The Top Influential Corporate Alumni Voices
Creating impactful alumni communities is a growing priority. We look at the leaders setting the standard for innovation, engagement and connection.
Alexandre de Rothschild
Executive Chairman and Managing Partner, Rothschild & Co
Under Alexandre’s leadership, Rothschild & Co has placed renewed focus on alumni as a vital part of the firm’s legacy and future. The launch of flagship events, like the UK Alumni Reunion at New Court, reflects his commitment to fostering lasting connections. In the inaugural alumni video, Alexandre joins former colleagues in celebrating the camaraderie that defines Rothschild’s culture.
Dr Ali Dachner
Associate Professor of Management at John Carroll University
With a focus on People and Business Management, Ali explores how modern HR practices drive valuable organizational outcomes, particularly those associated with interpersonal relationships in the workplace – including corporate alumni. Together with Erin Makarius she is co-founder of AcademEx Management Consulting, and a designer of the AlumniAcademy program. Their published research includes papers such as Follow the trails: A path to systematically designing corporate alumni programs.
Alyssa Dominioni
Global Alumni and Employee Experience at L.E.K. Consulting
Passionate about engagement and corporate relationships, Alyssa’s success comes from her ability to manage stakeholders and create bridges across a wide eco-system: working with clients, internal teams, suppliers, candidates, alumni, employees, corporate partners, professors, recruiters, HR and government institutions. With over a decade’s experience across professional services, education and hospitality, she now spearheads L.E.K. Consulting’s strategic initiatives to connect and empower the firm’s growing network of alumni worldwide.
Andrea Smith
Chair of Alumni Network at Bank of America
Recognized by American Banker for seven consecutive years as one of the ‘Most Powerful Women in Banking’, Andrea has been a prominent force for change. In her former role of Chief Administration Officer, she drove bold, enterprise-level initiatives. Today, as Chair of the Bank of America Alumni Network, she’s building something just as ambitious: a global community that reflects the values she helped champion inside the firm.
Anna Moreno Damico
Global Head of Alumni Relations at Boston Consulting Group
A marketing professional with 20 years of experience, Anna has been instrumental in transforming BCG's global alumni community, which now spans over 40,000 alumni across 60+ countries. Her leadership has not only overhauled engagement tactics and policies but has turned alumni into a continuous source of talent and business opportunities. A focus on both human connection and strategic impact has driven program success, from boomerang recruiting to sustaining BCG’s employer brand. As a member of BCG’s Global Marketing Leadership, she’s established cross-company liaison including with HR, Recruiting, Technology, Events, and Social Media teams.
Anne Creasy
Strategic Communications Senior Manager at Forvis Mazars US
Anne stepped into the alumni space in 2024 with a clear mission: to evolve the Forvis Mazars alumni program from great to excellent. Drawing on her extensive experience in strategic communication planning, she’s focused on aligning the network with broader business goals – supporting change adoption, enhancing the team member experience and strengthening marketplace awareness. Her dynamic leadership is driving a fresh, structured approach to alumni engagement, with a focus on sustained growth.
April Homer
Chief People Office at Cooper Parry
April stands out as a bold force in reimagining alumni engagement, blending creativity with strategic HR leadership to create lasting post-employment connections. As the force behind CP Forever – named the coolest alumni brand of 2023 – she has set a new standard for alumni programs by prioritizing vibrancy, inclusivity, and cultural identity. Speaking at TheALUMS, April underscored the importance of building alumni experiences that are vibrant, inclusive and long lasting: “We wanted to replicate that sense of what it means to be part of Cooper Parry. And when you're part of the alumni, it still feels like the fun, it still feels like the color, it still feels like you're part of that something different.”
Archie Norman
Chairman at M&S
As Chairman of M&S, Archie Norman was the original visionary behind the launch of the company’s alumni network - recognizing that a business with such deep heritage and multi-generational employee relationships needed a way to stay connected. For an organization where families have worked across the decades, the alumni program became a natural extension of its culture. You can discover more about the strategy and impact of the network in the video Alumni Insights: The M&S Alumni Program, as well as read about how M&S is using its alumni to build community, preserve brand legacy, and support recruitment outcomes.
Ashley Marley
Project Manager at RSM US
Ashley leads the RSM US alumni network with a focus on practical impact – designing initiatives that support career and personal growth, foster connections and keeping alumni involved with the firm. Bringing a decade of experience in event strategy and 6 years managing alumni in higher education, she understands what it takes to create and sustain the firm’s community. Ashley’s approach is rooted in practicality and purpose – meaning making sure programs are scalable, collaborative, and aligned with RSM’s values.
