We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Cranfield School of Management Alumni Awards.
The School of Management Alumni Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the School's alumni and highlight the variety of ways they are making a transformative impact on their organisations, industries and communities, globally. Each year the winners serve as role models to other alumni, students, and potential students: from internationally respected leaders and entrepreneurs driving innovation, to those who go above and beyond to embody the Cranfield Community spirit and keep our alumni network connected.
The annual awards recognise and honour alumni in four categories: Distinguished Alumni Award, Entrepreneur Alumni Award, Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Graduates, and the Alumni Service Award.
Meet the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner
Professor Joe Nellis CBE (PhD in Leadership and Management 1990)
Professor of Global Economy and Deputy Dean of Cranfield School of Management
"Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award is a tremendous honour and one of the highlights of my career. I feel so fortunate to have spent over 40 years doing a job I love in a place that truly feels like home."
Since joining Cranfield in 1984, Joe has taught every MBA cohort, leaving an indelible mark on thousands of students. As a Professor of Global Economy since 1993, he established Cranfield’s Economics Group, which achieved global recognition, including a No. 1 ranking by the Financial Times for MBA economics teaching. His groundbreaking research led to the creation of the Halifax and Nationwide House Price Indices, shaping UK economic analysis.
Joe has held numerous senior roles, including Director of Graduate Programmes, Academic Dean, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, contributing significantly to the School’s development. His dedication was recognised in 2023 when he was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to higher education, economics, business, and charity.
Beyond academia, Joe’s philanthropic efforts reflect his values of global impact and community. From teaching in Ghana as a Voluntary Service Overseas volunteer to building a modern school on the banks of the Volta River, his deep connection to the country he calls his "second home" underscores his commitment to education and development.
An inspiring leader, tireless educator, and dedicated philanthropist, Joe embodies the values of excellence, innovation, and service that define Cranfield University. His legacy is one of profound impact on students, the School, and society.
Meet the 2025 Entrepreneur Alumni Award Winner
Dr Johnny Wake (Business Growth Programme 2019)
Managing Partner at Courteenhall Farms
"Winning the Entrepreneur Alumni Award means two things to me. Firstly, it's recognition for the incredible team I work with – they’re truly amazing and make anything feel possible. Secondly, it helps counter the imposter syndrome I often feel as someone from a non-business background. That feeling has driven me to constantly prove myself, so I wouldn’t want to lose it entirely, but receiving this endorsement, especially from an institution I admire so much, is truly meaningful."
Under Johnny’s stewardship, Courteenhall Farms has doubled in size to over 4,000 acres and achieving a 30% increase in crop yields through the adoption of precision farming, advanced irrigation systems, and renewable energy technologies.
Named Sustainable Farmer of the Year at the British Farming Awards 2024, Johnny’s achievements highlight his commitment to balancing productivity with environmental responsibility. His forward-thinking approach sets new standards for the industry, demonstrating how cutting-edge practices can drive both business success and sustainability.
Johnny has fostered a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture, investing in employee training and creating opportunities for professional growth. His leadership inspires innovation across all aspects of the business, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptability in a dynamic sector.
He has led the charge on industry collaboration, founding the Tove Valley Cluster Farm, Chairing the Central England region of Environmental Farmers Group and sitting on the committee of Wildlife Farms and Estates England, as well as previously sitting on the board of large farmer crop storage cooperative Camgrain. He has also recently been appointed as a Trustee of Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF), a charity that promotes and supports more sustainable farming, and he acts as advisor to the board of The Ethical Butcher.
Beyond farming, Johnny actively engages with the community. As a Deputy Lieutenant for Northamptonshire, Chair of the Board of Trustees at New Leaf Learning and Patron of HomeStart Daventry & South Northants, Johnny supports regional development, education and environmental initiatives. He also gives back to the Cranfield School of Management as an occasional speaker and participant in key events.
Johnny’s work not only advances the agricultural industry but also demonstrates the transformative power of entrepreneurial vision and ethical business practices.
Meet the 2025 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Graduates Winner
Fadi Bou Debs (MBA 2020)
Co-Founder at Evolve Online Ltd.
"Winning this award is an incredible honour. It’s a recognition of the collaborative effort that has gone into my work across various projects, from developing tech solutions to contributing to the public sector. It’s a reminder of the incredible people I’ve had the chance to work with and learn from along the way. This award is a reflection of the shared commitment to making a positive impact and finding creative solutions to complex challenges. I’m truly grateful for the support I’ve received, and it motivates me to continue striving for more meaningful contributions in the future."
Fadi spearheaded the development of Lebanon’s first fully digital and encrypted public service platform. This groundbreaking initiative transformed how citizens accessed essential government services, tackling misuse and inefficiencies while providing equal and fair access during a time of unprecedented national crisis.
Within its first month, the platform handled over 50 million page visits and generated 400,000 passport appointments, while protecting sensitive data from more than 100 million firewall security threats. Fadi’s exceptional leadership encompassed the entire project lifecycle — from conceptualisation and development to rigorous testing and implementation — ensuring that the system was secure, scalable, and user-friendly. His work not only restored trust in public services but also brought calm and efficiency to a chaotic environment.
Fadi’s impact extends beyond technical innovation. His efforts have fundamentally redefined the relationship between Lebanon’s government and its citizens, with the platform empowering millions by replacing long queues and opaque processes with transparent and efficient digital services, setting a new benchmark for government operations in the region. In addition, Fadi’s achievements are gaining international recognition as he is a global finalist in the Study UK Alumni Business and Innovation Awards by the British Council.
Fadi is a trailblazer, exemplifying resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to driving positive societal change.
Meet the 2025 Alumni Service Award Winner
Sarah Tibble (MBA 1995)
"Having the work that Year Reps do recognised in such a high-profile way through the Alumni Service Award is fantastic. I feel truly honoured to have been selected for this recognition."
Sarah’s contributions span many years, during which she has demonstrated unwavering dedication as the Year Representative for her cohort, playing a pivotal role in fostering connections and representing her peers.
She has actively contributed to the development of the Year Representative programme by attending meetings, sharing feedback, and ensuring her cohort's voice is heard within the School. Her efforts to maintain strong alumni bonds include organising reunion activities — both through School-led events and independently.
Since 2021, Sarah has expanded her support by participating in the Career Mentoring programme, offering invaluable guidance to students and alumni. Her active mentorship has made a tangible impact, such as helping a mentee secure a new role and providing them with connections within the broader community. Sarah’s commitment to mentoring reflects her desire to give back through her wealth of experience and extensive network, which is even more accessible since her retirement.
Sarah has demonstrated remarkable efforts in fostering alumni relations and supporting the next generation of leaders and is a shining example of how alumni can remain engaged and evolve their contributions over time.
