Meet Greg Schlimm: Executive Chair for the North America Global Alumni Network

Meet Greg Schlimm: Executive Chair for the North America Global Alumni Network: Washington DC

Greg brings a wealth of experience from the tech and M&A sectors, a passion for global engagement, and a strong commitment to building connections among Warwick Business School alumni across the region. His leadership in the DC area is helping to shape a vibrant and growing alumni community.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?”

“I am based in Washington DC, where I’ve lived for a long time with my wife. Professionally, I’ve worked for a number of small and large technology companies over the years. I started doing programming early in my career, which grew into managing technical teams and eventually into more general management work. I led a global business unit at a large technology firm for a few years, and most recently was CEO at a growing technology analytics company based in England. During my time at the helm, we grew 25x – and eventually exited via a sale to a public company.  

“Most recently, I’ve pivoted to the M&A world. I recently completed my doctorate at WBS studying how large companies create value (or not) when acquiring technology. I now spend most of my time working with the Transaction Advisors Institute, which helps large acquirers improve M&A performance, and I also do some sell-side M&A advisory work at Bravery Group.”

Can you tell us about the alumni network in North America?

“We’re really just getting going – but one of the initial priorities is connecting alumni and making the network visible. There are over 1,900 alumni in North America – and they are doing all kinds of interesting things. We’re hoping to connect, support sharing, and we’ll see where things go.”

What have been some highlights?

“It was really fun helping organise a few dinners for WBS alumni in the Washington DC area. We found more than 100 alumni in the DC area and now, in concert with the WBS alumni team, are putting structure in how we engage with each other.  Also, at the UK trivia pub quiz night sponsored by the DC UUU (UK University Union) Warwick/WBS came in third of a dozen teams.  I fear I was the weak link on the team, but hey – the team did well!”

What advice would you give to alumni looking to get more involved with the network?

“In my experience, WBS alumni are a smart, nice, interesting bunch – and engaging with a group of people with those traits is fun, stimulating, and helpful.  Engage!

What are some of your proudest achievements?

“I am particularly proud of the fact that I’ve stayed curious about the world!  From an exchange programme to Northern Ireland when I was 16 to visiting more than 60 countries over the years, I really enjoy engaging with people from all places and learning about their lives and their perspectives. In just the past few years with my wife, I have visited Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Bergen, Norway, and we have a trip planned to the Galapagos this year.

“Professionally, it’s the growth we achieved with Themis Analytics – and how I was instrumental in growing a small technology firm into an organisation of interest to one of the largest public companies in the health care space. While all growth stories have good and challenging times, it was a great experience to build the team, grow the customer base, and eventually lead the sales process to exit.

“Academically, I was awarded the “Best Thesis” at the DBA conference for my research project. I had fun writing it – and I was pleased the academic leadership saw value in it.  If you have any interest in M&A or just doctoral projects – you can take a look here.”

Are there any specific skills or knowledge you gained from your time at WBS that have been particularly valuable?

“As I was a doctoral student at WBS, the skills most helpful to me have been about executing applied research and how that research can be used by practitioners to improve commercial performance. I love the ongoing connection between practitioners and improving commercial performance that is continually stressed in the DBA programme.

“My time and doctoral research at WBS allowed me to completely pivot my career to what I’m doing now – which I love. I used my earlier experiences, added some serious academic credentials to my resume, built a new network of professional contacts, and now have successfully repositioned myself.”

What are some of your most memorable experiences or highlights from your time at WBS?

“Certainly taking classes in The Shard was pretty cool – and Borough Market at lunch is the coolest “food court” in the world!  That’s extremely memorable. Academically it was learning about dynamic resources as a student, seeing the connection to my field of study (M&A), and then building on both with my research. That was very satisfying.

What advice would you give to current students?

“Engage and talk to people.  Informal connections often lead to the most unexpected places – and if you’re not out there engaging, you’re missing opportunities.”

Join the North America Alumni LinkedIn group.