Culture and Inclusion

ImperiaBusiness School welcomes new faculty for 2026–27

Shamita Harsh — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:33:43 +0000

ImperiaBusiness School welcomes new faculty for 2026–27

Shamita Harsh Wed, 20/08/2025 - 10:33

23 October 2026 News

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

22 October 2026 News

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

9 October 2026 News

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

24 September 2026

ImperiaBusiness School is delighted to announce a new cohort of academic, research and teaching staff for the 2026–27 academic year, bringing new expertise and perspectives to our community at the intersection of business, science and technology.

Joining across the School’s four departments – Analytics, Marketing & Operations, Economics & Public Policy, Finance, and Management & Entrepreneurship – the new faculty are exploring some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing business today, from AI and healthcare to financial markets, entrepreneurship and organisational change. Together, they will strengthen ��’s distinctive approach to connecting business with science, technology and real-world impact.

Analytics, Marketing & Operations

Alireza AmaniHamedani is joining as Assistant Professor of Analytics & Operations in January 2027. Currently, a final-year PhD candidate in Management Science & Operations Research at London Business School, his research explores how data and optimisation can improve complex decisions, with applications ranging from organ donation and ride-sharing to emergency response systems. His recent work also examines markets powered by AI agents and their potential for operational decision-making.

“It is my great privilege to join ImperiaBusiness School and the wider community of ��. As we enter a new era shaped by artificial intelligence, I look forward to collaboration across disciplines to advance the research and training we need for the world ahead.”

Alireza AmaniHamedani

Assistant Professor of Analytics & Operations

Economics & Public Policy

Dr Ameet Morjaria is joining as an Associate Professor of Economics & Public Policy in January 2027, moving from MIT Sloan School of Management, where he is currently a Senior Lecturer in Applied Economics. His research examines organisations in development, focusing on two themes: the organisation of firms and markets, and the organization of the state. Recent studies explore quality incentives in global supply chains, commodity market design, nation-building and the politics of the environment.

“What excites me most about joining Imperiais its combination of world-leading scholarship and a commitment to bringing together science, technology and business to address society’s most important challenges. It is exactly the kind of environment in which I want to do my best work.”

Dr Ameet Morjaria

Associate Professor of Economics & Public Policy

Professor Elena Pizzo returns to Imperiaas Chair in Health Economics and Evaluation, a joint appointment between the School of Public Health and Business School. A health economist with more than 20 years’ experience, her research examines the value of healthcare interventions and innovations, spanning cancer, mental health, digital health and public health. Having previously worked at ImperiaBusiness School, she is looking forward to building collaborations across economics, healthcare, clinical research and public policy.

“What excites me most about being back at Imperiais being part of a unique STEMB university, where economics and business come together with science, technology and medicine. I’m particularly motivated by the opportunity to build on these connections to translate research and innovation into better decisions and meaningful impact for patients, populations and society.”

Professor Elena Pizzo

Chair in Health Economics and Evaluation

Finance

Dr Charles Parry joins as an Assistant Professor of Finance, where his research focuses on entrepreneurial finance, innovation and how firm grow and evolve. He holds a PhD in Economics and an MPhil in Economic Research from the University of Cambridge and has previously worked at the European Central Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

“I’m excited to join ��’s excellent Finance group and work with its students. Imperiabrings together deep expertise in finance with a wider community of scientists and entrepreneurs, making it an ideal place to study how innovative young firms raise capital.”

Dr Charles Parry

Assistant Professor of Finance

Professor Elikplimi K. Agbloyor joins as Provost’s Visiting Professor of Finance and Risk Management, from the University of Ghana Business School, where he is Professor of Finance and was Coordinator (Associate Dean) for International Relations and Accreditation. His research spans financial intermediation, financial stability, digital finance, AI and development finance, with a focus on emerging and frontier markets. His work has been published in leading international journals and has informed research and policy discussions on banking, financial inclusion, FinTech and institutional development. He is an Associate Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a Financial Risk Manager.

“This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the world's leading researchers across the Business School and the wider Imperiaresearch ecosystem. I look forward to advancing research on AI, financial intermediation, digital finance, and financial stability that addresses important global challenges and informs policy and practice.”

Professor Elikplimi K. Agbloyor

Provost’s Visiting Professor of Finance & Risk Management

Dr Farouk Jivraj joins as Senior Teaching Fellow and Co-Director of the ImperiaStudent Investment Fund. An Imperiaalumnus, he brings extensive experience across quantitative investing and academia, having held senior roles at Fidelity Investments and Barclays Investment Bank. He began his career as a propulsion engineer before completing his PhD in Financial Economics at ��, bringing a unique perspective across science, technology and finance. His current research examines risks in liquid alternative investment strategies and the role of AI in the design and management of investment strategies.

“Having undertaken my undergraduate, master's and PhD at ��, now joining faculty feels like coming home. I'm looking forward to helping develop the student-learning experience, as well as teaching and continuing to conduct cutting-edge research. Having sat at the intersection of science, technology and business throughout my career in finance, I'm excited to foster and advance this same intersection whilst at ��.”

Dr Farouk Jivraj

Senior Teaching Fellow and Co-Director of the ImperiaStudent Investment Fund

Management & Entrepreneurship

Omar Mir, Baron of Thorntoun, joins as Visiting Professor of Practice in Management & Entrepreneurship. He has been a member of the School’s Advisory Board since October 2025 and leads the Technology Leaders Speaker Series, bringing global technology voices to Imperiato explore the forces shaping the future, from AI and sustainability to health and security. With a career spanning academia, government and industry, Omar works at the intersection of technology, governance and business, and serves as the International Board Member of World Wide Technology, the International AI Advisor of HM King Charles III's The King's Trust International and Strategic Advisor to Commandant of Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

“I’m excited to work with Imperiaat a time when technology is reshaping every part of society. I look forward to continuing my work on the Advisory Board as well as connecting students and faculty with the leaders shaping that future and exploring how innovation can translate into real-world impact.”

