Alex Hitchens

London Business School

“China expert, AI strategist, and school Governor, trying to bring Chinese and Western businesses together.”

Hometown: Reading, UK

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m British and fluent in Mandarin Chinese, something that often surprises people! What began as a casual curiosity at the age of 11 grew into a lifelong interest. I studied China and Chinese languages at university and in Beijing, where I developed a lasting appreciation for the country’s history, culture, philosophy, and landscapes.

Undergraduate School and Major: SOAS University of London; Chinese Studies

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: TransPerfect; Business Intelligence Analyst

What makes London such a great place to earn an MBA degree? On a professional level, London is a global capital in every sense. Business, finance, tech, start-ups, media, luxury retail, think tanks, and NGOs all converge here, alongside some of the best universities and research institutes in the world. You’re not learning within a bubble. Instead, you’re immersed in a vibrant metropolis where innovation and problem-solving are happening all around you. That exposure challenges your thinking and expands your network in ways few other cities can.

On a personal level, London is my home! My family, friends, and network are here, and LBS offers a rare chance to expand that circle quickly. London is a diverse and multicultural place where you’re constantly exposed to new ideas and experiences, from languages and cuisines to music to museums. There are always new things to explore. No matter where your interests lie, there’s something for everyone. London is not just a great place to study, but a fantastic place to live and grow.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of London Business School’s MBA curriculum and programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? It’s hard to single out just one reason I chose LBS because, truthfully, there were many: the school’s global reputation, the breadth and depth of electives (particularly in strategy and finance), the calibre of its faculty, experiential learning opportunities such as LBS’s LondonCAP module and its Global Experience courses, exchange terms, its fantastic careers centre and alumni network… the list goes on!

If I had to pinpoint a defining moment, however, it would be my LBS interview. While I’d heard how intense these interviews can be (sometimes lasting up to three hours) and was prepared for that, what I didn’t expect was how thoughtful, personal, and engaging the experience would be. My interviewer, an LBS alum, went out of their way to ensure I could truly put my best foot forward. Their questions were insightful and tailored; they made me reflect more deeply on my professional path, about why I was there and where I’m heading. It honestly didn’t feel like a test; it felt like a conversation grounded in genuine curiosity and care, one that valued my past experiences while encouraging me to envision how I could contribute meaningfully to the classroom and beyond.

That experience made everything ‘click’. The thoughtfulness and intentionality of the process, combined with the warmth and generosity of the students and alumni I’d spoken with, revealed a community built on respect, where every perspective is valued and there’s a deep commitment to helping others. I knew then, without any doubt, that LBS was the right place for me.

London Business School is one of the most culturally and professionally diverse MBA programs in the world. What will make you unique in this class and how will it enrich the experience of your classmates? What I enjoy most is working with people from different countries, cultures, and worldviews to help them understand and learn from one another, particularly in the context of problem-solving in strategy, technology, and digital transformation. My lifelong focus, and what I believe is my unique value proposition, lies in the relationships between China and Western countries, trying to strengthen the multilateral exchange of knowledge, improve cooperation, and connect these distinct business worlds. At a time of rising global tensions and fragmentation, I strive to be someone who can bridge those gaps, building trust and curiosity, even in the face of scepticism or resistance.

I also bring an unconventional professional journey shaped by a range of distinct experiences. I began as a linguist and academic, publishing research on China, political philosophy, and epistemology. I then transitioned into strategy and business analysis at a global technology consulting firm, while also serving as a Governor of a leading UK secondary school. These experiences have trained me to think across disciplines and industries, draw insights from unexpected sources, and approach problems from different perspectives. I hope this ability to integrate various viewpoints will contribute to richer discussions and more creative collaboration.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at London Business School? Among the plethora of experiential learning opportunities, the one I’m most excited about is LondonCAP (London Core Application Practicum). Unique to LBS, this 10-week consulting programme places MBA students on real-world strategy projects for major organisations. It’s an incredible chance to apply core MBA training to solve complex business challenges while working directly with high-level clients across different sectors, with past clients including Google, McLaren F1, Mastercard, Mulberry, and the BBC. For someone passionate about solving strategic problems through collaboration, this kind of hands-on, immersive learning is exactly why I chose LBS.

I’m also excited to be serving as a Senior Vice President of the LBS Data & AI Association, especially as the school has a new Data Science & AI Initiative. We’ve already lined up a series of events, panels, and treks for the upcoming year, featuring leaders from some of the world’s most influential data and AI firms (and there is much more to come). AI is rapidly reshaping global business, so contributing to this dialogue at one of the world’s leading business schools, at such a pivotal time, feels both meaningful and energising.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

Rather than highlighting a single event, what I’m most proud of is my transformation over the past seven years, not just as a thinker and leader, but as a person. I have engaged in a range of roles spanning academia, business analysis, technology consulting, and education. Having studied and worked in various countries, I’ve learned to think more critically, communicate more effectively, and approach strategy in a more structured and analytical way. My experiences have helped me to trust my judgement, contribute with greater confidence, and recognise the value my perspective brings to shaping outcomes.

More recently, I was honoured to receive a major LBS scholarship and be appointed Senior VP (Academic & Learning) of the Data & AI Association, one of the school’s largest student-led clubs. Serving on a senior executive committee in your first year at LBS is a rare opportunity, made even more exciting by LBS’s new Data Science & AI Initiative.

Tell us your favorite memory: One of my favourite memories comes from a road trip through Namibia, where my wife and I spent a week exploring its savanna woodlands. Local guides had warned us not to get our hopes up: we were in black rhino territory, but sightings are exceptionally rare given how critically endangered, solitary, and elusive they are. Then, early one morning, we were woken by noise just outside our hut. We stepped out and, to our amazement, saw not one, but six black rhinos together, including a calf. That moment will stay with me for a long time.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into London Business School’s MBA program? Start with the three most important questions: Why you? Why now? Why LBS? Take the time to reflect and answer them with honesty, clarity, and depth. A well-crafted narrative, rooted in your unique experiences and goals, will not only strengthen your essays but also guide your interview preparation and help you stand out.

It’s easy to get caught up in GMAT/GRE scores, academic grades, and CV bullet points, but don’t overlook the power of your “why”. Invest as much time as you can in refining your narrative, articulating what drives you, what you’re hoping to build, and why LBS is the right place to do it. Once you’ve nailed that narrative, the rest of the application tends to fall into place.

Most importantly, be unapologetically yourself! I’ve since spoken with members of the LBS admissions team, and I can assure you they’re not looking for one type of candidate. They truly are looking for people with unique and authentic voices, thoughtful goals, and a clear sense of purpose. Resist the urge to write what you think they want to hear. Instead, focus on what’s true for you: what can the LBS MBA offer you that you don’t already have? What will you uniquely bring to the LBS community? That’s what will make your application truly stand out.

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