We are pleased to announce that EFMD President Eric Cornuel has been awarded the Shanghai Magnolia Gold Award by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.

The award was presented on 29 September 2025 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Shanghai’s development and international cooperation.

Established in 1989, the Magnolia Awards honour foreign nationals who have made exceptional contributions to the city’s social, economic, and international development. The Gold Award, the highest distinction, recognises individuals whose long-term work has had a lasting positive impact on Shanghai’s growth and global engagement.

With a population of more than 24 million, Shanghai stands as one of the world’s largest seaports and China’s leading industrial and commercial centre. Its position as a major global hub is supported by a highly skilled workforce, a strong research base, and advanced infrastructure that facilitates production and exchange.

The city’s tradition of cooperation among industries and its efficient communication networks have contributed to its continued growth and influence. This environment has also made Shanghai an important centre for management education, where universities and business schools draw on the city’s economic strength and cultural richness to link academic study with professional practice and leadership development.

Reflecting on the award, Eric Cornuel said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from the Municipality of Shanghai. This award reflects not only my personal journey but also the shared efforts of EFMD and CEIBS in promoting open dialogue and global collaboration. Shanghai and China hold a very special place in my heart. I firmly believe that the relationship between China and Europe goes far beyond economic complementarity; it is rooted in shared commitments to multilateralism, international rules, and openness. CEIBS is a vital platform for bridging China and the world, and EFMD will continue to work with our partners to expand this mission and contribute to sustainable global development.”

Eric Cornuel has been a prominent figure in global management education for more than two decades. Since becoming President of EFMD Global, he has overseen the organisation’s growth into a network of over 990 member institutions in 95 countries, connecting more than 30,000 management development professionals.

Under his leadership, EFMD has strengthened its standing as an international benchmark for excellence in management education through its accreditations and certifications. EFMD also advances collaboration worldwide through its conferences, professional development programmes, and international projects that promote responsible management, innovation, and sustainable growth.

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