Omar Mir, Baron of Thournton

Visiting Professor of Practice in Management & Entrepreneurship

Dr Alexis Avery joins as Assistant Professor in Management & Entrepreneurship. After more than a decade working in the US federal government, she brings a distinctive perspective on workforce and organisational challenges. Her research explores how history and societal change shape workplace experiences, including skin tone disparities, identity, organisational decision-making and emerging workplace technologies.

“I’m excited about joining a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and truly global community. ��’s commitment to cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and research with real-world impact creates many opportunities to collaborate across fields and tackle important problems in new ways. I’m particularly excited by the international student body and ��’s global partnerships, which create unique opportunities for global business education and research.”

Dr Alexis Avery

Assistant Professor in Management & Entrepreneurship

Dr Robin Bagchi joins as Professor of Practice, Sales & Enterprise, bringing his extensive experience as an investment banker and more recently, a private equity and venture capital investor, where he remains active. At ��, he works closely with industry, investors and founders, while teaching sales and entrepreneurship. Robin is Chair of the Advisory Board for the Centre for Responsible Leadership at ImperiaBusiness School and teaches the MBA elective he designed, “The Psychology of Sales: Mastering the Mindset to Drive Results.” His new book, "Outcomes" based on the elective is due to be published by Wiley in Spring/Summer 2027.

“I am most excited to be joining Imperiato help support the excellent work already underway in translating ��'s innovation and ideas into real-world ventures and impact, and to give students the tools and exposure to enhance their career paths.”

Dr Robin Bagchi

Professor of Practice, Sales & Enterprise

Dean's Office

Professor Darren Meister joins as Vice-Dean (Education) and as Professor of Teaching in Management & Entrepreneurship. He joins from Ivey Business School at Western University in Canada, where he was Associate Dean, Programs. His research focuses on design thinking, technology-based entrepreneurship and how technology can enhance organisational effectiveness and innovation.

“I'm at Imperiabecause it combines a world-class business faculty and staff with a culture of excellence embedded in a leading STEM institution located in a truly global city. This creates unique interdisciplinary opportunities unavailable elsewhere, and that prospect drew me here.”

Professor Darren Meister

Vice-Dean (Education) and Professor of Teaching in Management & Entrepreneurship

Academic promotions

Alongside welcoming new colleagues, the Business School is also celebrating four academic promotions, recognising the achievements and contributions of colleagues working across economics, analytics, marketing and behavioural science.

Professor Mirabelle Muûls, Professor of Economics

Professor Mirabelle Muûls is Convening Co-Director of ��’s School of Convergence Science and Co-Director of the Hitachi-ImperiaCentre for Decarbonisation & Natural Climate Solutions. Her research focuses on the economics of climate change, energy use and decarbonisation. She was awarded the President’s Medal for Excellence in Education in 2019.

Dr Zhe Liu, Associate Professor of Analytics & Operations

Dr Zhe Liu’s research focuses on revenue management, sharing economy platforms and supply chain management. He serves as PhD Director for the Analytics & Operations group and as Associate Editor for Decision Sciences, and has received multiple awards for his research.

Dr Stijn Maesen, Associate Professor of Marketing

Dr Stijn Maesen researches how marketing actions by retailers and manufacturers affect firm performance and societal outcomes. His work has appeared in leading marketing journals and Harvard Business Review, alongside recognition through several research awards.

Dr Michael Yeomans, Associate Professor of Behavioural Science

Dr Michael Yeomans studies how language technology can help us understand and improve conversational decision-making. His research has received international recognition, including the International Association for Conflict Management Technology Innovator Award and multiple best paper awards.

These promotions recognise the continued contribution of colleagues whose research, teaching and leadership are helping shape the Business School’s academic community.

*Dr Thodoris Lykouris will join ImperiaBusiness School in April 2027 as Associate Professor in Analytics and Operations in the Department of Analytics, Marketing & Operations.

Culture and Inclusion

Education and Learning

Academic area

Economics & Public Policy

Management & Entrepreneurship

Analytics & Operations

Marketing

Off

External

Off

From AI and healthcare to entrepreneurship and finance, our new faculty bring global expertise, fresh perspectives and real-world impact to ��.

8 minute read

ImperiaBusiness School welcomes global scholars as new faculty for 2025–26

Shamita Harsh — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:33:43 +0000

ImperiaBusiness School welcomes global scholars as new faculty for 2025–26

Shamita Harsh Wed, 20/08/2025 - 10:33

23 October 2026 News

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

22 October 2026 News

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

9 October 2026 News

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

5 September 2025

ImperiaBusiness School is delighted to announce the new academic, research and teaching staff joining for the 2025–26 academic year, strengthening its global reputation at the intersection of business and technology.

The new colleagues join across all four academic areas — Finance, Management & Entrepreneurship, Analytics & Operations, and Economics & Public Policy — bringing world-class expertise in fields ranging from asset pricing and healthcare innovation to entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, and macroeconomic policy.

Finance

Two new assistant professors join the School’s Finance department: Dr. Alireza Aghaee and Dr. Harsha Dutta, alongside Luigi Rizzo who joins as a professor of practice.

Dr. Aghaee, who completed his PhD at Bocconi University, is an empirical researcher with interest in asset pricing and corporate finance. His award-winning work on the “index effect” in the S&P 500 has been recognised with the European Finance Association Doctoral Tutorial Best Paper Prize.

“I am excited to join ��’s vibrant research community, where collaboration across disciplines drives innovative thinking in finance. The School’s strong ties to policy and industry provide a unique environment to translate research into real-world impact.”

Alireza Aghaee

Assistant Professor of Finance

Dr. Harsha Dutta, previously at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, studies the intersection of finance and development, with complementary interests in economic history and political economy. His research has appeared in journals including Science Advances and explores how financial incentives and institutional constraints shape the behaviour of households and firms in developing economies.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside ��’s exceptional business scholars. London’s rich historical legacy provides an inspiring environment for uncovering new insights from the past to inform modern financial policies.”