Astrid Carniaux
Global Head of Internal Communications and Global Alumni Relations Manager, Egon Zehnder
Astrid brings a communications-first lens to alumni strategy at Egon Zehnder, having been one of the earliest adoptors of digital alumni platforms. She leads with a focus on connection and continuity – creating space for former colleagues to stay meaningfully involved in the firm’s global leadership conversations. What sets their longstanding alumni community apart is its emphasis on continuous learning and knowledge sharing, reflecting the firm’s core value of mutual growth and success.
Bianca Zinsheimer
Business Development Coordinator, Bird & Bird
Driving the marketing and management of the Bird & Bird alumni program, Bianca is an alumni voice to watch. Constantly implementing innovative alumni success strategies, she built the foundations of a thriving alumni community by fostering long term relationships, not only between the firm and its alumni but among alumni themselves. Bianca was named Newcomer of the Year Award at TheALUMS 2024, where she also spoke about the importance of culture in building and sustaining connections. She’s also spoken about the strategic value of alumni as brand ambassadors and their impact on reputation and business growth.
Brian Chesky
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Airbnb
Brian Chesky’s approach to alumni engagement during the pandemic reflected a deep commitment to Airbnb’s core values. Faced with difficult layoffs, he led with empathy and transparency – publicly sharing a directory of affected employees and providing meaningful support to help them transition. Chesky has since described alumni engagement as a long-term investment, not a reactive measure – reinforcing Airbnb’s identity as a people-first company with a multi-decade-spanning vision for community and connection.
Briana Lebel
Global Talent Brand Manager at Activision Blizzard King
Briana has been changing the employer branding game at Activision Blizzard, with a focus on employee advocacy, alumni networks, and standout brand strategy. She’s helped to build an employee advocacy program that’s generated over 34 million impressions, to win Best Brand Ambassador Program at the Employer Brand Management Awards, and secure Alumni Launch of the Year for ABK at TheALUMS 2023. Their alumni video is a firm fan favorite. Her presentation on how Activision Blizzard weaves alumni into their employer brand – celebrating achievements, sparking re-engagement, and keeping former employees connected to the company’s evolving culture – is not one to miss.
Cheryl Davidson
AVP Alumni Relations at Northwell Health
Cheryl leads a system-wide alumni strategy at Northwell Health, built on trust, shared purpose, and an understanding of what truly connects people: by leveraging alumni psychographics, she designs programs that can cater to diverse values, attitudes, lifestyles, and communication styles, ensuring every alumni engagement is personalized and impactful. With events ranging from tech talks and painting sessions to beach walks and lab tours, Cheryl ensures alumni engagement means experiences as diverse and human as the people it serves.
Chip Cutter
Reporter at The Wall Street Journal
A definitive voice on the modern workplace, Chip Cutter shines light on the evolving relationship between employers and employees. In 'People Are Feeling Stuck in Their Jobs. Bosses Are Starting to Worry,' he explores the crisis of career stagnation within large organizations and how companies like McKinsey and Synchrony are rethinking internal mobility – offering alumni opportunities for growth over traditional promotions. As Chip writes, “The very best people want new experiences,” reminding us that career fulfillment isn’t linear. His reporting - spanning from Spotify’s sweeping layoffs to the quiet struggles inside top consulting firms - captures a workforce under pressure. His work is a timely reminder that how someone exits a company can shape their sense of belonging just as much as their time inside it.
Ciaran Whelan
Former CEO of Investec Wealth & Investment UK and Sponsor of Alumni Network
With a network of over 20,000 former employees, Ciaran recognized the scale of the untapped potential for Investec and championed the network from day one. “It’s a huge pool of talented, like-minded individuals that we are now able to access, and engage in a consistent and deliberate way,” he shared in Designing an Alumni Launch for Day One Success. Describing the investment in technology and resources as integral to unlocking this value, Ciaran positioned the alumni network as a long-term, “win-win” relationship for both the firm and its people.
Cori Davis
Chief People Officer at Genentech
Cori is an innovative leader, bringing over 25 years of HR expertise to her role as CPO, blending organizational psychology with practical leadership. At Genentech, she leads with the belief that investing in people is key to sustained innovation, driving strategies that strengthen engagement and foster belonging across a 13,500-strong workforce. Under her leadership, Genentech continues to set the standard as an employer of choice – where connection, purpose and growth are core to the employee experience.
Daria Pełeńska
Global Talent Acquisition, Swarovski
Daria brings a strategic perspective to alumni engagement, embedding Swarovski’s interactive alumni community into the heart of the company’s talent strategy. Her work goes beyond fostering connection - she’s tied alumni engagement directly to measurable outcomes in recruitment, retention, and brand loyalty. By integrating the alumni network into Swarovski’s broader people initiatives, including the Talent Acquisition Development Program she designed, Daria demonstrates how alumni can actively support business goals. Step into Swarovski’s World of Wonders as Daria shares the company’s approach in her own words.
