Odgers Prize

The Odgers Prize is awarded annually to the Cranfield MBA student on the Full Time Programme judged to show the most potential for a highly successful career in management.

The prize was established in 1987 by an alumnus, Ian Odgers, an enthusiastic supporter of Cranfield.

We met Ian at Cranfield when he delivered a presentation on ‘Leadership at the Top: What Head Hunters are Looking for in Senior Candidates’.

Some of the qualities, as identified by Ian, needed to succeed as:

· The vision of the Chief Executive;

· The ability to identify what is important and unimportant in business situations;

· The ability to see and successfully implement which is practically possible;

· The possession of commercial "nous";

· The ability to get ideas across;

· Leadership skills:

· Motivation skills;

· An understanding and ability to win at politics in the business world;

· A determination or toughness/grit - in both the smooth times and when the chips are down!

· The will to succeed.

Every year nominations are taken from students and faculty. The nominations are considered and a shortlist is drawn up for an interview by a panel of Faculty members and representatives of Odgers Ray & Berndtson.

This year following 5 nominees were selected for interviews:

Mark Hall

Nicholas Green

Per Nielsen

Thomas Hayton

Vineet Khanna

I was glad that I was able to make it to the top 5. Finally, Tom was chosen for this prize. I know Tom very well as he was in my learning team in the second term. He is a brilliant chap and truly deserved the prize.

For me, another experience and another close call (remember AT Kearney consultancy competition!!!!)