14 communication managers were graduated in Lugano

The diplomas were presented by Professor Jean-Patrick Villeneuve, Vice Dean of USI Università della Svizzera italiana, and the academic director of the EMScom program, Professor Francesco Lurati.

The program prepares experienced communications professionals to develop new perspectives in the management of stakeholders, reputation and corporate identity at a strategic level. In addition, graduates should be able to contribute to the strategic positioning of their organization. An essential part of this training is the practical, real consulting projects. In consulting mandates for companies or institutions, the program participants put what they have learned from theory into practice on a one-to-one basis.

Presentation of the Burson-Marsteller Award for Consulting Excellence

The best consulting project was recognized with the Burson-Marsteller Award for Consulting Excellence. Matthias Graf, CEO of Burson-Marsteller Switzerland, presented the award to Sofio Balavadze (Georgia), Milisa Kentane (South Africa), Jan Daniel Mühlethaler (Switzerland), Martin Radtke (Switzerland), Almut Elisabeth Schäfer (Switzerland), Barbara Stoeri (Switzerland) and Florian Zingg (Switzerland).

The issue management framework developed by the project group enables the client Swissgrid to conduct structured and cross-departmental discussions on company-relevant topics (issues); the framework designed for and with Swissgrid thus creates the conditions for improved internal coordination. The framework, which can be easily integrated into Swissgrid's existing process landscape, uses various tools to systematically consolidate and exchange information and proactively manage the most important issues. This results in an internal collaboration culture between the different business units, as envisioned by the client. The Issue Management Framework directly supports the strategy process; it helps to see the big picture and reveals not only risks but also opportunities for the national grid company.

List of diploma students:

• Sofio Balavadze, Georgian, Public Relations Director, JSC Bank of Georgia, Georgia
• Divine Bonga, Swiss, PR Manager, Montblanc Suisse, Richemont Group, Switzerland
• Miriam Crespo Rodrigo, Swiss/Spanish, Director of Corporate Communications, Fricktal Health Center, Switzerland
• Milisa Kentane, South African, Head Corporate Affairs and Communication, Sentech, South Africa
• Grace Achire Labong, Ugandan, Chief Executive Officer, Vantage Communication Group, Uganda
• Jan Daniel Mühlethaler, Swiss, Head of Corporate Communications, Suva, Switzerland
• Simone Nilson, Swiss, Head Executive Events & Hospitality, UBS Switzerland, Switzerland
• Adepo Emmanuel Okaalet, Ugandan, Head of Communications, Imalami Communications, Kenya
• Martin Radtke, Swiss, Owner, Radtke Communication, Switzerland
• Almut Elisabeth Schäfer, German, Chief Procurement Officer Axa Switzerland, Axa Versicherungen, Switzerland
• Sandra Schär Bellwald, Swiss, Group Marketing Director, USM U. Schaerer Soehne, Switzerland
• Barbara Stoeri, Swiss, Media Spokesperson, Swiss Life Ltd, Switzerland
• Balz M. Villiger, Swiss, Vice President Marketing & Communication, Ruag Defence, Switzerland
• Florian Zingg, Swiss, Head of Group External Communications, Swiss Life, Switzerland