A look back at the emlyon alumni connect 2025 event: an exceptional mobilization of the network all over the world
Emlyon Alumni Connect is an annual event aimed at reconnecting alumni with their school, celebrating the strength of the Emlyon community, and enhancing professional and personal connections among all generations of alumni. The 2025 edition has just concluded, marking a decisive step in the network's engagement dynamics. Designed in two parts—a large gathering on the Lyon campus on November 29, followed by a week of international events from December 1 to December 8—this 2025 edition once again demonstrated the enthusiasm, energy, and vitality of a community that is resolutely global.
🎓An event that brought together more than 850 alumni on their school's campus
The kickoff took place on November 29 at the emlyon campus in Lyon, where over 850 alumni from all generations gathered for an afternoon and an evening filled with reunions and inspiration.
The event started with the sharing of the strategic vision for the School and its network, presented by three key voices.
A strategic vision presented by three voices :
Isabelle Huault (PGE90), President of the Management Board and General Director of emlyon business school, reiterated the foundations of the School’s strategy: maintaining academic excellence, developing a more experiential learning model, and strengthening the international dimension. She emphasized the strength of the bond between the School and its alumni, who are essential for supporting transformations, aiding students, and promoting emlyon in France and abroad.
Vincent Leroux (MBA04), CEO at GMM Pfaudler Group and President of the emlyon alumni association, highlighted the power of the collective. He reminded attendees that the strength of the network lies in the energy of those engaged: ambassadors, directors, and the Advancement & Alumni Relations team. He encouraged every graduate to "contribute in their own way," particularly by becoming a mentor.
Patrick Eisenchteter (PGE89), Co-founder & Managing Partner at Motion Equity Partners and President of the emlyon Foundation, highlighted the Foundation’s essential mission: to support the most disadvantaged students to fully enjoy their education. He presented key initiatives—including living scholarships, emergency funds, disability scholarships, and the Tour de France for oral exams. He urged alumni to mobilize more, reminding them that every donation, which is largely tax-deductible, has a direct and significant impact on these deserving students.
Key Moments and Inspirational Meetings
Two major interviews led by expert alumni punctuated the afternoon :
“Generative AI at Your Service: Use Cases and Best Practices” with Caroline Lair (PGE10), founder of The Good AI, and Benoît Loeillet (MS15), emlyon professor-researcher.
Masterclass “Quantum: The Technology That Will Change Everything Faster Than You Think” with Siméon Valdman (PGE23), General Director of the Quantum Lab.
Participants then explored an immersive and experiential path, allowing them to discover the campus spaces and various services offered to graduates.
At the beginning of the evening, it was time for reunions: the anniversary of classes ending in 5 (1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, 2015), a highly anticipated moment that gathered graduates around shared memories and emotions.
🏆The Winners of the Emlyon Alumni Awards
During the ceremony of the emlyon alumni awards, we were pleased to present five distinctions that celebrate impactful trajectories and embody the values of the school.
A huge thank you to the jury for deliberating to select the winners from among 700 profiles, recognized for their trajectory, contributions, and visibility in the press or various rankings.
Congratulations to the 2025 winners :
🏆 Leadership Category — Maxime Aiach (PGE85)
Co-founder and Co-CEO of MAOBI User-Centric & Sustainable Innovation, specializing in circular innovations.🌱 CSR Category — Géraldine Hue (PGE98)
Co-fondatrice et Co-CEO de l’agence MAOBI User-Centric & Sustainable Innovation, spécialiste des innovations circulaires.✨ Hope Category (under 30) — César Roussel (PGE23)
Founder and CEO of César Culture G, a media outlet making general knowledge accessible, followed by over 6 million subscribers.🚀 Entrepreneur Category — Julie Boureau (PGE10)
Co-founder of Ramdam social, a mission-driven company that transforms everyday errands into acts of solidarity.🌍 International Category — Mélanie Flouquet (PGE96)
Currently General Secretary & member of the Comex at Kering, Mélanie has built an exemplary international career across London, Paris, and Milan, after twenty years at JPMorgan.
🥂 A Festive and Memorable Party
The celebrations continued with a cocktail dinner and a dance party, where all generations of alumni shared moments of camaraderie and energy on the dance floor amidst the new campus.
🌍 Connect the World : A Week of Events Worldwide
From December 1 to December 8, echoing Lyon's Festival of Lights and building on the momentum from November 29, we embraced emlyon alumni – Connect the World. A dinner among emlyon friends, an impromptu happy hour, a running or cultural outing… regardless of the format, the idea was simple: share a moment, rekindle connections, and resonate the emlyon spirit across the globe.
London, Guangzhou, Geneva, Boston… About twenty local meetings were organized, notably by emlyon alumni ambassadors, to celebrate belonging to the network and create opportunities for encounters.
We look forward to 2026 for the next ambitious event—always more international, more engaged, and more connected.
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