EDHEC Rendez-Vous LONDON 2025: Cruising on the Thames

EDHEC Rendez-Vous LONDON 2025: Cruising on the Thames

2025-06-05T17:00:00+00:00

2025-06-05T22:00:00+00:00

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 EDHEC RENDEZ-VOUS LONDON 2025Thursday 5 June ∣ 6pm-11pm UK timeEDHEC BY NATURE: an EDHEC Rendez-vous on the river Thames! The EDHEC Rendez-vous is EDHEC Alumni’s annual flagship event, bringing together our vibrant alumni community in nearly 60 cities worldwide each summer. It’s a time to celebrate our beloved school and the enduring EDHEC spirit that keeps us all connected!In 2025, EDHEC Rendez-Vous invites you to an immersive ‘EDHEC BY NATURE’ experience inspired by the four elements – earth, fire, air, water – encouraging us to explore our relationship with nature while reconnecting with your favourite network! For you, the UK-based Alumni, your committed EDHEC Alumni UK Board has chosen the element “water” and is thrilled to invite you aboard the Driftwoods for an unforgettable Thames cruise on Thursday 5th June!😊As you drift along the Thames, you will:  Reconnect with your EDHEC network while enjoying drinks, tasty food and musicMeet new and inspiring people in a relaxed and energising setting Celebrate your renowned school in Europe and beyond! Please find below all the details about the boat, our special guests, and practical information.Capacity is limited so secure your spot now, and spread the word to fellow Alumni.We cannot wait to welcome you on board! 😊AGENDA6PMPort Arrival & Registration Open at Vicinity BarTerrace of Vicinity Bar, just in front of Tower Bridge QuayYour dedicated Cruise Stewards - the EDHEC Alumni UK Board members - will be on hand to register you ahead of embarkation and ensure a smooth boarding process. Grab your first drink and get ready to set sail! ⚓💪🍃 7PMBoarding Begins, Tower Bridge QuayStep aboard and enjoy a welcome drink as you settle in. Our cruise stewards will be on hand to guide you to the Long Room and help you get comfortable. Time to make waves! 🙂 7.15PM Boat DeparturePlease be onboard by this time, or as Captain Haddock might say, “Billions of blue blistering barnacles, don’t miss the boat!”😉🚢 7.30PMCruise Director's Welcome & Introduction of Captains and First OfficersWelcome aboard! Get ready for a night full of smooth sailing and maybe a little Love Boat magic. 😊Audrey Haverkamp, EDHEC's Country Manager UKIEstelle Levacher, EDHEC Alumni UK Board's Co-ChairCedric Petitpas, EDHEC Alumni UK Board's Co-ChairAnne Geisert, President, EDHEC Alumni Martin Barbier, Outgoing EDHEC Alumni DirectorCendrine Tabary, Incoming EDHEC Alumni Director7.40PM Sponsor Speeches: Pillars of Our FleetHear from the trusted sponsors who make this cruise possible, including a brief testimonial from a BBA Alumna who has navigated an impressive career journey. Laurent Peries, Head of BBA Recruitment, EDHEC Virginie Astier Kenneally, EDHEC BBA Alumna 2007Artus Galiay, Director UK/Ireland/India, Nord France Invest 7.50PM Distinguished Passenger on Board: Charting the Future of WaterOur esteemed water researcher will help you navigate the vast seas of water challenges and opportunities, shedding light on this vital resource.Dr. Patricia Calderon, Water Researcher and Advocate8PM Speeches from EDHEC UK Foundation, our lighthouse partner!With steady light that calms the seas, the EDHEC Foundation will highlight their achievements in the UK, including the “Make an Impact” bursary, and share how they plan to guide EDHEC to new heights over the next five years!You’ll also learn how to join their special onboard raffle supporting this bursary and have a chance to win a prize!🎉Elizabeth Beroud, Chair, EDHEC UK FoundationThomas Smith, "Make an Impact for Good" recipientBenedicte Gariel, Development Manager, EDHEC Foundation8.10PM Capture the Crew 📸😊Say “Sea La Vie” and strike a pose!8.15PMGalley Service BeginsHearty food bowls are served - and fear not, it’s not just fish on the menu! 8.20PM Dive In The Ocean's Room Discover secrets of the sea balanceMeet Solenn Launay, a diver and ecological transition engineer, who will guide you through the hidden connections of marine life using Ocean Cards from the Biodiversity Fresk. Discover how ecosystems stay afloat and why getting rid of sharks was, let’s say, not our brightest idea! 