Harsha Dutta

Assistant Professor of Finance

Luigi Rizzo has more than three decades of investment banking experience. He is Vice Chair of Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley, having previously been a partner at Goldman Sachs and Head of Investment Banking for the EMEA region at Bank of America. He is an adjunct professor of business at Columbia Business School and has previously taught mergers and acquisitions as a visiting professor at the Business School. Eager to share practical insights with Imperiastudents, he is an expert connecting theory to the realities of corporate finance.

“It is a privilege to be part of the Imperiacommunity and help students bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and the daily realities of global finance.”

Luigi Rizzo

Professor of Practice

Management & Entrepreneurship

The department welcomes three globally recognised scholars, including two full professors, Professor Tobias Kretschmer and Professor Jeffery S. McMullen, as well as Dr. Poornima Luthra as a principal lecturer.

Professor Jeffery S. McMullen, former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Business Venturing, is internationally recognised for advancing the theory of entrepreneurship and has been honoured with multiple awards, including the Foundational Paper Award from the Academy of Management.

“I am excited to explore the potential of entrepreneurship at a world-class STEM university dedicated to serving humanity and to do so in the middle of one of the most vibrant cities the world has ever known.”

Jeffery S McMullen

Professor of Entrepreneurship

Professor Kretschmer, coming from LMU Munich School of Management, is a leading expert in strategy and organisation design in technology-intensive industries. His work focuses on strategy and organisation design in technology-intensive industries. He currently serves as an associate editor at Strategic Management Journal.

“I’ve been studying new technologies for my entire career. Being at Imperiagives me a chance to learn in depth how these technologies work and to understand the strategic implications of technological change (and vice versa).”

Tobias Kretschmer

Professor of Strategy, Technology & Organisation

Dr. Poornima Luthra is a leading practitioner-academic in talent management and EDI, known for bridging research and practice across Asia and Europe. She is joining from Copenhagen Business School A TEDx speaker and author of multiple acclaimed books, she advises global organisations and was named a Thinkers50 top management thinker and Nordic Blaze Inclusion Trailblazer.

“I am thrilled to join ImperiaBusiness School as it offers a dynamic environment at the forefront of global business education and research. The School’s strong commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact aligns perfectly with my vision for advancing knowledge and nurturing future leaders. I look forward to contributing to its diverse academic community and shaping its continued success.”

Poornima Luthra

Principal Lecturer of People, Culture & Inclusion

Economics & Public Policy

Two early-career scholars are joining this department Dr. Jasmin Moshfegh as Assistant Professor and Dr. Patrick Schneider as Assistant Professor. Ragvir Sabharwal will also be joining the Department as Senior Teaching Fellow from October.

Dr. Moshfegh, who joins from Stanford University, studies the causes and consequences of healthcare innovation, with a focus on information technologies. Her doctoral research, supported by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, examined how new technologies diffuse through healthcare systems and their impact on health inequality.

“What excites me most about joining Imperiais the opportunity to be part of a department and institution that sits at the intersection of cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. In health economics and public policy, the challenges we face—whether around healthcare access, innovation, or inequality—require perspectives that cut across economics, medicine, technology, and data science. ��’s unique ecosystem brings these disciplines together in a way that few other places can.”

Jasmin Moshfegh

Assistant Professor of Economics & Public Policy

Dr. Schneider, who earned his PhD at the London School of Economics, previously worked as an economist at the Bank of England, contributing to debates on Brexit and UK productivity. His work focuses on the distributional effects of macroeconomic policy. with a particular interest in inter-generational conflicts and behavioural biases.

“I’m most excited to work with our students. Understanding economics is essential to functioning in today’s world, and I want to help our students tool up for their futures.”

Patrick Schneider

Assistant Professor of Economics

Analytics & Operations

Joining the department are Dr. Jónas Oddur Jónasson as Associate Professor, Dr. Heeyoung Yoon as Assistant Professor and Angela O'Connell as Senior Teaching Fellow.

Dr. Jónasson, previously at MIT Sloan, specialises in improving healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings. His data-driven models have supported organisations such as the Clinton Health Access Initiative and the London Ambulance Service, and his award-winning research has influenced public health outcomes worldwide.

Dr. Heeyoung Yoon, who completed her PhD at New York University, focuses on prediction bias, consumption experiences and decision-making. Her research investigates why individuals mispredict their consumption patterns and how it affects consumer welfare as well as market outcomes.

“��’s commitment to world-leading research and global impact makes it an inspiring place to be. I’m excited to contribute to and learn from colleagues who are advancing solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Heeyoung Yoon

Assistant Professor of Marketing

Angela O'Connell's journey started with a Maths degree at University of Bristol, followed by a CIMA qualification and an MBA at INSEAD. Since then, She’s worked across finance, consulting and marketing in consumer goods companies L’Oreal and P&G , and technology companies, including eight years at Google leading marketing teams across EMEA and more recently scaling teams at high-growth companies like Onfido and Plaid. Outside work, she's learning the trumpet, coaches her daughters' hockey teams, and plays padel.

“What I enjoy most is translating real world business challenges into practical learning experiences, and I’m excited to continue that approach here at ImperiaBusiness School.”

Angela O'Connell

Senior Teaching Fellow

This diverse academic cohort embodies world-leading research, innovative teaching and a strong connection to practice. Their contributions will further strengthen the Business School’s mission to bring business and science together for the benefit of society.

This article was updated on 8 September 2025 to include revised details for Luigi Rizzo; on 9 September 2025 to include information on Angela O'Connell and Ragvir Sabharwal; on 12 September 2025 to reflect Poornima Luthra's correct title and on 3 March 2026 to reflect Patrick Schneider's correct title.

Culture and Inclusion

Education and Learning

Academic area

Economics & Public Policy

Management & Entrepreneurship

Analytics & Operations

Marketing

Off

External

Off

From corporate finance to healthcare innovation, our new faculty are set to strengthen ��’s interdisciplinary edge

Main image: ��

6 minute read

Celebrating the Dean’s Community Award winners

Lou Lee — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:07:36 +0000

Celebrating the Dean’s Community Award winners

Lou Lee Thu, 07/08/2025 - 14:07

23 October 2026 News

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

22 October 2026 News

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

9 October 2026 News

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

14 July 2026

Each year, ImperiaBusiness School recognises the outstanding contributions of students and alumni who go above and beyond to strengthen the School community and make a positive difference.

