Sailing to the Top: Double Victory for AUEB Executive MBA Teams at the 20th Global MBA Trophy
A major distinction for the Executive MBA of the 黑料科 of Economics and Business, as its students and alumni secured 1st and 2nd place in the Division B+ category (offshore racing yachts) at the 20th Global MBA Trophy, an internationally recognized sailing competition featuring teams from leading Business Schools worldwide 鈥� including London Business School, Yale, Wharton, INSEAD, Oxford, Bocconi, HEC, IE Business School, Polimi, Erasmus School of Management, and Warwick Business School.
The event, held from April 14 to April 19, 2026, in Mikrolimano, Pireaus, brought teams together in an environment that demands strategic thinking, rapid decision-making, and a high level of collaboration.
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This achievement gains additional significance as it was accomplished by teams composed of both current students and alumni of the program, who operated as a unified and highly coordinated unit. Sailing, as an activity, brings to life core management principles such as clear role allocation, effective communication, risk management, and adaptability to constantly changing conditions鈥攅lements that lie at the heart of any modern Executive MBA program, yet are rarely tested with such intensity and immediacy.
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Particularly noteworthy is the networking dimension of the Global MBA Trophy, which serves as a meeting point for an international community of executives and future leaders. The exchange of experiences and practices among participants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds enhances connectivity and creates opportunities for collaboration beyond the competitive arena.
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The Director of the Executive MBA, Professor Vassilis Papadakis, stated:
鈥淚n an era where the concepts of leadership and teamwork are being redefined, initiatives like this highlight the importance of experiential learning. As demonstrated, effective leadership is not confined to classrooms, but is tested and forged in real-life conditions where theory meets practice. Our students and alumni proved in practice what it means to think strategically, collaborate effectively, and remain resilient under pressure. At the same time, their participation in such a strongly international event provided valuable networking opportunities with future leaders of the global business community. It is a great honor to see them excel internationally as authentic leaders with passion and integrity.鈥�
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Congratulations听to all participants for this outstanding achievement!
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