2024 top business scholars honoured
AUT Business School has honoured the recipients of the 2024 Top Scholar Awards and inducted 131 graduates into the Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) honours society.
The AUT Business School Top Scholar Awards recognise graduates who excel academically, demonstrating specialist knowledge, skills, and a broad understanding of business theory and practice to succeed in today’s fast-changing world.
BGS is an international honours society which recognises academic excellence in top business students worldwide. With over 600 chapters in 190+ countries, BGS is the largest network of business alumni globally, with approximately 1,500 members in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Hosted by Pro Vice-Chancellor and Faculty Dean, Professor Kate Kearins, the ceremony brought together top-performing graduates, their families, academic staff, and special guests.
BGS New Zealand President Alex Waddell shared his enthusiasm about the significant membership growth in recent years and spoke about the chapter’s vision to create a community of exceptional business graduates who aim to make a global impact.
This year’s BGS Honorary Award was presented to Llori Valenzuela. With over 20 years’ global experience in strategy, e-commerce, product management, and business transformation, Llori is the Director of Equipment and E-Commerce at Les Mills International.
Throughout her career, Llori has led large-scale initiatives across international markets, shaping digital and commercial strategies with measurable impact. She also serves on the Advisory Board of AUT Business School.
Llori said she was honoured to be inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma.
“I am deeply grateful to stand alongside such inspiring individuals and to celebrate the spirit of leadership and excellence that this community represents.”
Audience members also heard from AUT Business School alumnus Kiran Chandradevan who discussed how to maximise your connections to make your mark in the professional world.
Congratulations to our scholars and inductees. We can’t wait to see the impact you will make and follow your success!