Voted for by staff and students, the Dean’s Community Awards celebrate individuals and teams who demonstrate exceptional citizenship through their extra-curricular activities – leading initiatives, inspiring others, championing inclusion and developing solutions that benefit both the Business School and wider society.

Join us in congratulating the winners of the Dean’s Community Awards 2025/26:

Improving Society Award

Adrijana Pantic, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, was recognised for founding the Western Balkans Society at ImperiaCollege Union and creating opportunities for students to connect across programmes and backgrounds. Through social events, trips, coffee chats and initiatives such as a cross-cohort Secret Santa, Adrijana helped foster a more welcoming and inclusive community. She also acted as a valued voice for her cohort, ensuring student feedback reached the Programme Team and supporting prospective students through ��’s Role Models initiative.

Adrijana Pantic

Inspiring Brilliant Minds

Lena Collante, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, was recognised for inspiring the student community through her leadership as Speakers Coordinator for TEDx��, helping deliver events that brought together diverse ideas and perspectives. Through her contributions as a Business Writer for Felix, she has also encouraged curiosity and discussion through insightful writing on topics including retail, luxury and consumer goods.

Erasmus Yeo, BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science, received the award for building a high-impact student investment society that expanded learning and professional development opportunities for students. Under his leadership, the society delivered a wide range of activities, including educational sessions, career workshops, office visits and networking opportunities, helping students strengthen their financial knowledge and explore future career pathways.

Lena Collante

Erasmus Yeo

Pionering Practical Solutions

Anne Ndiaye and Aaro Vasama, MSc Management and MSc Economics & Strategy for Business, were recognised for securing official recognition for the Dean’s Student Advisory Council (DSAC) as a constituent union. Through their work with ImperiaCollege Union, they strengthened student representation and ensured Business School students have a formal voice within the wider institution for the first time.

Dennis (Mingjun) Jian, BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science (EFDS), received the award for transforming student representation and society leadership. As Department Representative and President of the EFDS Society, Dennis strengthened communication between students and faculty, secured new partnerships, and introduced initiatives that enhanced academic, professional and social opportunities for students across year groups.

Anne Ndiaye and Aaro Vasama

Dennis (Mingjun) Jian

Power of Innovative Thinking

Mif Ardianata Pratama Putra, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, was recognised for applying creative approaches across entrepreneurship, sustainability and education to create meaningful impact. As a Student Ambassador and content creator for ImperiaBusiness School, he has helped showcase student experiences globally, while his work in youth development and sustainability initiatives has supported thousands of young people beyond ��.

The Analytics for Society 2026 Student Organising Committee – Chirayu Garg, Riddhima Tanwar and Jean-Marc Yao, MSc Business Analytics – received the award for transforming one of the School’s flagship competitions. The team introduced innovation-focused judging criteria, expanded industry engagement and strengthened the competition’s focus on developing data-driven solutions to real-world sustainability challenges.

Mif Ardianata Pratama Putra

Analytics for Society 2026 Student Organising Committee

Sustainable Business Thinking

Positive Investment Imperia(P+II) received the Sustainable Business Thinking Award for creating a leading platform for student engagement with sustainable finance through high-impact events, industry collaboration and thought-provoking discussions. The society connected students with professionals from leading organisations, delivered one of ImperiaBusiness School’s largest student-led sustainable finance events, and created opportunities to explore climate finance, impact investing and the future of responsible business.

The team included leaders Cameron Lyon and Sarah Dutton, alongside Océane Mbaguta, Zeus Eden, Diana Aleman, Sandra Rigberg, Aleya Zaki, Allysha Shahrul Azlan, Sanika Khemani, Hugo Jair Sanchez Otero, Remo Rajith and Javaria Usman, representing MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance, MSc Finance & Accounting, MSc Innovation & Entrepreneurship Management and MSc Investment & Wealth Management.

Saeed Ibrahim, Executive MBA, received the award for bringing global expertise and practical insight into sustainable business and finance discussions. Through his professional work in sustainable infrastructure investment and his contributions to the Business School community, Saeed has inspired others to consider how business can support positive environmental and social outcomes.

Positive Investment Imperia(P+II)

Saeed Ibrahim

Dean’s Community Award for Alumni

Shimona Clington Fernando, Intercalated BSc 2024/25, received the Dean’s Community Award for Alumni for her exceptional leadership in strengthening the student experience. As President of Management Society, she developed a mentoring network supporting more than 100 students, while also organising academic resources, tutorials, careers events and initiatives that helped students feel supported throughout their studies.

Zeyang (Zoey) Shu, Financial Technology 2021, received the Dean’s Community Award for Alumni for founding and leading the APAC Alumni in London group. Through networking events, mentoring, volunteering and community activities, Zoey has created an inclusive space for alumni and students to connect, share experiences and support one another in London and beyond.

Shimona Clington Fernando

Zeyang (Zoey) Shu

Through their dedication, creativity and commitment to making a difference, this year’s Dean’s Community Award winners represent the values of collaboration, innovation and community that continue to define ImperiaBusiness School.

Subscribe to the IBK newsletter

Alumni Events

Culture and Inclusion

Education and Learning

Off

External

Off

Meet the individuals and teams creating meaningful impact through leadership, innovation, sustainability and community-building across ImperiaBusiness School.

