World Class Manager Award 2025 celebrates global leaders and international education talents

The evening of November 7 marked another edition of the World Class Manager Award (WCMA), a gala event hosted by IBS Americas to recognize executives, faculty members, and students who stood out for their international engagement, leadership vision, and contributions to global education.

Held at Club Homs, in São Paulo, the event brought together business leaders, representatives of partner universities, professors, and students from various countries — including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Poland, Turkey, and Brazil — for a night dedicated to celebrating excellence and global cooperation.

A night of inspiration and recognition

The ceremony was hosted by Letícia Vidica, journalist, TV presenter, and IBS Americas alumna, who served as master of ceremonies for the evening. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the transformative power of international education and the importance of recognizing people and institutions making a difference on a global scale.

During the ceremony, Prof. Ricardo Britto, Dean of IBS Americas, delivered an emotional speech about the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of leaders, emphasizing the importance of diversity and cooperation for a fairer and more sustainable future.

“Each face in this room represents hope for a better tomorrow. Even in a world full of challenges, I deeply believe in the new generation’s ability to rebuild bridges, embrace differences, and lead with purpose,” said Prof. Britto.

The winners of the World Class Manager Award 2025

Three professionals were honored with the World Class Manager Award 2025 trophy, an award granted since 2013 to leaders who promote business internationalization and advance global education:

• Prof. Dr. Rodrigo Fernando Gallo - Coordinator of International Relations at Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia (Academic Category).
• Renata Guimarães Figueiredo - Global Operations People Director at AB InBev (Executive Category).
• Marco Vinholi - Superintendent at Sebrae-SP (Executive Category), represented at the event by João Guariba.

This recognition reinforces IBS Americas’ commitment to honoring professionals whose careers inspire and prepare new generations of global leaders.

Outstanding Students: the brilliance of a new generation

One of the evening’s most inspiring moments was the presentation of the Academic Award certificates, granted to Outstanding Students — participants who excelled in academic performance and engagement during international programs offered in partnership with universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and Brazil.

The award ceremony was led by Professors Daniel Pitelli and Aldo Brunhara, who celebrated the dedication and effort of students from University of La Verne (California), California State University Northridge, State University of New York (Albany and New Paltz), Florida Atlantic University, CUOA Business School, and Bayswater College London.

“Here are the best of the best, those who truly left a lasting mark on our programs and faculty around the world,” said Prof. Daniel Pitelli.

Art, solidarity, and purpose

To close the evening, the Arte na Lata group moved the audience with a vibrant performance. Founded in 2004, the project promotes social inclusion, sustainability, and music education using instruments made from recycled materials.

During the event, Prof. Aldo Brunhara announced that Arte na Lata was the institution selected to receive the evening’s donations, reaffirming IBS Americas’ commitment to initiatives that unite education, solidarity, and social transformation.

The World Class Manager Award 2025 reaffirmed the core mission of IBS Americas: to foster integration among people, cultures, and ideas through international education.

More than a recognition ceremony, the event symbolized the institution’s belief that knowledge is the most powerful tool for global cooperation and social transformation.

By bringing together leaders, professors, and students from different countries, IBS Americas once again demonstrated that shaping professionals with a global mindset and a strong sense of purpose is the key to building a future grounded in values, diversity, and positive impact.