing an outsized role in both my professional and personal life! And am grateful to my co-founder and team at Eruditus group that has enabled this journey of impact. Further, I am cognizant that this Award is not only a recognition but a responsibility to nurture the values of the school”. As co-founder of Eruditus Executive Education, Chaitanya has revolutionised access to high-quality learning for professionals worldwide. The Awards Committee commended his entrepreneurial ability and the transformative and innovative role Eruditus has played in advancing executive education.
A Celebration of Impact
As the applause echoed across the venue and the awardees gathered for a group photo, there was a palpable sense of community and shared purpose. In her closing remarks, Kristin Skogen Lund MBA’92J, Chair of the Board at INSEAD, warmly congratulated all the award recipients, acknowledging their diverse achievements and the powerful example they set for the global INSEAD community.
The ceremony concluded not just with celebration, but with renewed momentum – fuelled by stories of leadership, innovation, service, and purpose – that will carry the INSEAD community forward into the future.
Watch the Alumni Recognition Awards 2024/2025 video!
