A gathering of the International Advisory Board offered an opportunity to discuss the challenges ahead for SDA Bocconi. Bill Mayer and KC Sullivan join the Board.

The School’s strategy provided the starting point for the annual meeting of SDA Bocconi’s International Advisory Board, held in Milan on October 15–16, 2026, to explore its future and its capacity to create value through research and education. Members shared their perspectives on geopolitical, social, and technological change and the outlook for management education. Discussions with the School’s Management Committee brought its strategic goals into conversation with insights drawn from a range of industries and countries, identifying new opportunities for international growth.

The meeting also marked the arrival of two new members: Bill Mayer, Chairman Emeritus of the Aspen Institute and Senior Partner at Park Avenue Equity Partners, and KC Sullivan, President of CNBC. Their distinguished careers in finance and international business news further broaden the expertise represented on the Advisory Board.

“SDA Bocconi’s growth draws strength from dialogue with people who see the world from perspectives very different from our own. The International Advisory Board brings experience and insights that help us anticipate change and create new opportunities for our participants and for businesses,” said Stefano Caselli, Dean of SDA Bocconi. “At this meeting, we shared the priorities of our strategic plan and enriched them through the perspectives of members from outside the organization. Their contribution is essential to broadening our international outlook and strengthening the School’s ability to generate impact through research and education. Supporting business growth, improving productivity, and driving innovation were the central themes of this year’s meeting.”

The Advisory Board brings together distinguished international leaders from business and academia, whose European and global perspectives contribute to the School’s development. Alongside representatives of Bocconi University, its members are:

Ornella Barra, Chief Executive Officer, The Boots Group
Riccardo Braglia, Executive Chairman, Helsinn SA
Laura Cioli, Member of the Board of Directors, Swisscom
Marie-Christine Coisne, Chairman, Sonepar Group
Andrea Cuomo, Chairman, IWPrivate Investment, and Founder, KnowCE
Mohamed Mansour, Chairman, Mansour Group
Bill Mayer, Chairman Emeritus, Aspen Institute, and Senior Partner, Park Avenue Equity Partners
Benedetta Petruzzo, CEO, ALO
Éloïc Peyrache, General Director and Dean, HEC Paris
Andrea Pignataro, Founder and CEO, ION Group
Bram Schot, Independent Non-Executive Director, Royal Dutch Shell
Davide Serra, Founder and CEO, Algebris Investments
KC Sullivan, President, CNBC
Tamika Tremaglio, Managing Partner, TA Sports Ventures
Peter Tufano, Harvard Business School and former Dean, Oxford Saïd
 

SDA Bocconi School of Management