What's your current job?
Global Digital Business Development Manager at AXA Lab in San Francisco. I am currently responsible for developing and maintaining new strategic business partnerships between the AXA Group (one of the world’s largest insurance, wealth, and asset management businesses) and technology companies and (FinTech) start-ups in Silicon Valley and the wider Bay Area. These partnerships take various forms ranging from distribution and branding arrangements to joint new product development and are established through ordinary contracting or increasingly often take the form of Joint Ventures, strategic investments, and equity stakes. I have been with the AXA Group for 4.5 years now in various strategy, M&A, and partnerships roles.
Where have you worked previously?
Previously I worked as an Associate in the buy-out team of the mid-cap private equity fund Doughty Hanson and I started my career as a strategy consultant with LEK Consulting.
How has the programme helped your career since you graduated?
The MSc in Management gave me a framework for strategy strongly based on fundamentals in micro-economics and game theory and my time at the LSE in general further encouraged me to dare think big. This fundamental approach, rather than using the latest fashionable management theory, gave me the flexibility to deal with an industry that is changing faster than ever. Approaches that challenge established thinking combined with a believe that one may change the world is what drives Silicon Valley forward and the LSE MSc in Management is a great foundation for a career here.
What would you tell someone thinking of studying at the Department of Management?
Like anywhere else; the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. LSE is uniquely positioned in central London with a superb and truly global alumni network and excellent education. For the person willing to work hard and think big this is an opportunity that is nearly unparalleled in Europe to lay the foundation for an exciting and international career.
If you could choose another profession, what would it be?
I would be operating and managing a jazz club and cocktail bar. I may still invest in one someday.
What drives you?
To learn new things every day – I love new technology and new business models, and equally I love travelling to new destinations, hiking, new food experiences. I'm also a complete economic and political news junkie.