London students hear about Global Strategy from alumni

Three alumni came together on 17 February to form a panel on Global Strategy for Institute for International Management students studying at Loughborough University London.

Mike Croucher, Ben Grinnell and Charlotte Wise discussed themes such as corporate strategy, emerging markets and the changing nature of industry in their three respective organisations.

Chaired by Loughborough University academic, Dr Rahul Kumar, the event formed part of a module on Global Strategy taught at the London campus. Alumni provided insights about global strategy in the real world and discussed international business and technology.

Alumnus Mike, who graduated from Loughborough with a degree in Mathematics in 1981, is the Head of Technical Strategy and Chief Architect at Travelport. Bringing experience from the travel industry, Mike told students that it is important to develop a broad background and to always be inquisitive.

Ben Grinnell is the Managing Director & Global Lead of the Technology and Digital Service Line at North Highland. The alumnus, who graduated in 1994 with a degree in Mathematics and Computing, said to look at everything with “a mindset of continuous improvement”.

Alumna Charlotte Wise is a Manager in Strategy and Planning at American Express. The 2017 International Business graduate encouraged students to speak up and “have confidence in your ideas”. She also stressed the importance of working on soft skills.

The panel also discussed the role of AI, digital transformation and skills needed for a role within global strategy.

Thank you to our alumni for volunteering their time.

Find out more about volunteering.

View the press release on the Loughborough University website for further information and resources.

Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2020 QS World University Rankings and top in the country for its student experience in the 2018 THE Student Experience Survey.

Loughborough is in the top 10 of every national league table, being ranked 4th in the Guardian University League Table 2020, 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and 8th in The UK Complete University Guide 2020.

Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

Specialising exclusively in postgraduate-level study, Loughborough University London is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers cutting-edge master’s and PhD degrees, as well as business collaboration, research and enterprise opportunities.

The seven specialist institutes at Loughborough University London include: Design Innovation, Digital Technologies, Diplomacy and International Governance, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International Management, Media and Creative Industries, and Sport Business. Close industry partnerships with a wealth of leading businesses and creative organisations means teaching and learning is informed by real-life challenges and driven by true industry pressures.