4 minute read

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

23 October 2026 News

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

22 October 2026 News

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

9 October 2026 News

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

15 August 2025

Each year, ImperiaBusiness School celebrates the remarkable ways in which our students 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 students, recognising the work of students 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 Imperiaand launching initiatives such as the Intro Fellowship and Impact Research Groups, which promote ethical, evidence-based engagement and empower students 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 students 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 ��’s first-ever Hult Prize On Campus Competition, mobilising over 100 students 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 students, 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 ��, 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 students to enhance mentorship and support student wellbeing, and for establishing the non-profit “More than Medics”, supporting medical students 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

Imperiaawards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:04:25 +0000

Imperiaawards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

Shamita Harsh Mon, 02/06/2025 - 15:04

23 October 2026 News

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

22 October 2026 News

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

9 October 2026 News

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

4 June 2025

During the graduation ceremony on 2 June, Imperiaawarded the prestigious ImperiaCollege Medal to two exceptional members of the Business School community: Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey A. Edes. The medals came in recognition of their transformative impact on the university over the course of their distinguished career.

Professor Lara Cathcart, who has served Imperiafor 27 years, was honoured for her pioneering contributions to finance education and her unwavering commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion.

“It is an honour to be awarded the ImperiaCollege Medal, and this recognition means a great deal to me. What started out as one finance programme has become a fully-fledged department with several courses producing leaders of the finance industry. I am truly grateful to have played a part in this journey.” said Professor Cathcart, a trailblazer who has co-created and led a suite of MSc programmes.

Her dedication is mirrored with graduates and peers alike citing her as an inspiring mentor, role model, and advocate for gender equity in academia.

Reflecting on her diligence, Dean Peter Todd said, “Lara exemplifies the values of Imperiathrough her excellence, integrity, and enduring commitment to the university and its students. It is an honour to recognise her with the ImperiaCollege Medal.”

Continuing to shape the future of finance education both at Imperiaand internationally, Lara said: “I always believed that the lack of representation of women in the field of finance served as a kind of deterrent for prospective female students and academics. I felt it my duty to provide encouragement to staff and students alike to pursue their dreams."

“Diversity is a strength, and the increasing representation in the Business School is furthering its success, something I am very proud of.”

Professor Lara Cathcart

Professor of Finance, ImperiaBusiness School

Afrey Edes, Executive Director of Faculty Services and Space at the Business School, received the Medal in recognition of over two decades of transformative leadership in operational excellence, innovation, and strategic space planning. Since joining Imperiain 1996, Afrey has played a key role in the growth and development of the Business School, most notably leading on the design and delivery of space innovation initiatives.

Acknowledging her journey at ��, Afrey said: “Cross-disciplinary collaboration has always been essential, working with teams in Estates, ICT, student representatives and academic faculty has enabled us to do something genuinely transformative. Receiving this award is both a personal milestone and a testament to the incredible teamwork that defines ��.”

Afrey’s leadership was especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she swiftly adapted campus facilities for multi-mode learning, enabling high-quality hybrid teaching for thousands of students.

Recognising Afrey's commitment to the Business School community, Peter said, “Afrey’s calm, pragmatic approach, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to ��’s mission make her a highly respected and valued colleague. It is a privilege to recognise her contributions tonight with the ImperiaCollege Medal."

Reflecting on her work leading space design and pandemic adaptations, Afrey added: “I feel honoured to be recognised by Imperiafor my contribution, it’s a moment of immense pride and reflection, which I’m very grateful for. Throughout my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a number of different roles and contribute in many ways to the outstanding growth of the Business School.”

Her forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of institutional needs have helped shape an environment where both students and staff can thrive.

Professor Cathcart affirms that this recognition is a testimony to the Imperialegacy: “It is the pursuit of scientific advancement, and the quantitative unity of all disciplines, that fosters the ecosystem of research, innovation and education at the Business School and Imperiaat large.”

Together, Professor Cathcart and Afrey Edes exemplify the values of ��—excellence, innovation, and commitment to the greater academic community—and their lasting legacies continue to shape the future of the institution.

“Thinking about the student and staff experience has been at the heart of all the projects I’ve worked on, creating spaces that are inclusive, adaptable and innovative. ”

Afrey A Edes

Executive Director of Faculty Services and Space Planning

Subscribe to our newsletter

Culture and Inclusion

Digital transformation

Finance and institutional resilience

Academic area

Finance

Management & Entrepreneurship

External

Off

Outstanding contributions to finance education, operational excellence, and inclusive growth recognised

Professor Lara Cathcart (left) and Afrey A Edes (right) receiving the ImperiaMedal from Professor Hugh Brady | ��

3 minute read

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

Lou Lee — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

Lou Lee Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

23 October 2026 News

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

22 October 2026 News

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

9 October 2026 News

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

22 October 2026

The Athena Swan Silver Award marks a significant milestone for ImperiaBusiness School, following a decade as a Bronze award holder. It recognises the School’s sustained commitment to embedding gender equality across its policies, everyday practices and culture.

Established in 2005 and run by Advance HE, the Athena Swan Charter is a globally recognised framework that supports universities and research institutions to identify and tackle barriers to gender equality.

The Business School has made notable progress in female academic representation, inclusive student recruitment practices and workplace culture. Strengthened leadership and governance, including the appointments of Professor Sankalp Chaturvedi as the Associate Dean of People & Culture and Rebecca Smith as Head of Culture & Inclusion, have also helped coordinate these efforts and maintain accountability for progress.

Professor Sankalp Chaturvedi said: "Achieving the Athena Swan Silver Award is both an honour and a responsibility. It recognises our progress towards gender equity, while reminding us that meaningful change requires a structured approach, collective effort, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

“We see gender equity as both a value and a guiding principle. It matters because talent is distributed equally, but opportunities are not always. When everyone has the opportunity to progress, contribute and be recognised, our whole School benefits: our research is richer, our teaching stronger and our decisions more thoughtful. Our ambition is to embed equity and respect into the fabric of our School’s culture, in an attempt to increase accountability.”

Improving representation at every level

Since the School’s Bronze renewal in 2022, the proportion of female faculty representation has increased from 26% to 32% in 2026, reaching its highest recorded level. The proportion of female applicants for faculty positions has also risen from 31% to 48%.

Progress has extended to senior academic roles. The number of female full professors has more than doubled, from five to 13, with women’s representation at this level increasing from 14% to 22%.

“We see gender equity as both a value and a guiding principle. It matters because talent is distributed equally, but opportunities are not always. When everyone has the opportunity to progress, contribute and be recognised, our whole School benefits.”