Elizabeth Claps
Global Director of Alumni Relations and Career Services
Elizabeth runs one of the most established alumni networks in the legal industry, connecting over 7,000 former colleagues through Cleary Gottlieb’s global program. As a career counselor and coach, she supports both current associates and alumni, helping them navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. A champion of best practices across the sector, Elizabeth’s collaborative approach leads her to generously share her expertise with peer firms; from 2016 to 2018, she also chaired the Legal Employer Alumni Relations section of NALP, helping shape the legal community’s evolving approach to alumni engagement.
Elizabeth Majoch
Talent Acquisition Leader, Advisor and Consultant at Genentech
Elizabeth Majoch was instrumental in the launch of gAlumni, the Genentech alumni network, with a strategy rooted in executive engagement. By asking, “How can we maximize business objectives, goals and outcomes of our executive alumni?” she reframed alumni relations as a driver of strategic value. Her approach prioritized leadership sponsorship, securing active support from the CEO and Head of Business Development to build credibility and momentum. For Elizabeth, the platform was “just the icing on the cake.” What mattered most was the strength of the community already in place. Explore further in How to Secure a C-Suite Sponsorship for an Alumni Program.
Emma Jacobs
Features Writer at the Financial Times
Writing for the Financial Times on all things work-related, Emma is dedicated to shaping the future of work by identifying employment trends and championing a better office life. Her keen curiosity in changes in the workplace drives her to explore innovative ideas and highlight shifts that will improve how we work and thrive professionally. Articles such as ‘Boomerang employees: returning with new skills and experience’ reflect her interest in the alumni experience, exploring how returning talent can bring fresh value to former employers.
Dr Erin Makarius
Associate Professor of Management at The University of Akron
An expert in Organizational Behavior and HR, Erin’s research and focus pushes the boundaries of what employee employer relationships could be, on technological, organizational and international contexts. Her work aims to advance our understanding of workplace dynamics. Her collaborations with AcademEx co-founder Ali Dachner have recently included the AlumniAcademy, and the research on the Alumni-Organization Relationship and Post-Separation Value.
Francis de Souza
Chief Operating Officer at Google Cloud, Former CEO of Illumina
Francis’s own experience as a member of an alumni community shaped his belief in their power – ultimately inspiring him to launch the Illumina Alumni Network. It was met with an overwhelming response: as he celebrated it in his own words, “Great to see this special group rekindle relationships, explore career opportunities, share ideas and forge partnerships.” For Francis, alumni are never just former employees, but enduring contributors to innovation and the broader Illumina community.
G. Brint Ryan
Founder, Chairman and CEO at Ryan
Brint has long recognized that a company’s strength lies in the collective contributions of its people. As the founder of global tax services firm Ryan, he champions a culture rooted in work-life success and long-term support. He knows growth doesn’t end at the exit interview – encouraging his former team members to stay connected through the Ryan Alumni Network. “We want to continue supporting your growth, whether you’re exploring new business ventures, seeking educational opportunities, or simply looking to reconnect with former team members.”
Gemma Spiers
Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Forvis Mazars
With 15 years of experience in marketing leadership within financial and professional services sectors, Gemma has been instrumental in shaping the firm's go-to-market strategy and building its brand, including their now five-year-strong alumni program. The network was shortlisted for "Boomerang Campaign of the Year" at TheALUMS awards in recognition of their success in welcoming back returning alumni.
George MacDonald
Executive Editor at Retail Week
A seasoned editorial voice in the retail industry, George brings sharp insight into the role of alumni in shaping brand reputation. In the Retail Spotlight: Why Maintaining Relationships with Former Colleagues Matters webinar, he highlights alumni as both powerful advocates - “If people have fond memories of working somewhere, they remain advocates” - but also as valuable truth tellers who reflect the company's true values - “Alumni keep you honest.” Through his work at Retail Week, George consistently champions themes of community, employee wellbeing, and the long-term value of people-first leadership in retail.
Heather Norbury
Alumni Marketing Manager at PwC
Heather heads alumni marketing and communications at PwC, drawing on two decades of experience in both campaign development and project execution. Known for her collaborative approach and problem-solving mindset, she helps coordinate initiatives and events that keep former employees meaningfully connected to the firm, supporting a strong and active alumni network.
