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AESC Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Thomas Becker

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Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Russell Reynolds Managing Director / Senior Partner

LONDON, Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) honored Russell Reynolds Associates Managing Director/Senior Partner Thomas Becker with the AESC Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding career in executive search and leadership consulting.

“AESC members in the DACH region have illustrated the true value of AESC – collaborating for the good of the profession,” said AESC CEO Karen Greenbaum. “Thomas has been a central figure in the AESC DACH group, exemplifying the power of collaboration. His leadership in the German market and dedication to mentoring the next generation highlight his strength as a leader. With nearly 20 years of active involvement in AESC, Thomas’s commitment to our profession is evident. He is clearly deserving of this most prestigious AESC award.”

With over 25 years of experience in the executive search and leadership consulting profession, Thomas is considered by many an executive search icon in Germany’s Technology industry.

“Thomas has established an excellent reputation not only in Germany but worldwide for his first-class insights and delivery,” said Russell Reynolds Associates Managing Director Symon Elliott. “His unique leadership advisory capabilities have also made him a trusted advisor to the boards of some of the world’s largest corporations.”.”

Thomas began his career as a general technology consultant, later evolving to a leading expert in Private Equity-backed software hires. He was one of the first consultants able to position the value of sophisticated leadership advisory services to the fast-paced Private Equity world. Thomas’ career spans numerous high-profile hires for CEOs, CFOs, CTOs, CIOs, and CDOs across all subdomains in the tech industry, including digital transformation, professional services, telecommunications, and more.

“Thomas led Russell Reynolds Associates’ German office from 2007 to 2010. where he strengthened capabilities, restructured teams, and accelerated the firm’s growth and impact,” said Symon. “His talent for succession planning has benefitted not only his clients but the firm as well, creating a lasting legacy.”

Not only has Thomas had an exceptional career in the profession, but he has also acted as a supporter of the younger generation and an advocate for the profession at large.

Thomas is an active member of AESC, having been a member of the DACH Steering Committee since 2007. Thomas openly shares with fellow members and has always been a driving force in AESC’s engagement with members in the DACH region. His high set of standards of excellence and leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the voice of AESC and the profession within the DACH community. “Thomas has made significant contributions to the AESC, playing a central role in the DACH region,” explained Russell Reynolds Associates Country Manager, Germany, Matthias Scheiff. “His active engagement and valuable input over the years have been integral to the organization’s success.”

Thomas has worked on the Committee alongside fellow Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dieter Unterharnscheidt. AESC DACH Committee Chair and Heidrick & Struggles Partner Christine Stimpel explained that the two “have formed a formidable team which has not only advanced our cause in the region, but also has made the interaction within the AESC a pleasure. Both are committed, sincere, and never compromise on the highest standards”.

Matthias Scheiff said, “Thomas has had a profound impact in the profession over the years. His exceptional judgment, integrity, and dedication to developing both talent and trusted client relationships exemplify the very best of executive search. It’s fitting that he’s recognized for his outstanding contributions with this Lifetime Achievement Award.”

ABOUT THE AESC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Bestowed since 1982, the AESC Lifetime Achievement Award is the capstone award for the executive search and leadership consulting profession. It is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the profession.

AESC Lifetime Achievement Award winners have a long and distinguished career in executive search and/ or leadership consulting. As practitioners, they clearly rise above the rest and have outstanding reputations. They are considered icons in the profession and unquestionably meritorious of the recognition.

ABOUT AESC
Since 1959, AESC has set quality standards for the executive search and leadership consulting profession. AESC Members represent 16,000+ trusted professionals in 1,200+ offices, spanning 70+ countries. AESC Members are recognized experts providing consulting services in the areas of leaders, teams and culture to the world’s leading organizations. They leverage their access and expertise to place more than 100,000 executives each year in board of directors and C-level positions across industry sectors. Dedicated to strengthening leadership together, AESC and its members share a deep commitment to the highest quality standards in executive search and leadership consulting—for the benefit of clients and the profession. We Shape. Connect. Educate. Innovate. Learn more about us at aesc.org. For AESC’s career services, visit bluesteps.com. 

Media Contact

Martha Clement Rochford, AESC, + 1 (585) 789-0057, mrochford@aesc.org, aesc.org

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HONGQI EHS4 Set for Global Debut in Venice: Eastern Elegance Arrives in Europe

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VENICE, Italy, Nov. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HONGQI, one of China’s leading automotive marques, will introduce its all-new all-electric SUV, HONGQI EHS4, to the European market. Making its global debut in Venice, Italy, on 16 November 2026, the EHS4 marks another milestone in the brand’s international expansion.

68 Years of Heritage: A Distinctive Expression of Modern Luxury
Founded in 1958, HONGQI has spent 68 years building its automotive heritage through independent innovation, engineering excellence, and craftsmanship. Guided by a longstanding commitment to quality and safety, the brand continues to bring its distinctive heritage to a global audience.

With its Munich Advanced Design Centre, HONGQI combines global design perspectives with its rich Eastern heritage. Guided by a European Neoclassical Design Philosophy, the EHS4 brings together Eastern design influences and global aesthetics. Developed around European consumer needs, it represents HONGQI’s first model tailored specifically for Europe.

HONGQI EHS4: A New Choice for All-Electric Mobility
Bringing together Eastern and Western design aesthetics, HONGQI EHS4 balances distinctive styling, driving comfort and everyday practicality. Its Celadon Paint draws inspiration from the refined beauty of traditional Longquan celadon, while the Eyes of Infinite Allure lighting design creates a distinctive visual identity. Inside, the Crystal Control Knob adds an elegant touch to the cabin.

