A Pioneer in Business Education

Established in 1957, IESE began providing executive education programs at a time when such initiatives were scarcely known outside the United States. IESE created Europe’s first 2-year MBA program in 1964 under the guidance of the IESE-Harvard Advisory Committee.

Today, the school maintains close ties with Harvard, as well as alliances with other top U.S. schools such as Stanford, MIT Sloan, Wharton and Kellogg. IESE was the first European business school to establish operations in the United States.

International Character

IESE’s global mindset comes from understanding the changing cultural, institutional and social factors that influence business worldwide. Faculty members from 28 countries provide a broad vision of the global business community. Their international outlook is further enhanced through their work as global consultants and visiting faculty at top business schools around the world, such as CEIBS in Shanghai, IPADE in Mexico and the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad.

Culture of Inquiry

IESE participants learn to ask not only what, but how and why — or why not. Through the case method, participants analyze real business problems as they sharpen their decision-making skills. IESE is one of the world’s leading publishers of business cases focusing on international management scenarios.

Focus on People

IESE programs take a personalized approach to management education by placing people at the heart of companies and their concerns. The ethical dimensions of decision-making processes, which are indispensable for personal growth and corporate sustainability, receive special emphasis. IESE is an initiative of Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the Roman Catholic Church. The school draws its values from the Christian tradition and emphasizes the intrinsic rights and dignity of all people.

Top International Rankings

#1 Business School in the World in Open Programs
Financial Times Executive Education Survey
May, 2011

#1 Business School in Europe for MBA
The Economist
October, 2010

Strong Research Base

The research carried out by international faculty — educated in the world’s top institutions — forms the foundation for all IESE programs. The school boasts 31 research centers and chairs in key business areas, including finance, human resources, logistics, globalization, strategy and business in society.

Business Relevance

IESE’s International Advisory Board includes the CEOs and presidents of some of the world’s most important multinationals. In addition, the school has provided tailored management solutions to leading global corporations, including BASF, Boeing, Ericsson, Henkel, MAN, Sun Microsystems and Volkswagen. IESE is therefore uniquely qualified to understand the dynamic needs of international senior executives.