Nicole de Fontaines will lead CEMS new executive team at the alliance’s Global Office in Paris (France) taking office on May 7th 2021.
“In a global business landscape that’s constantly changing, the most valuable skill a person can have is the ability to adapt, but this must be anchored in an understanding of the complex challenges of responsible leadership - to ensure our constantly changing world changes for the better,” says Nicole.
CEMS has spent more than 30 years refining a unique curriculum with a focus on developing a global mindset that is jointly delivered by the top academic institutions all around the world. Coursework is given real-world application through its close alliance with corporate and social partners — creating invaluable connections, collaborations and experiences. CEMS students graduate with the knowledge, values, connections, and most importantly, the global mindset needed to lead in the multilingual, multicultural and interconnected business world.
As Executive Director Nicole will lead the new executive team comprising Marcel Fuchs who becomes Deputy Director, Rita Soltesz who becomes Associate Director Academic Affairs and Sandrine Simonneau who, as Finance and Administrative Manager, will provide expert support on budgetary and HR matters.
“I’m delighted to lead CEMS’ Global Office team as together we navigate the opportunities and challenges that face the alliance both in terms of delivering a global education as the world continues to battle Covid-19 and, longer term, in how we best educate future leaders to tackle worldwide challenges, such as global warming, through responsible capitalism.
“As well as the obvious challenges the pandemic has bought us it’s also highlighted new and better ways that we can work together to enable and enhance the friendships that are at the heart of the CEMS community. A unique community of academics, corporate partners, students and alumni from all continents and myriad nationalities who share a common vision of promoting global citizenship and responsible leadership,” says Nicole.
CEMS Chair and Dean of the University of Sydney Business School Greg Whitwell says, “CEMS Deputy Chair and President of SSE, Lars Strannegard and I are delighted that Nicole will be returning to lead CEMS full time. Her work with CEMS since its inception means her understanding of all CEMS issues and knowledge of the evolution of the alliance is unparalleled. During her time as CEMS Secretary-General, Lars and I have benefitted from her wisdom and insights. We are most fortunate she has agreed to assume the role of Executive Director.”
About CEMS:
CEMS is a global network of 34 of the world’s top business schools, 70 Corporate Partners (multinational companies) and 7 Social Partners (NGOs), dedicated to educating and preparing future generations of international business leaders, through the top ranked CEMS Master in International Management (MIM).
The CEMS’ MIM emphasises personal and social responsibility in business decision-making, leadership and citizenship, informed by ethical reasoning, personal integrity, and respect for social diversity. The programme helps students understand and navigate the international business environment, whilst equipping them with the knowledge, skills and network to manage people across borders and within multinational teams, tackling real business issues across a range of fields.