With a driving range of up to 470 kilometres and fast-charging capability of approximately 20 minutes, the EHS4 is designed for convenient everyday electric mobility. Its 87.4% space utilization makes intelligent use of interior space, enhancing passenger comfort and practicality.

Safety and quality remain central to its development. Equipped with seven airbags and intelligent driver-assistance technologies, the EHS4 draws on FAW’s more than 70 years of automotive manufacturing expertise to deliver advanced technology, refined driving quality, and dependable vehicle performance.

Venice: A New Chapter in Europe
On 16 November 2026, HONGQI EHS4 will make its global debut at the Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Misericordia in Venice. The event will bring together European dealers, media representatives, and industry guests to witness an important milestone in HONGQI’s European journey.

A distinctive expression of Eastern elegance, now coming to Europe.

SOURCE HONGQI

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EFICYENT to Join Banks and Fintech Companies at Singapore FinTech Festival 2026

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DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 14, 2026 /CNW/ — EFICYENT, a cross-border payment platform, is going to attend the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2026, which is going to be one of the world’s largest gatherings of the global financial and technology ecosystem.  It will take place between November 18 – 20, 2026, at Singapore. This event will converge policymakers, financial institutions, fintech companies, and investors to discuss the developments that are going to shape the future of fintech.

As financial institutions are desperately discovering new technologies, evolving payment infrastructure, and better ways to move money across borders, SFF 2026 is going to be an ideal platform for industry collaboration and knowledge exchange. The event will explore key forces transforming the financial system, including technology, geoeconomics, capital, talent, and policy, developing opportunities for businesses to engage with global industry leaders and explore emerging possibilities.

By participating in this event, EFICYENT is looking forward to connecting with other fintech companies, banks, financial institutions, and peer industry stakeholders to share their ideas, discover potential collaborations, and hold a conversation on the growing demand for efficient global payment infrastructure. Also, the company’s presence will provide an opportunity to demonstrate how its capabilities can assist businesses navigating increasingly interconnected financial markets.

Ahead of the participation, Aravinth Ramesh, CTO at EFICYENT, said:

“As financial services entered a chapter where businesses expect something beyond the ability to transfer money. They need payment platforms that offer speed, transparency, flexibility, and access to global markets. So I think events like SFF create a better opportunity to know in which direction the industry is moving, to share our perspectives with industry leaders, and explore partnerships that drive meaningful progress.”

Balasubramanyam K, CEO at EFICYENT, added:

“The future of fintech will be shaped by how effectively technology, financial institutions and payment networks work together. And this SFF event is going to remain an excellent opportunity to connect with industry leaders, better understand emerging requirements, and discover new approaches to making cross-border payments more accessible and efficient.”

About EFICYENT

EFICYENT is a global cross-border payments and financial infrastructure platform that concentrates on enabling seamless international money transfers.

They focus on simplifying international transactions and advancing digital finance. EFICYENT is committed to supporting a seamless and interconnected global payments ecosystem.

Media Contact: 
EFICYENT
Dubai, UAE
Website: https://eficyent.com/ 
Email: support@eficyent.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eficyent/

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SmallRig Joins Art World Figures to Discuss Creativity and Authenticity in the AI Era–and How Art and Technology Can Drive Innovation

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SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As generative AI changes how images are made, one question grows more urgent: what still belongs to the human behind the lens? On November 11, Shenzhen International Art Museum and SmallRig, the imaging-gear brand built for creators, took up that question together by hosting an international exchange on how art and technology ecosystems are being reshaped in the AI era.

The conversation brought together leaders of Chinese art museums, Anett Holzheid, senior curator at Germany’s ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, artists and SmallRig co-founder Gao Haiyan.

Zhang Zikang, director of Shenzhen International Art Museum and professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, said art and technology are a key direction for the museum, rooted in Shenzhen’s tech environment. Wang Shaoqiang, director of the Guangdong Museum of Art, described using AI to produce short films about classic works, which cut cost and production time, yet stressed that art must return to personal growth, understanding of the world and the expression of Eastern aesthetics. Holzheid views exhibitions as shared ground for artists, audiences and curators, and sees AI widening perception and enabling collaboration across disciplines.

Zadok Ben-David used AI to explore bird forms for an installation, repeatedly refined the images and selected some for the work, determined that it retain an artist’s character, emotion and humanity. A photographer set an AI-generated lightning strike against a desert he had photographed himself, gaining new ideas but noting that generated imagery tends toward sameness, while real presence at a scene cannot be substituted. Spatial artist Feng Yu championed honesty of material, where imperfection and unplanned outcomes can carry sincerity.

Speaking for SmallRig, Gao noted that technology has opened imaging to everyone, but “AI cannot replace real-life experiences or the act of capturing them.” AI can be an efficient, enabling creative tool, he said, but it cannot meet the human need for real images.

In SmallRig’s view, technology helps more people express what is real, while art and creator’s real needs give innovation its direction. The company will therefore move closer to creative scenes and the creators themselves, developing solutions faster for people who make real images.

After the forum, guests visited SmallRig’s headquarters to unveil Ode to the Orchid, an installation co-created with Feng Yu and the first of his works placed in a corporate workplace. Instead of sponsoring an exhibition or releasing a co-branded product, SmallRig placed art in everyday spaces, so people meet it in passing rather than behind museum walls.

Gao said companies often move from manufacturing to technology, while SmallRig also wants to merge with art and creativity. The space is only the surface. The real aim is an open, diverse, inclusive and creative culture, and a lasting bond with creators built on shared taste. SmallRig will keep working with artists, exploring art IP and cultural products, and linking products, content and services into one ecosystem. More activities to support creators are also on the way, bringing the meeting of technology and art into everyday creative practice. Real images remain where SmallRig starts, and where it hopes to innovate alongside creators.

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