🦈💡Set Sail for Impact!The EDHEC Foundation team will also be in the Ocean Room with raffle tickets to raise funds for another “Make an Impact” bursary. Try your luck and help steer a brighter future for EDHEC students! Thanks in advance for your generosity!9PM Dessert Stall Opens... Surprise!It is big. It's sweet. It's sea-riously giant! 😊 9.30PM Raffle Reveal: A wave of impact! 🎉Time to announce the lucky raffle winner and reveal the total amount raised for the "Make an Impact for Good" bursary. Thank you for helping the EDHEC UK Foundation chart a brighter course for future EDHEC students! 🌟9.45PM Dance Floor Opens | Live DJFire takes the helm from water - time to dance, sailors! 🔥10.45PM DisembarkationOur journey ends - please disembark in true sailor style. Women and children first...! 😉🚢11PM All AshoreThe journey ends, but the memories and connections sail on. Until next time, shipmates! ⚓🙂 OUR SPEAKERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Before we set sail on an unforgettable evening and weigh anchor, meet some of the stellar crew and honorary passengers who will guide you through the waves of the EDHEC Rendez-Vous London 2025:Audrey Haverkamp, EDHEC 2012, EDHEC's Country Manager for the UK and IrelandAudrey Haverkamp is the Country Manager for the UK & Ireland at EDHEC Business School, where she leads alumni and employer engagement, while also supporting student engagement, brand awareness, and strategic partnerships. Based in London, Audrey is passionate about connecting people, building purposeful communities, and fostering career opportunities for EDHEC talent across the region.Estelle Levacher, EDHEC 1999, Founder, Levelle Consulting & EDHEC Alumni UK Board's Co-ChairEstelle Levacher is a marketing and innovation consultant with over 20 years of experience across multinational companies such as Canon, British Airways, Mars, and Virgin Media O2. A graduate of EDHEC Business School and the London School of Economics (1999), she specializes in customer experience, insights, and sustainability. Estelle is the Founder of Levelle Consulting and serves as Co-Chair and Sustainability Lead on the EDHEC Alumni UK Board.Cedric Petitpas, EDHEC 2002, Founder, Green Bambinos & EDHEC Alumni UK Board's Co-ChairAfter two decades in media and tech, Cédric redirected his career towards addressing the climate crisis. He joined the Lighthouse Farm Academy, where he delved into regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems. This experience inspired him to found Green Bambinos Ltd in 2024, aiming to advise businesses on sustainable practices and food system transformation. Cedric serves as Co-Chair and Responsible Entrepreneurship & AI Lead on the EDHEC Alumni UK Board.Martin Barbier, EDHEC 1988, Outgoing EDHEC Alumni DirectorMartin is the Executive Director of EDHEC Alumni, where he led the global alumni network of over 50,000 members from 2017 to 2025. An EDHEC Master 1988 graduate, Martin previously held senior roles at Kraft Foods, Editions Lefebvre Sarrut, and Medissimo, driving business development and digital innovation across B2B and B2C sectors. Martin is leaving EDHEC Alumni in June to become an executive coach, so don’t miss this chance to thank him for his fantastic commitment over the years and bid him farewell! Cendrine Tabary, EDHEC 1996, Incoming EDHEC Alumni DirectorCendrine Tabary is the incoming Executive Director of EDHEC Alumni, bringing over 25 years of international experience across audit, FMCG, fashion, and retail sectors. An EDHEC Master 1996 graduate, she began her career at Arthur Andersen, then held finance roles at Danone. At Lacoste, she served as CFO Asia-Pacific and later as VP Sales & Operations. Most recently, she was Director of Performance and CEO Second Hand at Kiabi, leading ESG-driven transformation and circular economy initiatives. Taking over from Martin in June, Cendrine will bring our network to new heights! Join us in giving her a warm welcome!Anne Geisert, Managing Director France, MIELE; President, EDHEC Alumni associationSince graduating with a Master’s degree from EDHEC in 1991, Anne has spent her entire career in the Consumer Goods sector. She started out at Unilever as Product marketing manager Europe for the Cajoline brand (1991-1993) before working for Lindt & Sprüngli (1993-1998) and later Chanel (1998-2001).In 2001, Anne joined the American firm Mars, where she worked in several different divisions of Chocolate France.  