Celebrating the 2026 CEMS Alumni of the Year

Across industries, institutions and continents, our alumni are leading with purpose, curiosity and a sense of responsibility. Our three categories: Social Impact, Sustainable Impact and Global Impact, reflect a different way CEMS graduates put their skills, networks and perspectives to work for the world around them. 

This year, we are proud to announce the winners.

Social Impact Award: 

Stephanie Lee (CEMS 2015, WU/ USYD)

Innovation Strategy Lead at the UN World Food Programme, helping bring innovations that reached 132.5 million people across 75 countries in 2025.  

Sustainable Impact Award: 

Sven Kallen (CEMS Alum 1996, RSM/ ESADE)
Founder of Volterra Ecosystems and the Life Terra Foundation, on a mission to plant 500 million trees across Europe.

Global Impact Award: 

Sangram Rane (CEMS Alum 2013, LSE/ ESADE)
From the Executive Offices of two UN Secretaries-General to leading the UN Secretary-General's Innovation Lab, and a 2026 Yale Peace Fellow.

Want to know more? Discover their career and accomplishments here:

https://cems.org/alumni-network/alumni-of-the-year-awards/current-recipients