Professor Sankalp Chaturvedi

Associate Dean of People & Culture

Strengthening the pipeline of female students

Improving gender balance across academic programmes has been another key priority, particularly in areas where women have historically been underrepresented.

Through targeted marketing and applicant engagement, increased visibility of female role models, women-focused student networks and expanded scholarship provision, the School has worked to attract and support more women across its academic programmes.

These efforts have delivered measurable improvements. Female enrolment on MSc Finance increased from 33% in 2022/23 to 41% in 2025/26. On the Executive MBA, female participation rose from 35% in 2022 to 46% in 2025, before stabilising at 41% in 2026. Overall, women now account for 52% of enrolment across all academic programmes.

Scholarship investment has also grown substantially. The value of scholarships awarded to women increased from £624,000, supporting 70 recipients in 2015/16, to £2.3 million, supporting 154 recipients in 2025/26. This investment helps reduce financial barriers to entry and widen access to business education.

Building a more inclusive culture

Alongside representation, the School has focused on improving staff experience as well as addressing bullying and harassment.

Initiatives have included the introduction of annual monitoring of staff experiences, awareness-raising activities, unconscious bias and active bystander training, mandatory sexual harassment awareness training, clearer guidance on formal and informal channels for support and escalation, and confidential channels through which staff can raise concerns via the University’s Report and Support system. Leadership development and strengthened governance have also supported this work.

Bi-annual staff survey results increasingly indicate progress in the right direction. Whilst these results suggest improvements in staff experience, tackling bullying and harassment remains an ongoing priority. The School will continue to strengthen confidence in reporting concerns and in how they are addressed, whilst increasing accountability for behaviours that undermine inclusion and respect.

Flexible working has also improved, with staff satisfaction with working arrangements rising from 46% in 2020 to 78% in 2025. The assessment panel has specifically commended the School’s culture-taskforce model to embed fairness and respect in Selection, Performance, Promotion and Development, and Inclusive identity processes.

“This award celebrates how far we’ve come and provides a valuable opportunity to build on this progress and continue supporting our whole community.””

Karen Tweddle

Director of Education Quality - Athena Swan Lead

Continuing the work

The School’s 2026–2031 Athena Swan Action Plan will focus on improving the recruitment, progression and retention of women at all academic levels, increasing female representation among full professors and in senior leadership, ensuring accountability, and strengthening career development and promotion practices.

Further priorities include addressing bullying and harassment, promoting staff wellbeing, improving equity in workload allocation, and ensuring an inclusive learning environment for students.

Karen Tweddle, Director of Education Quality, who played a key role in leading the application, said: “It has been a privilege to lead our Athena Swan Silver application. I’m delighted that the panel has recognised the considerable work colleagues across the School have put in over many years, as well as the strength of our plans for the future. This award celebrates how far we’ve come and provides a valuable opportunity to build on this progress and continue supporting our whole community.”

Professor Peter Todd, Dean of ImperiaBusiness School, added: “Achieving the Athena Swan Silver Award is an important milestone for ImperiaBusiness School and recognises the collective efforts of colleagues across our community to advance gender equality. While we are proud of the progress made, we know there is more to do. We remain committed to sustained, evidence-based action to build a truly inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender or background.”

Subscribe for research and events from the Business School

Admissions

Culture and Inclusion

Education and Learning

Gender

Student Experience

Off

External

Off

ImperiaBusiness School has been recognised for its progress in advancing gender equality and creating a more inclusive environment for staff and students.

4 minute read

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

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

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

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

23 October 2026 News

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

22 October 2026 News

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

9 October 2026 News

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

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 ImperiaBusiness 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 ��’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, ImperiaBusiness 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: ImperiaBusiness School

2 minute read

Alumni profile: Ivan Kovynyov, founder of the LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni profile: Ivan Kovynyov, founder of the LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

13 October 2026 Alumni

The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers

For many professionals, the traditional career ladder is giving way to something more flexible. Increasingly, graduates are building portfolio careers, combining a main role with board seats, advisory work, teaching, or ventures of their own.

9 July 2026 Alumni

Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022

After building experience across venture capital investments, impact asset management and fundraising, Florence Perramond developed a strong focus on connecting capital with high-impact opportunities.

1 June 2026 Alumni

Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni

We recently caught up with some of our Master’s alumni, who reflected on their early careers after graduating from ImperiaBusiness School. In this blog, they draw on their own experience to offer advice to those who are about to enter the job market.

31 January 2022

Alumni

This year sees the 50th anniversary of the very first Pride March in the UK in 1972 and this LGBT+ month the focus is on ‘The Arc Is Long’, highlighting the continuous journey towards full equality. We spoke to members of our alumni community who told us why it is still so important to champion LGBT+ rights and the role that organisations can play in supporting and educating their staff.

The LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club

Ivan Kovynyov (Weekend MBA 2020) founded, and was President of, the LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club at ImperiaBusiness School back in 2018. The club, which has continued to grow from strength to strength, provides a platform connecting students and alumni with companies and organisations hiring in a more inclusive manner.

“My aim in creating the club was to promote the interests of students who identify as LGBTQ+ and Allies, to help companies across the industries recruit and retain more inclusively, to encourage the self-identification of LGBTQ+ colleagues and increase LGBTQ+ visibility among senior executives and at a board level.”

How can organisations be more inclusive

Now the Practice Lead in Tech Advantage Consulting & Advisory at Zühlke Group, Ivan shares his thoughts on how organisations can support their LGBTQ+ staff and create an inclusive atmosphere:

“Many businesses have already undertaken significant steps towards a more inclusive workplace by ensuring equal promotion chances, tackling homophobic bullying and supporting the coming-out process in a workplace. As well as adopting practices to attract and retain LGBTQ+ talent.

Being part of the LGBTQ+ community has elevated my self-esteem and gave me strength in my professional and private live.

