For the fourth year in a row, Stockholm School of Economics has given out the Alumni of the Year Award and, for the first time ever, the Young Alumni of the Year Award. In 2021, the Alumni of the Year Award is presented to Åsa Riisberg, Investor and Board Member, and the Young Alumni of the Year Award is presented to Marina Dirks, Director - Global Sustainability at Tiffany & Co.
ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARD 2021
Åsa Riisberg, Investor and Board Member
Åsa Riisberg earned her MSc in Financial Economics and Business Administration from Stockholm School of Economics in 1997. Åsa has over 20 years of experience from international Private Equity investing with a passion for building and developing companies. She spent 20 years with EQT, where she became the first female partner and was part of the Extended Executive leadership team. With over 20 Board of Director roles across industries and countries, Åsa has extensive international board, governance and committee experience. She has been highlighted at the Women in Private Equity Awards, as well as appointed one of Sweden's change leaders by 4potentials.
Åsa is a shining example and role model to many within the SSE network. Her vast experience as an investor and board member, spanning a multitude of countries and industries, is truly remarkable. Her leadership and longevity in the investment industry is a clear result of her passion for and knowledge of building and developing companies. Åsa is a committed SSE alum and has participated as a speaker at several panel debates and events, always offering important insights and valuable expertise. We are grateful for Åsa’s ongoing support and proud that she is part of the SSE family.
Lars Strannegård
President of Stockholm School of Economics
YOUNG ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARD 2021
Marina Dirks, Director - Global Sustainability, Tiffany & Co
Marina Dirks earned her MSc in Business and Economics at the Stockholm School of Economics in 2012. As the Director of Global Sustainability at Tiffany & Co. since 2018, Marina drives the development and implementation of the company’s sustainability strategy. Marina’s interest in sustainability was apparent even during her studies at SSE. In 2010, she won the SSE Corporate Social Responsibility Award for her solution on how companies in the consumer goods sector can meet challenges around sustainable development and how they can create profitability, as well as value for people and the environment.
Marina’s work significantly contributes to creating a more sustainable and inclusive environment in her field and she serves as an inspiration for future alumni and alumni alike. Marina is a clear example of a FREE leader. In her work, she seeks improvement for society and the world at large and to create change in a responsible manner. We are proud and honoured that Marina is part of the SSE family and look forward to following her on her ongoing career path.
Lars Strannegård
President of Stockholm School of Economics
The Alumni of The Year Award is an honor bestowed on graduates of the Stockholm School of Economics for their professional achievements, contributions to society and support to the school. The Young Alumni of the Year Award is bestowed on graduates of the Stockholm School of Economics who graduated around 10 years ago or less for their significant contributions to their field and for setting an inspirational example for future alumni.
