BCIU Honors John Graham, Kenneth C. Griffin and Maria Corina Machado at Annual Gala

On November 10th, the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) hosted its 2025 Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Awards Gala at the iconic Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. This year’s theme, “70 Years of Enduring Partnerships,” celebrated the longevity and impact of global alliances across generations. Haute Living was proud to serve as a media partner for the event.

John Graham, President and CEO of CPP Investments, was bestowed the Eisenhower Global Citizenship Award in recognition of his efforts in long-term value creation, global collaboration and advanced global citizenship for the benefit of society.

Photo Credit: BCIU

Ken Griffin, Founder, CEO, and Co-Chief Investment Officer at Citadel, was honored with the Eisenhower Global Innovation Award for his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of innovation. Pablo Salame, Co-Chief Investment Officer, accepted the award on Griffin’s behalf.

Photo Credit: BCIU

Notable attendees included Blackstone’s President Jon Gray, who presented Graham’s award, as well as Orlando Bravo, who served as one of the gala’s co-chairs. Daniel Cruise, Partner at Tikehau Capital and BCIU Chairman of the Board, along with Julie Monaco, former Head of Public Sector Banking at Citi and immediate past BCIU Chair, presided over the event, marking BCIU’s 70th anniversary

BCIU Ventures hosted a table with influencers and thought leaders in the space. Guests included Henry Porter, Sacha Pictet, Vadym Budilovskyy, Federico Dubini, Daniel Fryer, Adam Robinson, Zachary Scott, Savannah Ryan, Luka Sabbat, Mia Rosario, and Taylor Hill.

Photo Credit: BCIU

Maria Corina Machado, the leader of the Venezuelan opposition and the 2025 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, was presented with the Eisenhower Award in recognition of her unwavering commitment to freedom and the pursuit of prosperity through principled, unifying leadership for the people of Venezuela. David Smolansky and Humberto Villalobos, senior members of her team, accepted the award on Machado’s behalf. One of the most moving moments of the evening was a heartfelt video acceptance speech from Machado, who could not attend in person as she is currently in hiding in Venezuela.