Sailing Team of the Executive MBA of AUEB Win First Place at the 18th Global MBA Trophy, Competing Against the World’s Top Business Schools!

A major international distinction for the Executive MBA of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), as its students and alumni claimed 1st place in Division B+ at the 18th Global MBA Trophy, a prestigious sailing competition with participants from some of the world’s leading business schools – including London Business School, INSEAD, HEC Paris, Wharton, Yale, Cambridge, Oxford, Kellogg, SDA Bocconi and many more.

The event, organized by the London Business School in collaboration with the Yacht Club of Greece, took place at the facilities of the Piraeus Sailing Club in Mikrolimano, Greece. AUEB was proudly represented by two teams comprising 18 students and alumni of its Executive MBA, who demonstrated exceptional teamwork, leadership, and strategic thinking under pressure.

The team that secured the top spot outperformed formidable competition, with HEC Paris finishing second, followed by Wharton, London Business School, and Oxford. Beyond the competitive success, the two AUEB crews functioned as a united, dynamic force – a living "leadership laboratory" that showcased the power of collaboration, adaptability, and real-time decision-making in demanding conditions.
Participants (in alphabetical order): Evi Aggelidou, Petros Aroukatos, Dionysis Gigantes, Fani Karageorgopoulou, Myrto Karygianni, Natalia Kivotidi, Kalypso Kranou, Spyros Kouvas, Petros Kormis, Grigoris Maros, Dimitris Megalooikonomou, Andreas Papageorgiou, Christos Smyrnios, Eleni Stamelaki, Katerina Tolia, Ilias Fourkiotis, Fotis Kouris, Elena Chnari.

Some reflections from team captains and members:

• “This year’s victory was the result of a team with a shared vision and mutual trust. I’m proud of my crew and the dedication we all showed.” — Fotis Kouris
• “This experience offered us valuable lessons. Two teams from the same program worked together, supported each other, and came back victorious, gaining memories that will last a lifetime.” — Elena Chnari
• “Over two demanding days, we faced strong opponents and challenging weather conditions, making critical decisions in real-time. Solidarity, leadership, and team spirit brought us to the top.” — Andreas Papageorgiou
• “This wasn’t just a race. It was a living application of everything we learn in the Executive MBA: leadership, strategy, adaptability, trust, and shared goals. What made it even more special was the opportunity to connect with peers from the world’s top business schools, creating channels for future collaboration. The feeling of success in such a high-level international environment is unforgettable.” — Myrto Karygianni

The Director of the Executive MBA, Professor Vassilis Papadakis, stated: “Our teams’ success at the Global MBA Trophy 2025 proves that leadership and education extend beyond the classroom. Our students and alumni showed what strategic thinking, teamwork, and resilience under pressure truly mean. At the same time, participating in a competition of this caliber gave them the opportunity to network with future leaders from the most prestigious business schools worldwide. We are honored to see them thrive internationally, as authentic leaders with passion and integrity.”

Until next year… aiming even higher!