IESE ranks no. 3 worldwide for Executive Education open programs, according to Financial Times

 IESE Business School has once again been recognized among the world’s leading providers of executive education, ranking no. 3 globally in the Financial Times Executive Education Open Programs ranking for 2026, published today. 

This is the fifth consecutive year that IESE has placed among the world’s top three for open-enrollment executive programs, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s premier destinations for leadership development. 

This year’s edition highlights the continued relevance and impact of IESE’s executive education programs for executives, the high level of participant satisfaction, and the strong networking opportunities they provide. 

“Once again being recognized as among the world’s top schools in the Financial Times Executive Education ranking reflects IESE’s ability to deliver a truly global and transformative learning experience,” said Andrea Montalvo, Associate Dean for Executive Education at IESE. “Both our open-enrolment and custom programs are designed to help executives and organizations navigate an environment shaped by complexity, rapid change, geopolitical uncertainty, and the rise of artificial intelligence. With a distinctive approach grounded in general management and a strong international perspective, our programs prepare leaders to drive transformation and address the major challenges shaping business and society today.” 

IESE ranked among the top five across several categories in the ranking, including those looking at the ability to impart new skills relevant to the workplace, reflecting the school’s focus on delivering learning experiences with immediate and lasting impact for executives and organizations alike. 

IESE also stood out for the quality of its partnerships, including programs with NYU Stern, MIT and Harvard, where it ranked first in the world, as well as for the level of follow-up offered after executives returned to their workplaces (no. 3) and the networking opportunities available to participants throughout their learning journey. 

Participant satisfaction also remained exceptionally high, with IESE receiving an average score of 9.85 out of 10 for its open programs. 

Among the best in the world for custom executive education 

IESE also achieved excellent results in the Financial Times Custom Programs Ranking, placing no. 4 globally in 2026. 

IESE scored particularly well for New Skills & Learning (no. 5), which measures the relevance of skills gained to the workplace, the ease with which they can be implemented, and the extent to which programs encourage new ways of thinking. 

The ranking also recognized IESE for the quality of its partnerships with top-tier institutions, its international client base, and the global reach of its faculty and teaching. IESE also ranked among the world’s top ten for client satisfaction, placing no. 8 globally. 

As business leaders across the globe navigate increasing geopolitical complexity and the rise of AI, these results reaffirm IESE’s commitment to developing responsible leaders through transformative learning experiences tailored to the evolving needs of executives and organizations worldwide. 

More on IESE’s latest rankings.