- Programme studied: Executive Global Master's in Management
- Year of Graduation: 2022
After completing the EGMiM programme Aleksandar transitioned to the Swiss luxury watchmaking industry starting a new role as Global Head of Investor Relations and Strategic Controlling at Breitling SA in Switzerland.
Current job title and description of what this role entails:
Global Head of Investor Relations and Strategic Controlling
In this role I am helping Breitling grow their footprint in the financial market and become the focal point for their private and public investor community. I research, screen, and assess opportunities and trends across the luxury goods sector and perform strategic competitor analysis. By doing so, I support Breitling`s CFO in further developing the company`s equity story and our strategic value creation activities.
Tell us about your career journey since graduating from LSE?
I literally got Breitling`s job offer on the day of my LSE graduation in July 2022. Before then, I had spent a considerable time in management consulting at PwC, advising clients in deals and finance consulting matters in Germany and around the globe. I had the immense privilege of working in 22 countries across five continents, becoming immersed in different cultures and industries.These experiences have shaped me both personally and professionally.
After finishing the LSE programme, I assumed this new role at Breitling because it offered the perfect mix of what I was looking for: a multifaceted position with a 360-degree view on strategic decision-making, whilst at the same time operating in a fast-paced environment under private equity ownership. Being able to learn from top executives in the luxury watchmaking industry and beyond has been a great next step in my career journey.
How has the programme you studied helped your career since you graduated?
As part of my dissertation, I had empirically researched the CFO role under private equity ownership and contrasted it to the same role within public companies. I had interviewed multiple CFOs, investment professionals and private equity advisors. Approaching such senior executives with the LSE brand behind me certainly helped! Technically speaking, the aim of the dissertation was to bring together all the content taught in the EGMiM programme and apply this knowledge to real-life examples, particularly as managing a company requires incorporating a nexus of people, systems, processes, finances, and the surrounding macro environment. I was mentored by Prof. Yally Avrahampour whom I am hugely thankful for his support, and I was able to obtain a distinction in my dissertation and to win the prize for the best dissertation of the year. That has certainly helped my career ever since!
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?
The best piece of advice I received was arguably also the simplest one. One of the partners at PwC used to say: “Your time will come, Alex. Just continue to work hard, stay humble and remain respectful to people.” I think this is a great piece of advice as we tend to look two, three or even more steps ahead before taking the first one. Often, we struggle with this notion that we are missing out on something or that we deserve more or better. Or vice versa, that we grapple with impostor syndrome and feel that we are not good enough and won`t succeed on our journey. Over the years, I have learnt to take a step back and reflect by putting things into perspective, which has helped me to achieve my career goals thus far, whilst continuing to treat everyone with respect and dignity.
What’s the greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
I don`t want to talk about "the greatest challenge” I faced, and eventually say how I succeeded at something. As is the case for many others, I have faced multiple challenges that have shaped me to be more resilient and more focused. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that you must step out of your comfort zone to get to know yourself. Being dedicated and having a strong work ethic along with being honest with yourself is what will help you overcome any challenge. That said, I believe the greatest challenge per se can come from one`s ego, from feeling entitled or complacent about something. If you embrace every challenge in life as a real opportunity for learning and for change, I am convinced that you can succeed at anything.
What are your hopes for the future?
I have one general hope for the immediate future and a personal one for the longer horizon.
First, I sincerely wish to live in “normalcy” again where we don`t live with wars, inflation fears, pandemics, lockdowns, and interruptions of any sort. The last years were difficult for everyone, and we could do with a rest.
Second, I am still aiming to become a Formula 1 Team Principal, as it is my personal dream job. And yes, I`ll take any F1 Team even though Ferrari would be the ultimate dream!
Share with us your fondest memory of the Department of Management.
There are so many, really. I`d try to summarize it this way: the DoM programme team has always been a diligent, well organized, and attentive team of very skilled individuals. How they managed the programme both on-campus but also during the lockdown-induced online sessions was extraordinary. All Professors from Faculty are top-notch researchers in their metier, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to partake in their lectures. Thank you DoM and LSE!
If you would like to be our Alum of the Month or if you would like to nominate a Department of Management alumni, please email dom.alumni@lse.ac.uk.