Heidi Crowe
Global Head of Alumni Relations, Brunswick Group
Heidi brings a wealth of experience across research, analysis and information management to her role leading Brunswick’s global alumni program – a network of over 5000 corporate alumni. A proud boomerang herself, she returned to the firm following senior roles in strategic communications, and now champions alumni engagement as a driver of culture and connection. She leads initiatives spanning events, programming, marketing, and managing a team of more than 30 alumni ambassadors.
Henry Ward
Chief Executive Officer, Carta
When Henry shared the announcement he made at the time of the Covid layoffs, he also publicly acknowledged a missed opportunity – sharing his regret at not establishing an alumni program sooner at Carta. While the round of layoffs affected 161 employees, he also swiftly responded by creating a dedicated Slack channel to serve as an alumni hub. His goal was clear: to support former employees beyond their time at the company. This initiative underscores his belief that alumni relationships shouldn’t end with offboarding but evolve.
Jana Panfilio
Co-Founder & President at 6453 ALUMNI
A passionate, fearless leader, collaborator and doer with nearly 30 years at one of the most innovative and influential brands in the world, Jana was instrumental in founding the community for Nike alumni that now connects over 100,000 individuals across 170 countries. Her vision transformed the network into a dynamic, inclusive space for former employees – and former Nike-sponsored athletes – to continue leveraging their talents, share knowledge, and create new opportunities. Find out more about the 6453 ALUMNI community and goals.
Jenny Enever
Senior Global Alumni Manager, A&O Shearman
Jenny co-leads A&O Shearman’s global alumni engagement strategy, shaping a network of over 25,000 former colleagues through community, opportunity and care. She delivers multi-channel campaigns, career services and standout initiatives – from the firm’s first alumni yearbook to flagship reunions and the ReStart program for over-50s re-entering the workforce. Jenny’s work celebrates every chapter of a career, building lasting, mutually supportive relationships between alumni and the firm.
Jillian Kaminski
Global Head of Alumni Relations at BlackRock
As the Global Head of Alumni Relations at one of the largest Fortune 500 companies in the US, Jillian is a standout leader – having created her own role at BlackRock to bring the alumni vision to life. From the moment she learned about corporate alumni networks, she questioned why the company was not already engaging its alumni and set about building the network from scratch. Jillian is passionate about connecting people and creating value through meaningful relationships and experiences, driven by the alumni and employees who make BlackRock special. She shares lessons on “the first 90 days” of their alumni program in this online discussion.
Joe Ham Silvestre
Principal People Experience Partner at Genentech
Joe is a people experience leader with a passion for culture, connection and inclusion. At Genentech, he’s driven initiatives that reach more than 13,000 employees – spearheading the gAlumni program, championing inclusive AI adoption, and embedding DEI into everyday employee experiences. His belief that community extends beyond the workplace is evident in his role as a board director for the UC Berkeley Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association, where he curates meaningful opportunities that strengthen ties between students and alumni.
John Hill
Longstanding Alumni Educator, formerly at LinkedIn
John is a natural builder of networks – both online and off. At Techstars, he helped scale the accelerator into a global force, connecting founders, mentors and investors across 170 countries. Now at Whop, he's bringing the same ethos to empower the next generation of digital entrepreneurs, focused on democratizing entrepreneurship through higher education. His message to students and other leaders of the future is clear: relationships are the most valuable currency in business.
Jono Bacon
Author and Community Expert, Stateshift
Jono Bacon has spent over two decades helping more than 26 organizations - from early-stage startups to Fortune 500s - build thriving communities. As founder of the Community Leadership Core accelerator and with senior community leadership roles at GitHub, XPRIZE, and Canonical, he brings rare, hands-on experience into what makes connection and engagement truly work. Author of People Powered and The Art of Community, Jono blends strategic insight with practical tools for building lasting communities.
Josh Bersin
Global HR Industry Analyst, CEO at Bersin by Deloitte
A trusted voice in HR innovation, Josh places corporate alumni networks at the heart of modern talent ecosystems. In Fueling Talent Ecosystems with Corporate Alumni Networks, he highlights that alumni and their referrals now account for nearly 30% of external hires, while companies with engaged alumni see significant boosts in revenue per employee and innovation. “The employee experience doesn’t end at the exit interview,” he explains “Alumni are still employees, as long as they want to remain part of the family.” In his HR Technology 2021 Report, he underscored the role of technology in enabling this shift: “Consider EnterpriseAlumni, which has built an integrated solution for management of alumni. They are a very important technology provider specializing in unique experiences for employees. I believe more and more big companies are going to want to use this and similar systems.”
