Global Alumni Stories: Navigating international career success

Join us for a discussion with two UEBS alumni who have built successful international careers. Ian Walker (MBA 1991) is former global leader with Johnson & Johnson; and Grace Kermani (MSc International Business and Emerging Markets 2006) is currently Chief of Staff & Operating Partner at Nscale.

Ian and Grace will share what has motivated them, how they have navigated cultural differences and the achievements that have defined their journeys so far.

The conversation will take place via Microsoft Teams Webinar, and there will be time for audience questions.

Ian Walker (MBA 1991)

Ian Walker has over 30 years’ experience in the global MedTech and life science industries, most recently as Global Lead Partnerships and External Affairs for Global Surgery in Johnson & Johnson’s Global Health Equity team, and Chair of the statutory Board of Directors of Johnson & Johnson Medical UK.

Ian has significant expertise in exporting to markets in the Middle East, North and Sub-Saharan Africa as Managing Director of the Johnson & Johnson UK and French export teams and led them to the Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2014. He has also worked with the Johnson & Johnson Foundation, and helped create their Social and Community Impact strategy. Ian is currently a member of the Business School’s International Advisory Board.

Grace Kermani (MSc International Business and Emerging Markets 2006)

Grace Kermani is an international executive with over 22 years of global leadership across Silicon Valley, London, Boston and Asia. Across her career, Grace has partnered with CEO’s, boards, and executive teams at moments of major enterprise inflection – driving transformation, leading end-to-end M&A integration, and scaling complex international operations.

Her track record spans market leaders including Google, Meta, Intuit, BT and Lloyds Banking Group, with deep experience navigating cross-cultural dynamics across the US, UK, and APAC regions. She is currently Chief of Staff and Operating Partner to the Chief Digital & Information Officer at Nscale.