2017 news britishcouncilalumniawards 883x432 1

British Council alumni awards

28 February 2017

The article at a glance

Dr Neri Karra, an alumna who holds a PhD in Management Studies from Cambridge Judge, wins the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award at the …

Dr Neri Karra, an alumna who holds a PhD in Management Studies from Cambridge Judge, wins the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award at the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards 2017 in Turkey.

Dr Neri Karra, who earned a PhD in Management Studies at Cambridge Judge Business School (2002-2005), was named a winner of the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards 2017 in Turkey. The awards ceremony took place on 24 February at British Consulate General in Istanbul.

© Utku Tonguç Topal,
Düşten İşler Photography

Neri Karra, seen on the right collecting the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, founded her own luxury leather goods business from scratch in 2000. The company now has manufacturing operations in Turkey and Bulgaria, and a supply network in Italy. Leather goods produced by the firm are sold in 14 countries and 27 standalone Neri Karra boutiques.

In addition to her entrepreneurial role, Neri also teaches at IESEG School of Management based in Paris and Lille, and is completing her third book on the fashion business.

Three other alumni from Cambridge Judge Business School were also named as finalists in the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards this year.

Can Turkseven, Cambridge MBA alumnus (MBA 2011), was on the finalists’ list for the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award in Turkey. Can co-founded the Cultrex application, which uses mobile technology such as video, professional narration and a 3D model to enhance cultural experiences such as museums and galleries.

Mithun Srivastav, Cambridge MBA alumnus (MBA 2011), is a finalist for the Entrepreneurial Award in India, which will be announced in March. Mithun is CEO and co-founder of Blowhorn, an intra-city logistics company in India.

Terence Yeo, Cambridge MBA alumnus (MBA 2011), is a finalist for the Professional Achievement Award in the US, which will be announced soon. Terence is founder and CEO of US-based Fusion Optix, specialising in LED lighting and optical technology. The company focuses on solutions that improve efficiency in the use, generation or conversion of light and optical energy.

The British Council Study UK Alumni Awards aim to demonstrate the impact that a UK education can have upon individuals in various countries, as well as to inspire others to reach their potential by studying in the UK. Award ceremonies are being held this year in 14 locations: Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey and the US.