As the CEMS Alumni Advisory Committee (CAAC) enters a new two-year mandate, it brings together continuing and newly appointed members to strengthen balanced and inclusive regional representation with Region Ambassadors (APAC, Americas and EAMEA and deepen meaningful and lasting connections with local alumni communities around the world. In doing so, the committee supports one of the CEMS Alumni Network’s key strategic priorities: activating and strengthening local alumni engagement across regions.
What is the CAAC?
CAAC is a key advisory body within the governance of the CEMS Alumni Network, designed to connect local alumni communities with the global strategy of CEMS.
The committee:
- Supports the Global Office by offering advice on alumni-related matters.
- Supports the Local Chapters in building strong and lively local communities.
- Creates the connection between each local community to generate one, global community and increase awareness and visibility of the CEMS Alumni Network
- Contributes to increasing alumni engagement, with the long-term objective of significantly expanding the proportion of actively involved alumni worldwide.
At its core, the CAAC plays a central role in strengthening local engagement while reinforcing a shared global alumni identity.
Welcoming the newly appointed Committee Members
For the new mandate, the CAAC welcomes several newly appointed members who will take on key leadership and representative roles within the committee:
- Angelika Plattner (CEMS 2002) – CEMS Alumni Network Lead
- Karl Håkon Rødland (CEMS 2022) – EMEA Ambassador
- Klaas Bischoff (CEMS 2021) – EMEA Ambassador
- Yinfeng (Benny) Shen (CEMS 2023) – APAC Ambassador
- Leana Gerkens (CEMS 2026) – Student Board Representative
Together, they will contribute to strengthening dynamic regional collaboration, supporting dedicated local alumni leaders, and ensuring a strong and continuous link between students, alumni and the CEMS alliance.
Leana, who brings the student perspective to the committee, shares her motivation:
As VP Finance on the Student Board, I'll be bringing the student perspective to the CAAC, particularly on the student-to-alumni journey. I’m excited to collaborate with alumni to strengthen and support the meaningful transition from being a CEMS student to a CEMS alumnus.
Leana Gerkens
With sincere thanks to our outgoing members
As the committee evolves, we warmly thank the members who are concluding their mandate:
- Simon Steffen – Former CEMS Alumni Network Lead
- Daniel Crossley – Former EMEA Ambassador
- Franziska Lukas – Former Student Board Representative
Simon joined the CEMS Alumni Association in May 2020 and served as Vice President for Corporate Partners’ Relations until May 2023. When the Association dissolved in June 2023 to become the CEMS Alumni Advisory Committee, he took the lead role, which he continued to hold through December 2025. He has played a key role in setting up the new committee structure and representing the alumni network in management and strategic board meetings, local chapter check-ins, and the alumni reunion held in Lisbon last June at Nova Business School.
Reflecting on her experience within the CAAC, Franziska shared:
I truly valued being the student voice on the CAAC and working with alumni who were deeply committed to the CEMS community. Contributing to the student-to-alumni journey was especially rewarding, and experiencing this transition myself now makes me even more excited to become an alumna and benefit from the strong alumni community built by so many dedicated people.
Franziska Lukas
Daniel (outgoing EMEA Ambassador) quote:
Serving as a CEMS Alumni Network ambassador has been an incredibly enriching journey. Working side by side with many CEMS Alumni over the past three years showed me how much can be achieved through genuine collaboration and shared values. I leave this experience with deep gratitude and far more than I ever imagined gaining.
Daniel Crossley
Their engagement and dedication have played an important and lasting role in strengthening local chapters, amplifying alumni voices, and supporting the long-term vitality and development of the CEMS Alumni Network.
Looking Ahead
With this renewed mandate, the CEMS Alumni Advisory Committee continues to focus on:
- Deepening strong local anchoring across regions
- Supporting vibrant and inclusive alumni communities
- Strengthening meaningful connections between students, alumni and the CEMS alliance
We warmly welcome the new members and thank all those who contribute their time, expertise and energy to the CEMS Alumni Network.