Josh Friedlander
Chief Human Capital Officer at Houlihan Lokey
Josh understands that careers span decades, not just roles. Through initiatives like the “ONE Houlihan Lokey Global Conference,” the firm brings together current and former colleagues across sectors, reinforcing a network built on shared experience. For Josh, staying connected to alumni isn’t just smart business - it’s about doing right by the people who’ve helped shape the firm’s success.
Joy Jones
Senior Manager, Employee Experience at LinkedIn
Joy designs experiences behind the scenes that bring genuine connection and belonging to life at LinkedIn. Her work managing global employee programs reflects a deep commitment to meaningful engagement and workplace pride. One post featuring LinkedIn’s employee swag – candles and matches packaged with care – is a reminder of a culture that invests in its people and proudly celebrates them.
Julia Ellis
Head of Alumni Experience at Fidelity Investments
Julia leads Fidelity’s alumni engagement with a focus on connection and continuity. She designs events that capture the firm’s values – ‘giving back, staying connected and growing together’ - such as bringing alumni and leaders together for a hands-on volunteer project in support of Crayons to Computers, followed by thoughtful conversations and new connections. As Julia reflects, “Events like this are a testament to the lasting impact of our alumni community.”
Kerri Murphy
US/Mexico Alumni Network and Career Transitions Leader at PwC
Kerri builds strategies that strengthen connections across PwC’s alumni network across the US and Mexico, combining marketing insight with a data-driven approach. With a track record of aligning marketing and relationship-building, her focus is on building long-term engagement through meaningful initiatives that keep alumni informed, connected and supported throughout their career journeys.
Kimmie Warmflash
Manager, Strategic Recruitment Initiatives at FactSet
Kimmie brings a forward-thinking spark to talent strategy at FactSet, championing long-term connection and engagement. In recent years, she’s woven alumni into boomerang hiring and workforce planning, strengthening her strategic portfolio and fostering a dynamic, enduring community.
Leslie Fox
Outreach and Engagement Group Manager, STEM Workforce Development at ORISE
Leslie led the development of ORISE Connections, a virtual platform designed to facilitate networking and resource sharing among alumni and current participants of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. The platform garnered over 1,250 members within a few months of its launch. She has been a key figure in organizing virtual career fairs, which has connected more than 15,000 students and alumni since 2020.
Linda Triangolo
Alumni Programme Manager at Addleshaw Goddard
Linda has truly mastered the core principles of alumni networking, generously and consistently sharing her insights with her growing LinkedIn following. Her career path has taken her from academic alumni relations into the corporate world, leading a thriving alumni program that Addleshaw Goddard can proudly boast about. Her strengths lie in building global communities, bringing people together and creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, partnerships, growth and social impact.
Lisa Rowan
Vice President, HR Services Research at IDC
In her IDC research, The Business Impact of Corporate Alumni Networks, Lisa states that "companies need to support employees during their entire working life cycle versus only during their period of employment. A sophisticated platform offering deep analytics and intelligence provides alumni with the highest-quality experience and provides the business with competitive advantage and information." Lisa has extensively explored the potential of alumni networks as a strategic asset and the power of digital tools in enhancing the corporate alumni experience.
Louise Oxley Daniels
Group Head of Talent Acquisition and Emerging Talent at M&S
With nearly two decades of experience across the financial services and retail, Louise is driving transformational change in how M&S attracts, hires and nurtures talent. Known for strategic leadership and ability to drive results through strong relationships, Louise has a proven track record of navigating complex change across global organizations. From executive hiring to emerging talent, she leads the full talent lifecycle with a future-focused mindset.
Dr Matthew Call
Management Professor, Texas A&M University
With award-winning research on how companies can best utilize their human capital for a competitive advantage, Matt is a leading voice on talent strategy and alumni engagement. His work focuses on showing organizations how best to manage and retain top talent and maintain connections to former employees, including by leveraging corporate alumni networks. His insights have been features in The Wall Street Journal, the London School of Economics Business Review and many other academic outlets. You can also follow Matt’s monthly column in AlumniAces.
Melinda Wedding
Manager, Alumni Relations and Talent Acquisition at Ryan
Setting a new standard for how organizations connect and support alumni, Melinda has made an extraordinary impact on alumni engagement. As a proud Ryan alumnus herself, she has played a pivotal role in bringing the Ryan Alumni Network to life – growing membership by over 500 members since launch. Her approach centers on recognition and connection: from alumni spotlights to global events across the U.S. and India, she’s amplified alumni voices and created meaningful opportunities for connection. Melinda is passionate about shifting the perception – asking not just how to engage alumni, but why they matter.