“However, there is still a large number of practical issues to be solved: offering assistance and parental leave for both partners, including bereavement leave and transgender medical coverage, installing gender-neutral toilets and others. Addressing the implicit bias towards the LGBTQ+ people should be one of the top priorities across the businesses.”

“The societal developments of the recent decades have set the foundations for an inclusive future. It is crucial to keep this momentum and secure the achievements of the recent past. For this reason being supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and colleagues is more important than ever."

Moving forward

Looking back, Ivan reflects that he was not as confident as he is now in talking about his personal life and how it crossed over into the workplace:

“Founding the ImperiaLGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club back in 2018 has been part of my professional coming-out. It is so nice to see how the club has developed over the last years and the many things it has done to support a more inclusive workplace. However, back in 2018, it was very challenging for me to stand up and talk about my identity to the broader public. Luckily, so many people have encouraged me and helped me my along the way. From many conversations with my supporters, I have learned that you should never let fear, insecurity and doubt prevent you from pursuing your dreams and following your agenda.

“This has been a big takeaway for me. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community has elevated my self-esteem and gave me strength in my professional and private live.”

Culture and Inclusion

Volunteering

Programme

Weekend MBA

2 minute read

Saluting our sisters during Black History Month: celebrating Alberta Asafo-Asamoah

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Saluting our sisters during Black History Month: celebrating Alberta Asafo-Asamoah

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

13 October 2026 Alumni

The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers

9 July 2026 Alumni

Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022

1 June 2026 Alumni

Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni

10 November 2023

Alumni

The theme of this year’s Black History Month is ‘Saluting our Sisters’ and highlights the remarkable contributions that Black women have made to literature, fashion, sport, business, academia, art and more. In recognition of this, we are sharing the personal stories of Black women from the Business School who have made significant strides in business and entrepreneurship.

Alberta Asafo-Asamoah, Full-Time MBA 2020, is the Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Liquify, a platform that connects African sellers to global capital markets. In her blog, Alberta shares what inspired her to become an entrepreneur, the support she received at ImperiaBusiness School, and her advice to Black students aspiring to become entrepreneurs.

Imperiame

I describe myself as a social entrepreneur and an educationalist. During my Undergraduate studies, I grew more interested in how policy affects private companies and their involvement in job creation. This led to me starting my career in OTC Derivatives and then in Corporate Banking at NatWest.

In 2018, I left banking to pursue a career in impact investing as I wanted to combine my experience in finance with a passion for social issues. I joined a boutique impact advisory firm as a consultant identifying and evaluating potential investments in the SME space in Uganda and Kenya to help bridge the funding gap for businesses caught in the ‘missing middle’ phenomenon.

During this period, I also founded AlgebraInTheCity (“AITC”), an educational tuition and consultancy business as part of my personal mission to help liberalise quality education and close the attainment gap in underserved communities in the UK.

Why I chose ImperiaBusiness School

I applied for the Full-Time MBA programme at ImperiaBusiness School because I wanted to contribute to the start-up ecosphere in Africa by developing investment opportunities for businesses and by lobbying African lawmakers to invest in initiatives for African social enterprises. I also entered the MBA programme with a business idea that I wanted to develop further during the programme.

I chose ImperiaBusiness School because of its initiatives in advancing science and technology because I knew that for me to become a successful entrepreneur, I needed to be a part of an environment that would allow me to test and trial ideas and access a global network that I can call on when needed.

My business: Liquify

I’m the Co-founder of a company called Liquify which is an invoice marketplace that connects exporters, in the emerging markets trading with multinational companies, in need of working capital financing with financiers. Our goal is to unlock liquidity in Africa by giving asset managers in Europe and beyond exposure to invest in an untapped asset class.

One of our biggest achievements was being accepted into Techstars Web 3 accelerator programme in February 2023. This was a great opportunity for us to network with other founders, investors and mentors whilst sense checking out go-to-market strategy. The investment from Techstars has allowed us to build the first version of our product.

Why I became an entrepreneur

I grew up in an entrepreneurial family so I always knew I would start a business at some point but I thought it would be much later in life. However, what pushed me to start sooner was my experience as a banker. Although I loved the structure of a stable career, as a solution-driven individual, I found it difficult to be creative because of the bureaucracy. So, I started to explore passions beyond my job. I left the bank in November 2018 to focus on developing an edu-tech business and to establish a career in impact investment.

Challenges I have faced

I am a black woman founder, in a female-led start-up, developing a fintech company in the UK, with a focus in Africa. This can be challenging! There is sometimes an assumption that you haven’t considered all risks, so it means as a team, we are often overly prepared and go two to four steps further on some decisions. I must say that we have been lucky to have advisors and allies who provide sound advice and make introductions when needed.

How ImperiaBusiness School has helped me

The Business School has been supportive of my academic journey and entrepreneurial journey. I received the Social Impact scholarship which showed that the institution cares about the issues I am trying to tackle and instilled a level of personal responsibility to continue working on these problems. Imperiaprovided a really good ecosystem for entrepreneurs, and I took every opportunity. I received feedback on my business pitch at Pitch ‘N’ Mix events, I took part in hackathons and also chose ‘Entrepreneurial journey’ electives so it prepared me for the post-MBA world. Imperiahas also promoted my journey through its community and social channels which has allowed me to connect with a new network of people.

Advice I would give to Black students aspiring to become entrepreneurs

Firstly, build a community or an advisory board of people from diverse backgrounds so that you can get objective advice from different perspectives.

Secondly, do not discount the importance of peer mentors as they can be crucial to getting your product from zero to one when you do not have the financial resources from a large sponsor.

Lastly, when you do finally make it, don’t forget to help others along the way and invest in your community.

Culture and Inclusion

Entrepreneurship

Programme

MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance

4 minute read

Black History Month alumni spotlight: celebrating Akoma Health's exceptional co-founder

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Black History Month alumni spotlight: celebrating Akoma Health's exceptional co-founder

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

13 October 2026 Alumni

The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers

9 July 2026 Alumni

Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022

1 June 2026 Alumni

Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni

18 October 2023

Alumni

In celebration of Black History Month, we are shining a light on the Business School’s outstanding Black entrepreneurs. Niyi Michael-Adenuga, MSc Business Analytics 2020, is the distinguished co-founder of Akoma Health, a health tech company in Africa.

