Poets & Quants singles out outstanding Executive MBA students worldwide.
Representing the best in business education, students from 56 of the highest ranked institutions were selected for their academic excellence, extracurricular leadership, and professional achievement.
Two Executive MBA students, Eleanor Hevey and Mark Finch undertaking an Executive MBA (EMBA) at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, have been listed in Poets and Quants ‘The Best & Brightest Executive MBAs of 2023’.
Commenting on their achievement, Kathy Harvey, Associate Dean of the Executive MBA programme, said:
'The quality of students in our Oxford Saïd cohort enhances the unique student experience in our Executive MBA programme. We are delighted to see Eleanor and Mark recognised in this way, and both are extraordinary leaders who have deepened the understanding of their peers. I look forward to watching them impact the world and lead change as they continue their inspiring careers.'
The EMBA class and wider Oxford Saïd community of women have been extraordinary – we continue to lift each other up, champion each other’s successes and provide that real close-knit community of support.
The Best & Brightest honours outstanding EMBA students studying at the world’s finest business schools across the world. This year’s honours featured an equal split of female and male winners, ranging in ages 30-56.
Eleanor is a strategist and policy leader serving as Associate Director at the Centre for Disaster Protection. She is also the recipient of the Oxford Executive MBA Scholarship for Women in association with the 30% Club, and has dedicated her professional life to addressing complex global challenges in sustainability and social impact. She brings sixteen years of experience as a senior policy leader and strategist for humanitarian and philanthropic organisations like the Red Cross and UNICEF Canada.
Reflecting on being featured, Eleanor said: ‘Representing Oxford Saïd in this year’s Poets & Quants Brightest and Best EMBAs 2023 is truly meaningful to me and a great honour. I’m so pleased that Oxford Saïd provides a platform and support for emerging leaders – especially emerging women leaders - from mission-driven and social impact backgrounds.
'The opportunity to connect with and learn from such a rich and diverse global cohort of peers – and now close friends – from an incredible range of cultural and professional backgrounds has been transformative and a defining part of the Oxford experience. The deep commitment to fostering purpose-driven leadership to address global challenges, combined with entrepreneurial approaches was the key differentiator for why I chose to study at SBS and has been a hugely enriching part of the experience, alongside world-class teaching that University of Oxford is renowned for.
‘Embarking on the EMBA is a whole family commitment and my husband has been a huge support. The EMBA class and wider Oxford Saïd community of women have been extraordinary – we continue to work to coach and lift each other up, champion each other’s successes and provide that real close-knit community of support - a community that I hope we will continue to foster over many years to come.’
The EMBA experience has opened so many opportunities and learnings, and I cannot understate how incredible the other people in the course are.
Reflecting on his achievement, Mark said: ‘I am absolutely humbled to be named in the list and so honoured to represent Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. It is also bittersweet, as it marks the end of an amazing journey which has impacted my life in so many ways. I’ve created friendships that will last a lifetime and learnt to be a better leader through the incredible teaching. This recognition is the cherry on top of what has already been a life changing experience for me.
‘What stood out for me was the prestigious brand of the university and the quality of the people it attracts. To me, every person in my cohort deserves to be on the P&Q list. The EMBA experience has opened so many opportunities and learnings, and I cannot understate how incredible the other people in the course are, and being immersed with them has truly shaped me and my leadership style in a positive way.
‘I could not have done this without Olivia, my wife, and my friends and family (immediate and extended) who have always supported me in pursuing my ambitions and dreams. I recognise that I am in a privileged position to have access to these types of opportunities, and if it weren’t for all the support I was given growing up, I would not be where I am today.
‘I also could not have done this without the ongoing support from Vicon, my employer, for being so accommodating by giving me the time and space to pursue this EMBA. Finally, The University of Auckland and Andrew Bagnall, for awarding me the Andrew Bagnall International MBA scholarship.’
Poets & Quants recently published ‘100 Best & Brightest MBAs: Class of 2023’ where 12 of our Oxford Saïd students are also featured.