Mike Ettling
Former President of SAP SuccessFactors and CEO of Unit4
Mike Ettling has championed the value of corporate alumni networks since recognizing their potential a decade ago as President of SAP Success Factors and an EnterpriseAlumni Board member. With a passion for improving the people experience through technology, he sees alumni as essential to long-term organizational value. His contributions to human capital management continue to influence how organizations think beyond tenure, and his role as a judge for TheALUMS 2024 highlights his ongoing commitment to shaping the champions and future of alumni engagement, and its impact on the wider HR technology ecosystem.
Nikki Kolyvani
Senior Manager, Marketing Alumni Strategy & Engagement, BCG
Nikki’s expertise in alumni engagement is honed across the professional services and higher education sectors. She’s led programs that blend relationship-building with brand strategy, earning her a reputation for building communities that are personal, meaningful and connected to business goals. She continues to celebrate alumni at BCG through initiatives like the Shapers Award and Alumni Spotlight series, showcasing standout contributions and the diverse impact of former employees across industries.
Patricia Brown
AVP of Talent Acquisition at Northwell
Patricia brings energy, insight and strategic clarity to the evolving relationship between alumni and recruitment. She’s a passionate advocate for viewing alumni as a powerful talent pipeline – essential to accelerating hiring the right candidates and reducing turnover. 'Bring Back the Boomerang,' a look at Northwell Health’s standout campaign (and winner of Boomerang Campaign of the Year), is a must-watch in which Patricia shares how alumni, already familiar with the organizations value and cultures, can effortlessly reintegrate into short-term and long-term roles. Her approach turns alumni into recruitment partners – not just past employees.
Patrick Chalhoub
Executive Chairman at Chalhoub Group
Building on the legacy of his grandfather, who was the first to launch an official alumni network in the Middle East, Patrick has embedded family values into the heart of Chalhoub’s alumni culture. Under his leadership, the alumni program has expanded across 10 countries, creating a sense of continuity and belonging. “Our network is built to create meaningful interactions... and to keep us connected as a family across the world,” he shares. That spirit lives on through exclusive alumni benefits, internal market insights, and purposeful engagement via Chalhoub IMPACT.
Dr Patti Fletcher
Chief Strategy & Practice Officer at TalentLign
Patti’s bestselling book Disrupters captures the essence of a career spent challenging conventional leadership and reshaping workplace culture, recognizin that corporate alumni networks are essential for long-term strategic planning. With alumni experience across tech, education and entrepreneurship, she brings a future-focused lens to organizational change. Her insights have been featured in Forbes, The Guardian and Entrepreneur, where she’s a vocal advocate for the prioritization of equity, inclusion and bold leadership.
Pella Papastoitsi
Global Alumni Strategy & Engagement Senior Manager, BCG
Pella has redefined alumni engagement at BCG, transforming it into not only a strategic asset but an integral part of the firm’s community – connecting former consultants, current teams and clients. Under her leadership, BCG has continued its longstanding tradition of Worldwide Alumni Day, celebrated annually since 1988 across 80 cities. More than just an event, it reflects the firm's enduring and genuine commitment to their people.
Peter Pallotta
Global Alumni Network Manager at Mastercard
Peter brings both creativity and intention to alumni relations at Mastercard, where he leads a truly standout global network. From the ‘Coming Full Circle’ series celebrating boomerang hires, to virtual events like ‘Emerging Tech Enablers Shaping the Future of Commerce’, Peter ensures alumni not only stay connected but proud to belong. The network doesn’t just maintain relationships, it deepens them – as evidenced in the words of one participant who shared the feeling of inspiration, support and inclusion a powerful community can create.
Rachelle Diamond
Director, Employee Experience at LinkedIn
Excelling at guiding LinkedIn's corporate relationship experts in managing their alumni connections, Rachelle leads a vibrant alumni program filled with energetic and passionate individuals. She also oversees the LinkedIn Speakers Series, Culture Camp, and a range of other cultural initiatives that strengthen community. With a background that includes consulting, recruiting, training, marketing, event planning and fundraising, she brings a uniquely holistic approach to building and sustaining alumni engagement.
Raj Basi
Employer Brand Manager at Harrods
An employer branding expert, Raj is dedicated to shaping Harrods' story and vision through its alumni network. With a strong background in marketing and content creation, she excels at crafting strategies that foster a positive workplace culture and align teams with organizational goals. In a standout presentation from TheALUMS, Raj takes us behind the scenes to showcase how the team harnessed the power of video storytelling to elevate their employer brand and the Forever Green and Gold alumni program.
Raya Blakeley-Glover
Global Head of Business Development & Sales at Bird & Bird
With over 14 years in business development and a background in law, Raya brings both strategic and relational depth to Bird & Bird’s alumni network. She played a key role in centralizing alumni efforts across 32 offices worldwide, embedding alumni engagement into the firm’s broader marketing and business development strategy. “In professional services – especially in law – relationships are everything,” she notes. “Alumni are a natural place to start; they already have a strong connection to the firm.” For Raya, a successful network is one where “recruitment, current employees, and alumni are all in sync.”