Building on this success, Anne was made Director of marketing and corporate affairs of Chocolate France (2007-2012) before taking over as head of the entire chocolate category (2012-2013). She joined Wrigley Europe (a Mars subsidiary) in 2013. In 2015 she became Managing Director of Wrigley for France and Belgium.In 2018 she left the top management team at Mars to become Managing Director France at Miele, the world’s leading high-end home appliance brand. Having spent most of her career in family firms, Anne’s core values include knowledge transfer, commitment and respect in the long term.Laurent Peries, Head of Recruitment & Marketing, EDHECLaurent is the Head of Marketing & Recruitment for the BBA programmes at EDHEC Business School. With a strong background in strategic marketing and international student recruitment, he plays a key role in shaping the global visibility and growth of EDHEC's undergraduate programmes. Laurent is an alumnus of ESSEC Business School and is based in Lille, France.Virginie Astier Kenneally, EDHEC BBA Alumna 2007Virginie Astier Kenneally is a strategic leader with over 12 years of international experience across finance, luxury retail, and innovation. She began her career at J.P. Morgan in London before moving into the luxury sector with Louis Vuitton. An EDHEC Business School BBA alumna, Virginie earned her MBA from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School as a Forté Fellow. She is passionate about helping brands grow, delivering measurable impact, and thriving in fast-paced, multicultural environments. Virginie will share a short testimonial about her time at EDHEC and her inspiring career journey across banking, luxury, and consulting between London and Paris.Artus Galiay, Director UK/Ireland/India, Nord France Invest Artus is the Hauts-de-France representative to the United Kingdom and the Director UK/Ireland at Nord France Invest (the Hauts-de-France investment promotion agency). After completing a double degree between Sciences Po Paris and the London School of Economics, he worked for 7 years in financial regulation in the UK, mainly at the Bank of England. In 2018, he was appointed by Hauts-de-France President Xavier Bertrand as special adviser on Brexit, to limit the impact of Brexit on the region and the Franco-British border. In 2020, Xavier Bertrand appointed him to his current role in order to strengthen economic and business ties between the UK and Hauts-de-France. Artus is married, a father of two, and passionate about politics, history and rugby.Dr. Patricia Calderon, Water Researcher and Advocate Patricia is a British, Australian, and El Salvadorean expert with over 20 years of experience in the global water sector. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of New South Wales in Australia and spent more than a decade at Veolia as a process engineer across Australia, Europe, and the UK, contributing to major infrastructure such as the A$1.1 billion Sydney Desalination Plant.In 2021, she transitioned to ESG sustainability at the NGO CDP as Associate Director of Water Security, leading global water strategy and co-authoring influential reports like High & Dry. In 2024, she became CDP’s Global Head of Water, where she expanded disclosure, shaped policy consultations, and built strategic partnerships worldwide.Now independent, Patricia focuses on research and advocacy, highlighting water risks, the role of nature, transition finance, and the critical need for public policy to steer a just transition.Solenn Launay, Ecological Transition EngineerSolenn is a generalist engineer, with 15 years’ experience managing projects in the energy sector (mostly renewables). She branched out in 2023 to fully dedicate to her heart values and raise awareness on the environmental issues (climate, biodiversity, resources scarcity, wastes and pollutions). To do so, she facilitates collective intelligence, didactic workshops and gives conferences to lead participants to take actions in their works and lives. She tailors her approach to corporate’s needs and brings enthusiasm and positivity.Benedicte Gariel, EDHEC 1996, EDHEC Foundation's Development Manager Bénédicte is the Donor Development Manager at the EDHEC Foundation, where she fosters relationships with major donors to support the school's strategic initiatives. An EDHEC 1996 alumna, she brings over 15 years of experience in sales management, team leadership, and marketing strategy within fast-paced environments such as FMCG and telecommunications.Elizabeth Beroud, EDHEC 1989, Business