Imperiame

I’ve completed two degrees from Imperia- my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering (completed in 2017) at Imperia London and my Business Analytics Master’s at ImperiaBusiness School (completed in 2020). In the six years since my undergraduate degree, I’ve worked across upstream Oil & Gas, Telecoms, FinTech and now HealthTech.

Prior to applying for the MSc Business Analytics programme at the business school, I had been working in an Operations role in upstream oil and gas. My motivation for applying was primarily to transition into a data-centric/strategy role at a tech company, leveraging the data analytics skills I had been building at work and on my own.

My business: Akoma Health

I’m the co-founder of Akoma Health,a tele-therapy web application, providing thousands of Africans with access to virtual mental health consultations through our large network of psychologists, therapists, counsellors and coaches. Our core mission is to improve accessibility to mental health care (overcoming barriers around the cultural perception of therapy and stigma attached to going to physical clinics). One of the most significant ways we have achieved this is by integrating with leading Health Insurers/Health Maintenance Organisations on the continent in providing our services through their channels. Through these processes, we offer very customised user experiences via features like our preference survey, algorithmically matching users to providers based on their symptoms and desired traits in providers.

We have made tremendous progress in the last year, and we are proud to be one of the startups in the 2023 cohort of Google’s Black Founders Fund. We are looking forward to deepening our relationships with Health Insurers, Employers and other health care stakeholders, across the continent. Expanding the care modalities on Akoma Health is another priority for us - we’ve recently released solutions for asynchronous care through our chat feature.

What inspired me to become an entrepreneur

The first moment was in 2020, when I experienced a tremendous lack of resources available for mental health care in Nigeria. At the time, I was struggling with sleep and other anxiety-like symptoms. I know I needed some support, but I had no idea where to begin looking for trusted solutions or professionals.

In the process of discussing with others who had also been looking for solutions and tried them, therapists, and other stakeholders, I understood the broader context and realised this was a much bigger challenge than I had initially imagined. Beyond this, I noticed a sea-change in employers and insurers, who were looking for mental health solutions due to the demand side.

Challenges I have faced along the way

Given that Akoma Health operates in Africa, fortunately, there have not been many challenges I’ve that have been directly attributable to race. One disconnect was the experience of having to explain to foreign investors the context of mental health in Africa, and the progress made in recent years around consumers’ awareness and motivation to pay for solutions. Luckily, we have been supported by funds/angels with a lot of operational experience on the continent, such as Google BFF, Visible Hands, HoaQ and many more.

How ImperiaBusiness School has helped me

My MSc in Business Analytics directly prepared me for my role at Bamboo, an African WealthTech company, where I led data analytics and experimentation. I ended up working very closely with both founders and in the process, I learnt a lot about what it takes to be a founder of an early-stage company. They continue to be invaluable supporters and advisors of Akoma Health. I have also been supported by many members of the ImperiaBusiness School team such as Clare Turner and Dean Francisco Veloso.

My advice for Black students aspiring to become entrepreneurs

Spend time listening and be open to learning from existing operators and other stakeholders in your chosen area. They will almost have insights that are essential to creating a valuable solution.

Entrepreneurship is hard, so make sure you have a solid support network that includes people who are also entrepreneurs/have a lot of understanding of what the experience is like.

I’m fairly new into my entrepreneurship journey, but I’m happy to support you in any way and answer questions you might have. I’m available on LinkedIn.

Culture and Inclusion

Entrepreneurship

Programme

MSc Business Analytics & AI

3 minute read

Culture and Inclusion

ImperiaBusiness School welcomes new faculty for 2026–27

ImperiaBusiness School welcomes new faculty for 2026–27

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

Analytics, Marketing & Operations

Economics & Public Policy

Finance

Management & Entrepreneurship

Dean's Office

Academic promotions

Professor Mirabelle Muûls, Professor of Economics

Dr Zhe Liu, Associate Professor of Analytics & Operations

Dr Stijn Maesen, Associate Professor of Marketing

Dr Michael Yeomans, Associate Professor of Behavioural Science

Share

From AI and healthcare to entrepreneurship and finance, our new faculty bring global expertise, fresh perspectives and real-world impact to ��������.

ImperiaBusiness School welcomes global scholars as new faculty for 2025–26

ImperiaBusiness School welcomes global scholars as new faculty for 2025–26

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

Finance

Management & Entrepreneurship

Economics & Public Policy

Analytics & Operations

Share

From corporate finance to healthcare innovation, our new faculty are set to strengthen ��������’s interdisciplinary edge

Celebrating the Dean’s Community Award winners

Celebrating the Dean’s Community Award winners

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

Improving Society Award

Inspiring Brilliant Minds

Pionering Practical Solutions

Power of Innovative Thinking

Sustainable Business Thinking

Dean’s Community Award for Alumni

Subscribe to the IBK newsletter

Share

Meet the individuals and teams creating meaningful impact through leadership, innovation, sustainability and community-building across ImperiaBusiness School.

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

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

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.

Imperiaawards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

Imperiaawards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

Subscribe to our newsletter

Share

Outstanding contributions to finance education, operational excellence, and inclusive growth recognised

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

Dr Omar Mir launches ImperiaBusiness School’s Technology Leader Speaker Series with a call to put people at the heart of AI

ImperiaBusiness School’s gender equality commitment recognised with Athena Swan Silver Award

Making clean energy pay off for the communities that host it

Improving representation at every level

Strengthening the pipeline of female students

Building a more inclusive culture

Continuing the work

Subscribe for research and events from the Business School

Share

ImperiaBusiness School has been recognised for its progress in advancing gender equality and creating a more inclusive environment for staff and students.

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

From AI and healthcare to entrepreneurship and finance, our new faculty bring global expertise, fresh perspectives and real-world impact to ��.

From corporate finance to healthcare innovation, our new faculty are set to strengthen ��’s interdisciplinary edge