After 8 years of Antwerp Management School Alumni chairmanship, Guido Kestens hands over the torch to Mimi Lamote, CEO of fashion label Mayerline. Mimi has taken over on June 26.

After Guido’s 8 years of chairmanship, a woman is now the chairperson of Antwerp Management School Alumni, one of Belgium’s leading alumni associations. Mimi is an alumna Applied Economic Sciences of the University of Antwerp and AMS alumna of the Next Generation Leadership program, so she knows the association and what it stands for. Dean Paul Matthyssens is delighted to welcome her and made that clear in his speech at the AMS Master Students’ graduation: “Mimi’s extensive experience in several functions in a variety of sectors will be very beneficial for the further consolidation of the alumni association. As an AMS ambassador she will also be able to make good use of her contacts with Belgian and international companies.”, the dean said.

Mimi Lamote declares: “It is with great enthusiasm I take over from Guido Kestens. I’m looking forward to 2019 and to working with the AMS team and the alumni association to make the celebrations for the 60-year anniversary of Antwerp Management School a huge success.”

Mimi Lamote and Guido Kestens at the AMS master’s students’ graduation on June 26, 2018

Lifelong learning is crucial

As CEO of fashion company Mayerline, Mimi Lamote immediately had some professional advice for the new alumni: “A solid professional network is an important leverage for a successful career. Additionally, I believe it is very important for professionals to be open to lifelong learning to stay versatile amidst the challenges that continuously come your way.”

Mimi Lamote has built a professional career in both profit and non-profit sectors. She was at the helm of C&A Belgium & Luxemburg and was vice-president of Grandvision in The Netherlands, which includes companies such as Pearle. She was also COO at hospital group ZNA. Today she is in charge of the Belgian company Mayerline, where she is repositioning the fashion brand.

25,000 alumni in 90 countries

At the AMS master’s students’ graduation ceremony, dean Paul Matthyssens thanked former chairman Guido Kestens for his drive and dedication: “Under Guido’s leadership and thanks to his excellent network, the alumni association grew to what it is today: a community of over 25,000 alumni in almost 90 countries, represented by 10 active alumni groups who regularly organize events, meetings and activities. Thanks to Guido, the two-yearly Global Citizen Award developed into the most prestigious alumni event.”

About Mimi Lamote

About the Antwerp Management School Alumni Network

The AMS alumni network consists of over 25,000 former AMS students, who live and work in almost ninety countries. In collaboration with the school, the alumni association offers an active international platform to consult and expand your network and to stay informed about the latest developments in management through numerous activities in Belgium and abroad. The alumni association thanks its success to the efforts of the members of the alumni board and the many volunteers, all AMS alumni, who are involved in the different alumni groups and organizational teams.

A few important events:

• Every 2 years AMS gives out its Global Citizen Award to an exceptional and inspiring person who made a lasting impact on our society
• The yearly summer and winter edition of the After-Master Drink
• The yearly AMS golf tournament
• The EMBA electives
• Yearly alumni chapter events on themes including leadership, public management, HR, IT governance, real estate and personal financial planning
• International events in Shanghai, Jakarta and Moscow