compiled by Anny Zade and John Faraclas
Graduations epitomise the successful efforts of students in reaching their target irrespective of starting levels, age and place! Some graduations though are exceptional given the timing, level, scope and calibre of studies based on a particularly advanced curriculum. This graduation was a “pause” from news of the despicable geopolitical events taking place in Eastern Europe – Ukraine and the Middle East – Gaza including terrorist attacks on ships, putting the lives of Seafarers and the Environment in danger… Such is the backdrop, though, that against which many strategic business decisions in the maritime sector have to be made.
We were fortunate once again to be present in one of Copenhagen Business School’s Blue MBA graduations – yes, one of the best MBAs all over Planet Ocean; the Blue MBA!
The internationalism of this MBA is second to none and these graduates today hold top positions in Shipping, Logistics and related Maritime business, Represented in the Class were 45 students from 20 nations, Europeans being the majority.
The process began early at the courtyard at Porcelaenshaven 20 campus, a purpose-built academic building in Copenhagen’s Frederiksberg district.
We even saw and met before the graduation event, graduates with their families and friends strolling along the Danish capital’s waterfront as well as by chance in our hotel! A great day for all in the summery atmosphere!
The process included, as in previous events, live music by the ten-strong Scottish band, the Gordon Pipes and Drums comprising four women and six men (see pictures above).
Thereafter guests took their seats in the auditorium to receive the academic personnel, speakers and graduates led in by Irene Rosberg, Programme Director, Executive MBA in Shipping and Logistics (The Blue MBA), Blue Board Leadership and Governance, Copenhagen Business School – see the two pictures above.
Ms Rosberg (pictured above), introduced the event and each of the featured speakers.
The first address came from Professor Søren Hvidkjær, the Dean of Research, deputizing for Copenhagen Business School president Peter Mollgaard.
Thereafter Jenny Braat, CEO at Danish Maritime took the podium and delivered a short but to-the-point address.
Michael Hansen, Group President & CEO at HEMPEL A/S (pictured above) words were memorable!
Kristin Holth’s contribution was brief but powerful in underlining the importance of this MBA. Ms Holth (pictured above), a non-executive director at ECOnnect Energy received deserved applause!
She was followed by one of Shipping’s business leaders, Carsten Brix Ostenfeldt (pictured above), COO at Anglo-Eastern & Blue MBA Alumni, class of 2007. What an address that was!
Two more addresses came from members of the academic staff, following which the Conferring of the Degrees began.
Each graduate received his/her diploma being warmly applauded by guests and in particular by family members and friends as well as from fellow students. A very touching ceremony, as some graduates had their families including their children with them!
Pleased to see some Greeks both in the audience as well as students, two of whom won the Examiners’ Award for the Best Integrated Strategy Project. Well done to Ioannis Dimakopoulos and Georgios Atzampos – the latter wasn’t present as he had to attend his wife’s labour. Their thesis was on “Developing a strategy for MAN ES Retrofit department in an era of uncertain fuel and regulatory landscape”.
Finally, “A word from the Graduating Class”; two interesting short speeches by Chrispin Niyongabo, a senior manager at Hafnia, and Courtney Renault, Director of Global Chartering at Pangea Logistics, who received enthusiastic applause (see the two pictures below)
Concluding remarks came from Ms Rosberg, who continues her success story in delivering to the shipping world valuable and important leaders!
At the reception later we met old friends and made new ones ; among them Mia Krogslund Jørgensen, Head of People, Culture & Strategy at HAFNIA, winner of allaboutshipping’s 2023 100 Top Women Award, with her colleague Sheena Williamson-Holt of Communications and Branding at Hafnia guests of Hafnia’s graduate, the towering Chrispin Niyongabo; Captain Gagan Dhillon West P&I Club CEO at Dubai; The Dimakopouloses, Kousises, Efstathopouloses, Monica Smith and Oya Aksoy- Davenport whom we’ve met last September at Dorian’s offices in Athens… (the three pictures below are from reception).
Excellent food and drinks meticulously prepared and a lively networking followed until late afternoon!
We were also fortunate to participate in an early evening party of Greek graduate, Ioannis Dimakopoulos and his girlfriend in the centre of Copenhagen celebrating with the examiners’ award his degree and success; small world!
Once again many congratulations to Irene Rosberg and her team who excel on all counts offering to the shipping world top-of-the range professionals with this Blue MBA! We make this statement as we have travelled all over Planet Ocean’s shipping centres and met quite a few of them!
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Pictures by Mattia Abeni, Anny Zade and John Faraclas
