In London, Prising People Out of Their Routine Takes Top-Quality Events

Meet Valérie Maure (E93), President of the ESSEC Alumni UK Chapter

ESSEC Alumni: Could you tell us about the alumni community in the United Kingdom?

Valérie Maure: Today, we have just over 2,000 active alumni in our database, the vast majority of whom are based in London. It is a highly international community, with strong representation in the technology and finance sectors. What truly defines it, however, is its diversity. Some alumni have been living in the UK for twenty or thirty years and have built both their careers and family lives here, while others are far more mobile, arriving for a few years before moving on to another destination. London remains an incredibly attractive city, but it is also a stopover for many talented professionals.
Our challenge is to create a genuine sense of belonging despite these varied journeys, so that everyone feels they have a place within the community.

EA: Are there more arrivals than departures? What trends are you seeing?

Valérie Maure: We are only just beginning to gain a consolidated view of our community, so it is still a little early to analyse arrivals and departures accurately. What we do know is that the community remains extremely dynamic. Every year, new graduates move to London while others return to France or relocate elsewhere. This constant mobility means we must continually renew our initiatives to integrate newcomers while maintaining strong connections with those who have been here for many years.

EA: You became President of the UK Chapter in 2025. What motivated you to take on the role?

Valérie Maure: I did it in the spirit of giving back. ESSEC has given me so much; it is almost like family, with friendships spanning thirty years and unforgettable memories. During my time at ESSEC, I was a member of the Students' Union, so getting involved with the alumni network felt like a natural continuation, with the aim of recreating that same spirit of mutual support and camaraderie. Running a Chapter of this size is a considerable undertaking, carried out entirely on a voluntary basis alongside a full-time job. One thing management has taught me is that no one succeeds alone, and I am fortunate to work hand in hand with Capucine Bernet (E00), Director of the London Hub, as well as with the ESSEC Alumni and Foundation teams. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our committee members, each of whom leads a club: Clément for Finance, Ranim for Tech & Entrepreneurship, Diane for Health & Wellbeing, Aurore for EWA Boost, Nicolas for Senior Executives, and Audrey for Arts & Culture. I should also mention all our other volunteers and recognise their invaluable contribution! This way of working reflects a conviction of mine: one of today's key challenges is to break down the silos between the School, the alumni network and the Foundation. If you look at an alumnus or alumna's journey—from pre-ESSEC, through their studies, to becoming an alumnus or alumna, and perhaps later a donor to the Foundation—it is all part of one continuous story. In my own way, I am trying to remove those barriers.

How well known is ESSEC in the United Kingdom?

Valérie Maure: The ESSEC brand is instantly recognised by the French community, but much less so among British professionals and the wider international audience. That is why we have chosen to be open: all of our events are open to graduates from other schools. In a city like London, people are not necessarily looking to meet fellow ESSEC alumni—they are looking to meet like-minded people. We therefore actively promote events organised by other schools, and we are regularly invited in return. It is also an excellent way of showcasing the quality of ESSEC: when graduates from HEC, ESCP or École Polytechnique praise our events, it enhances the reputation of our School.

What kinds of events does the Chapter organise?

It is important to remember that London is a vast city, with long commuting times. To encourage people to come out in the evening, events have to offer real added value. In practical terms, we organise one masterclass every quarter as part of an agreement with the School. Each session is hosted by Capucine Bernet. The latest one, focusing on AI, was extremely well attended. We also have several very active clubs. The Finance Club and the Health & Wellbeing Club, which was launched this year, each organise one event every quarter. We are also launching a Tech & Entrepreneurship Club, whose first event will take place in September and will focus on highly practical AI-related topics.

Alongside these events, we organise networking gatherings such as wine tastings and our Christmas Party, always featuring guest speakers. Last year, for example, we welcomed Oscar-winning British cinematographer Peter Biziou. Overall, we host around two events each month.

Our greatest challenge remains encouraging people to step away from their busy daily lives. Many have lived in London for years and already have well-established social circles, while the city itself offers an endless array of cultural and social opportunities. We therefore make every effort to hold our events in central London, ideally along people's route home from work. Ultimately, my role is one of coordination, motivation, encouragement and facilitation. We would love our more established London alumni to feel proud of their ESSEC roots and embrace this spirit of giving back, whether by occasionally opening the doors of their offices to us or sponsoring our activities. Consider the message delivered!

Do you live in the United Kingdom? Join the local community by updating your postal address and email address in the alumni directory and becoming a member of the UK Chapter. You will then receive local news and invitations to upcoming events.