Esade in the world’s top 5 for executive Open Programs once again says the Financial Times
This year, once again, Esade ranks amongst the top 5 business schools in the world for executive Open Programs according to the Financial Times 2026 Executive Education ranking, #5 in the world for Open Programs to be precise. Esade Executive Education also ranks amongst the world’s top 15 for corporate Custom Programs, coming in at #13.
Michele Quintano, director of Esade Executive Education, underlined that “in an increasingly competitive landscape, the ability to stand out depends not only on the range of programs but on the capacity to transform major challenges to business, such as AI, digitalization, geopolitics, sustainability and regulation, into specific tools for use by executives.”
Programs for leadership of change
In Open Programs for executives, Esade ranks amongst the world’s top 5 in all aspects of satisfaction, with participants giving an overall score of 9.85 out of 10. The Financial Times highlighted particularly the performance of the Esade Faculty, the Course Design and New skills & Learning ranking #4 in the world in these categories, and also program Preparation (#3) and Follow-up (#2).
“The fact that our Open Programs rank amongst the world’s top 5 in all areas of satisfaction reflects the fact that executives want applicable learning experiences and support that are in touch with the real-life challenges in their companies,” said Quintano. “In times of fast-paced tech developments and global uncertainty, humanistic leadership is a priority: we need socially aware managers able to interpret complexity, anticipate scenarios and take well-founded decisions.”
Against this background, Esade has bolstered its programs in areas identified by companies as lacking in skills, such as AI, geopolitics, sustainability, strategy, digital transformation and leadership. New and recently updated programs include Rethinking Business with AI, Geopolitics, Economics and Risks, and Beyond Resilience, The Esade–Singularity Spain Leadership Program, and also new developments in established programs such as the Program for Management Development and the Advanced Management Program.
Competitive edge for companies
In Custom Programs, Esade Executive Education ranks #13 in the world thanks to the scores given by the companies who chose Esade programs. In this category, The Financial Times highlights the quality of the Faculty (#6 worldwide), the New skills and learning (#9) and the Programme design (#10).
“Esade Executive Education’s Custom Programs stand out thanks to Esade’s ability to work together with companies on creating solutions that tally with their strategy, culture and specific challenges,” said Quintano. “Customization based on sector and management position, besides measuring results beyond immediate satisfaction, is crucial for generating tangible value.”
This approach combines academic excellence, connection with real-life business and experiential learning in areas such as general management, strategy, digital transformation, AI, leadership, sustainability and good governance. “This is what makes Esade different: we train managers who not only adapt to the future, but actually contribute to defining the future by delivering criteria, responsibility and a positive impact,” concluded Quintano.