Esade and UNIQLO join forces to develop future leaders in global fashion retail
UNIQLO Europe Ltd. and Esade Business School have signed a strategic agreement to launch a Talent Development Program for students. The initiative will provide participants with in-depth knowledge of the fashion retail industry while reinforcing both organizations shared commitment to developing responsible leaders capable of making a positive impact on society.
The agreement, signed in Barcelona by Mr Noriyaki Koyoma, Fast Retailing Senior Executive Officer, Mr Mark Barnatovic, UNIQLO Spain COO and Joan Rodon, Deputy Director General of Esade, will also broaden professional opportunities for Esade students by connecting them with leadership pathways in a sector that drives economic growth and international careers.
Selected students will have the opportunity to join an immersive learning experience in Tokyo, that will allow them to engage directly with global business leaders while working on a real-world business challenge related to the fashion retail industry. Others might decide to join the summer store internship to gain hands-on experience of store operations and team management.
An international learning experience
This collaboration aims to deepen the expertise of students and faculty, strengthen intercultural exchange between Europe and Japan, and contribute to the development of responsible business leaders prepared to make a meaningful contribution to society. The program will also feature guest lectures delivered by senior company leaders and a flagship UNIQLO Day on campus, offering the Esade community an opportunity to learn more about the company’s culture, strategy and approach to retail innovation.
“Being selected as one of the first European institutions to join this initiative highlights Esade’s commitment to offering students truly global learning experiences”, pointed out Joan Rodon, Esade’s Deputy General Director. “Collaborating with UNIQLO gives our students the opportunity to engage directly with the strategic and operational challenges of a fast-moving international sector while developing the leadership skills required in this global context. At a time when companies are navigating profound economic, technological and social transformations, partnerships like this allow students to take an active role in shaping their careers while enabling organizations to connect with the international and entrepreneurial talent emerging from our classrooms.”
Impactful employability
Partnering with one of the world’s most influential fashion retail companies reinforces Esade’s mission to connect academic excellence with industry insight and to strengthen students’ employability in key international sectors.
This commitment is reflected in the career outcomes of Esade graduates. In the 2024–2025 academic year, 98% of BBA graduates secured employment within three months of graduation, and 19% of students completing an internship at a company converted their internship position into a full-time placement in the same company, highlighting the importance of internship programs.
Esade Careers has also been recognized by Financial Times, ranking 6th in Europe for career services in its latest Global MBA ranking. This recognition highlights the school’s comprehensive support for students through international recruitment fairs, mock interviews, specialized workshops, industry networking events and personalized career guidance.