Reid Hoffman
Co-founder and former CEO LinkedIn
Few have shaped the landscape of professional connection and talent strategy like Reid. As the co-founder and former CEO of LinkedIn, he revolutionized how people network – laying the foundation for alumni engagement in the digital age. In his New York Times bestseller The Alliance: Managing Talent in the Networked Age, he reframes the employer-employee relationship as a mutually beneficial alliance – where individuals are seen as “allies on a tour of duty” rather than resources in a transactional exchange. Crucially, Reid and LinkedIn recognized that these allies don’t just leave – they evolve into valuable alumni, extending the company’s network and influence well beyond their tenure. Explore more of Reid’s thinking in the follow-up blog to The Alliance or watch his reflections on the LinkedIn Alumni and Why Lifelong Relationships Matter.
Richard Chalks Corriette
Ex Global VP of Corporate Citizenship at DHL Worldwide Express
Richard brings a human, values-led approach to community building, shaped by decades in CSR and global engagement. Having worked at DHL for 20 years, he helped connect the business with the UN and NGOs through purpose-driven initiatives, now a proud alumnus he continues to share posts in support. He also founded EMIT (Extraordinary Moments in Time), a platform supporting enterprises in creating social impact. In his own words, “it is amazing how several small acts of kindness can deliver huge benefits to communities.”
Richard Harpin
Chairman of HomeServe
When Richard launched the HomeServe Alumni Club, it was with a clear belief in the power of staying connected. In his Sunday Times article, 'Don’t be sniffy about networking - it can reap dividends,' he shares how a chance alumni reconnection led to a €6 million personal investment in a former employee’s fitness startup – now operating 95 gyms. Memorably describing alumni networks as “sleeper cells in a carefully constructed satellite network,” Richard underscores their hidden potential. His annual alumni events continue to attract influential figures, including HomeServe alumnus Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, while he also frequently posts about the enduring value of staying connected.
Rob Hannan
Talent Pool Manager Lead at Avanade (via Accenture)
Rob brings a long-term, human-first mindset to talent strategy, leading initiatives that re-engage dormant candidates, silver medalists and alumni through Avanade’s global Talent Pool framework, and turning one-time applicants into long-term advocates. A champion of alumni networks as a core part of the talent ecosystem, Rob believes meaningful hiring starts with sustained connection, mutual value, and trust.
Rosaleen Blair CBE
Founder and Chair at Alexander Mann Solutions
Powerhouse founder of Alexander Mann Solutions, Rosaleen pioneered the concept of Recruitment Process Outsourcing - a solution for employers seeking to improve hiring performance and align the process with business strategy. She knows that nurturing talent communities over time matters and that boomerangs are a crucial source of hiring for their many large blue-chip clients.
Ruth Katz
Executive Director, Alumni Network at Morgan Stanley
With nearly 20 years of experience delivering high impact events across the financial sector, Ruth blends hospitality with strategic precision. From alumni programming to leadership summits, she leads teams that craft and curate experiences for everyone from board members to rising talent - making events a core part of relationship-building.
Sabriena Matthews
Director of Alumni Relations, Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft LLP
With over a decade of experience building and expanding corporate and academic alumni programs, Sabriena is a seasoned alumni decision-maker with a track record of partnering with key stakeholders to develop and implement strategic initiatives. Her expertise with alumni has enabled the firms fortunate enough to work with her to benefit from improved organizational performance through her meticulous research and analysis. Follow Sabriena for a masterclass in setting and achieving strategic alumni goals.
Sadhana Bhide
Strategic Workforce Planning SME at Faethm by Pearson
A leading figure in alumni strategy, Sadhana has decades of experience including heading the Barclays Global Alumni Program and Career Transition Services for Barclays Bank. She champions the idea that alumni networks are not corporate add-on, but a strategic asset. Sadhana makes a compelling case for viewing alumni as lifelong advocates and partners, both through her leadership and writing. Exploring the benefits of alumni programs, she says that “instead of investing in employee relationships for the few short years they stay at your company, you are investing in lifetime relationships that can benefit your organization in any number of surprising ways.”
Sallie Altizer Hinson
Global and US Alumni Network Manager at PwC
Sallie has spent over a decade shaping PwC’s alumni engagement strategy, blending digital campaigns with data-driven outreach to foster a vibrant alumni community. Under her leadership, opt-in rates for PwC's national alumni program increased by 32%, and a targeted social media campaign reached nearly one million people. In the A Decade of Alumni webinar, Sallie highlighted the consistent feedback she hears from alumni: “They want to feel connected through networking events with like-minded people. They want their career trajectory celebrated, they want to be inspired, and they want to be up levelled.”