Coach, Director, Beroud Consulting & Chair, EDHEC Foundation in the UK Elizabeth Beroud is a Gallup-certified strengths coach and co-founder of Beroud Consulting, where she supports senior leaders and teams in leveraging their strengths. An EDHEC Master 1989 alumna, she chairs the EDHEC UK Charitable Trust and serves as a marketing advisor to the DSM Foundation. Elizabeth is also the Programme Lead Coach at the Future Leaders Group and is actively involved in EDHEC Alumni UK events and initiatives. Thomas Smith, EDHEC 2025 & 2024 recipient of the “Make an Impact for Good” bursary Thomas Smith is a Franco-British student at EDHEC Business School, currently pursuing the MSc in Creative Business & Social Innovation. Passionate about building bridges between people, communities, and the environment, he sees finance and innovation as key drivers for positive change.DRIFTWOODS: BLENDING ELEGANCE WITH A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE  Driftwoods redefines river entertainment, transforming a traditional boat into a spacious, pavilion-like venue with panoramic glass walls that frame the stunning London riverbank in a cinematic 360-degree view.The interior, by leading British designer Tom Dixon, has been reinvigorated with his ‘Iron Beige’ wool carpeting reflecting the textures of London’s bridges, and additional walnut cork wall cladding and charcoal grey lacquer.Driftwoods is fully accessible and propelled by Shell GTL, a low emission, non-toxic and biodegradable new fuel.PRACTICAL INFORMATIONCruise duration: 7pm-11pm | Disembarkation from 10:45 PM Cruise boarding place: Tower Bridge Quay Boarding: Please arrive at 6.30pm to ensure you don’t miss the departure!  A photographer will be present. If you do not wish to be photographed, please contact the UK Board: [email protected] refunds will be granted less than seven days before the event. Thanks for your understanding.DRESS CODE: BLUE, WHITE, RED… AND GREEN!  We know blue, white, and red are close to our school’s heart… but this time, let’s not be too patriotic! 😊Instead, let’s channel the four elements. Pick your favourite or go all out with a colourful mix!Blue for WaterWhite for AirRed for FireGreen for EarthOUR EVENT PARTNERS  Financed by the Regional Council and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hauts-de-France, Nord France Invest (NFI) helps foreign-owned companies set up operations in Hauts-de-France and grow their business here.  NFI's services - free of charge - are designed for foreign-owned companies. And 100% confidentiality is NFI's watchword. Since their founding in 1966, Nord France Invest has helped nearly 1,200 international companies set up in business in our region.  For 20 years, Hauts-de-France has ranked among the TOP THREE host regions for foreign-owned companies in France. NFI will be represented by their Director UK/Ireland/India, Artus Galiay, and several of their UK  ambassadors. EDHEC International BBA is EDHEC Business School’s undergraduate programme combining academic excellence, international exposure and professional experience to prepare talented students for global careers.EDHEC International BBA places students at the heart of a learning experience built around performance, innovation, diversity and leadership. The programme equips them with the skills and mindset to manage in a global environment, offering different tracks to match their academic ambitions and professional goals. Upon graduation, students can choose to pursue a Master’s degree or launch their career worldwide.EDHEC's International Bachelor Programme will be represented by Laurent Peries, Head of Recruitment & Marketing and Camille van Seymortier, Marketing & Promotion Manager The EDHEC Foundation in the UK works in partnership with the EDHEC Alumni UK team to raise funds to support EDHEC Business School to thrive in its research, entrepreneurial endeavours and student diversity. It will be represented by Benedicte Gariel, Development Manager at EDHEC Foundation, and the UK trustees, led by their Chair, Elizabeth Beroud.  ANY QUESTIONS If you have any questions, we’re here for you! Feel free to email us at [email protected] or call Audrey, EDHEC Country Manager for the UK & Ireland, at 07938 603045. We’ll be delighted to assist you.We cannot wait to welcome you on board!Your EDHEC Alumni UK Board

https://alumni.edhec.edu/fr/event/edhec-rendez-vous-london-2025-cruising-on-the-thames/2025/06/05/22157