Shani Robinson
RAF Galaxy Alumni Development Manager at RAF
Shani leads RAF Galaxy, the Royal Air Force’s award-winning alumni program and the first official military alumni network of its kind in the world. Her work is setting a new standard for supporting former service personnel, helping them transition into civilian life or return to duty when the time is right. She has shaped Galaxy to mirror the community structure familiar to serving members, with dedicated groups for squadrons, wings, stations, sports, faith, and more – ensuring that support networks don’t end when service does. With private spaces and a growing library of communities, the platform enables secure, ongoing connection and collaboration. Hear more from Shani and Air Cdre Chris Todd on Elevating Culture and Community.
Stella Ekkeshis
Senior Global Alumni Manager, A&O Shearman
Stella co-leads one of the legal sector’s most dynamic alumni strategies, engaging more than 25,000 former colleagues across the full employee lifecycle. She brings together cross-functional teams – spanning communications, business development, HR and legal consulting – to ensure the network reflects the firm’s values and long-term goals. From strategic events to the A&O Shearman mentoring program, Stella’s leadership fosters a sense of connection and purpose, backed by an active stakeholder advisory board that helps shape an experience alumni genuinely value.
Steve Cadigan
LinkedIn’s First Chief HR Officer
Recognized three years running as being among the top 200 Global Thought Leaders in the world of People & Talent, Steve is determined to change traditional HR. He’s been a talent advisor to leaders and organizations across the globe, including Airbnb, Salesforce, Manchester United, EDP, The City of Lisboa, Portugal, and the BBC. In his book Workquake, he argues for the creation of company cultures that prepares people to leave: “You’ve got to start building that alumni network when you're recruiting people, not when you're letting them go,” he’s insisted, “you're framing a long-term relationship.” Alumni networks, he believes, remain one of the most underutilized tools in business.
Tash de Saldanha
Alumni Lead at Investec
Tash is leading charge in the development and execution of Investec’s global alumni program, achieving impressive results from the outset. Within the first two days of launch, the program saw over 100 alumni joining, and within three weeks the program had reached 10% of the alumni network. Drawing on her experience within the financial services sector, Tash curates impactful networking events and professional development initiatives that resonate with alumni and support lasting engagement. A strong focus on stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and fostering long-term value continues to drive the program’s success.
Tom Peters
Management Thought Leader & Author
Tom has shaped decades of business thinking with his emphasis on people-centric leadership and organizational culture. His seminal work In Search of Excellence challenged traditional management by highlighting the power of values, morale, and dynamic leadership in driving success. Today, through his concept of “Extreme Humanism,” Tom continues to advocate the importance of human connection in a digital world – an ethos that deeply aligns with the value of maintaining strong alumni relationships.
Victoria McKenzie-Gould
Director of Corporate Affairs at M&S
As the driving force behind M&S corporate communications, Victoria has been instrumental in redefining how one of the UK’s most iconic retailers connects with its people, past and present. She oversaw the launch of M&S Family, an inclusive alumni network that reflects a deeper cultural shift. “We’ve genuinely started thinking much more about all our people,” she shared in a Retail Spotlight discussion, emphasizing an approach that placed genuine value on keeping lifelong relationships. With nearly 10,000 alumni and 18 curated events in its first year, the network reflects the understanding that alumni are not an afterthought, but vital brand ambassadors – and “a great focus group” for the business and future talent.
Wendy Goodridge
Global Head of Alumni Relations, Mayer Brown
With 17 years of experience building alumni communities, Wendy has led successful programs at London South Bank University and Grant Thornton. Now at Mayer Brown, she champions the idea that alumni networks thrive when alumni are genuinely prioritized and when internal resources are leveraged effectively. Wendy advocates for delivering real value to alumni, ensuring they have compelling reasons to stay connected. Hear more of her perspective on The Glue podcast episode: Do Alumni Programmes Really Deliver Benefits for the Firm?
William Tincup
Podcast Host, Investor, Advisor
William is a true “thought provocateur” in the world of HR and talent, William is known for challenging norms and leading bold, fresh thinking across the people space. As Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily and advisor to over 20 HR and TA tech companies, he brings unmatched insights into how tech, community and culture intersect. William explores the business case for alumni networks on his Use Case Podcast, and as co-founder of the WRKdefined podcast network, he regularly hosts discussions on the evolving world of work, invaluable to follow for those seeking to modernize engagement.
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