Meet IESE Business School’s MBA Class Of 2026

There’s going to come a day. And it’s going to hit you all at once. A competitive threat. A PR emergency. A technological disruption. Depending on your response, a brand, market share, and jobs will hang in the balance. Chances are, you won’t know where to start. Too many questions, variables, and uncertainties – no easy answers or guarantees. In the moment, the problem will seem so big. And everyone will be looking to you. After all, you’ll be the one in charge.

What can prepare you for that?

The case method, that’s what.

You won’t learn it until you do it. And that’s exactly what a case does: it simulates the toughest business scenarios, putting you under the microscope and making you the manager. Every case, you learn how to break things down, connect the dots, formulate plans, and build consensus. Forget right-and-wrong – there’s just better-or-worse, the messy process of uncovering what matters most and what’s feasible. That’s done through reading stories, identifying key points, brainstorming ideas, and debating ideas with classmates. It’s a humbling process, one that serves as a daily reminder that you don’t know everything and there’s always someone smarter.

70 PEOPLE WITH 70 DIFFERENT APPROACHES

The case method is the foundation of learning at IESE Business School at the University of Navarra. That’s hardly a surprise considering Harvard Business School professors immersed faculty on its case method and general management approaches before the school opened in the 1960s. During their two years in the program, MBAs are estimated to digest over 600 cases and 4,000 pages of reading. Call it IESE’s daily cardio sessions, building endurance and muscle memory so students can calmly assess problems before attacking without hesitation.

For each member of IESE’s Class of 2026, the case method offers a different long-term benefit. For Xinyue Du, a supply chain manager from China, the case method has honed her ability to “navigate ambiguity” and ‘justify [her] solutions” among classmates. This ambiguity, says CEO Ajay Rajnikanth, has reinforced his need to constantly question his own understanding of situations and better synthesize disparate components of issues using data. When it comes to time for IESE students to argue their points of view, Emma Barbian, an American sales manager for Meta, frames the classroom dynamic this way:

“You can have 70 people in a class looking at the same dilemma and receive 70 different approaches because of the diversity of thought and experience. The classroom discussion evolves and takes unexpected paths that can challenge your preconceived notions.”

For Beatriz Cayetana Bueno Güerri, a JPMorgan Chase strategy lead, the case method enables her to “experience countless scenarios” across companies, industries, roles, and countries – all while exposing her to the biggest operational, cultural, and technological issues dogging organizations.  Even more, this classroom clash of diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches require MBAs to come prepared and bring their best every day – no different than they would with seasoned executives and skeptical stakeholders in a boardroom. This is particularly true when faculty facilitators are happy to put students on the spot with their infamous cold calls.

“When discussing cases, I am consistently amazed by how my classmates from different cultures and professional backgrounds approach the same business challenge with unique insights shaped by their experiences,” writes Alexa Ebnöther, a Swiss store manager who echoes Barbian’s sentiments. “This diversity of thought not only broadens my perspective on a daily basis, but also prepares me for the complexity of global business decision-making…This practical approach helps develop crucial skills like critical thinking, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to consider multiple stakeholder perspectives – making it an invaluable tool for our development and intercultural exchange.”

BIG IMPACT IN HOSPITALITY, FINANCE, ENERGY, AND TECHNOLOGY

Among the Class of 2026, you’ll find a wide variety of backgrounds that lend themselves to problem-solving strategies. Ebnöther last worked in hospitality, food and beverage specifically. Here, she established the inner workings and service standards for several Park Hyatts in Japan – providing her own case study in team-building and cross-cultural communication. At JPMorgan Chase, Beatriz Cayetana Bueno Güerri helped to develop a tool that “revolution[ized] how the company interprets real estate data.” At the same time, an IESE professor may want to collaborate with Ajay Rajnikanth on a case. After all, his story has all the important elements: a big name, a big problem, and big-time results.

“When I started the distribution business, I entered a fragmented and underdeveloped market rife with illegal imports,” he tells P&Q. “My task was to work with Apple to develop the market, increase sales, and align with benchmarks consistent with neighboring states. To achieve this, I conducted a thorough market analysis, studied competitor data, and identified untapped “white spots” where we could establish a presence. Traveling extensively across the state, I met with third-party retailers accustomed to selling illegally imported iPhones and convinced them to switch to authorized channels. As a result, sales grew 50x, and we onboarded over 400 clients, ensuring access to Apple products even in remote areas of the state.”

In the energy field, Ahmed Tuma an electrical engineer and project manager by training, helped to develop Iraq’s first utility-scale solar plant. In contrast, France’s Inoué Vong-Séguy helped her firm, a mid-sized renewable energy product, sell energy directly to local consumers. The result: the company enjoyed a 40% profit increase. As CEO of her Indonesian family business, Renda Putri put her own stamp on her family’s legacy.

“I was able to increase production capacity by 5 times and expand product lines through the opening of a new facility. A particularly proud moment was creating over 300 new jobs and leading a training program for the new production team, which I successfully secured a government grant to finance. It was incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact this initiative had on both the business and the local community.”

SUCCESS IN COMPETITIONS AND INTERVIEW PREP

And the Class of 2026 continued to achieve big things once they arrived in Barcelona. As part of a case competition sponsored by McKinsey, Bain, and BCG, Alexa Ebnöther’s team focused on developing a “go-to market strategy for a product supporting the deaf community.”

“The experience pushed us to apply our classroom learning to a real-world challenge while maintaining a clear focus on the social aspects and implications of the product, which aligns perfectly with IESE’s values. Beyond the competition itself, the late nights spent collaborating with my teammates after classes, the valuable feedback from our coach, and the challenge of delivering complex ideas in a structured, compelling way, taught me lessons that extend far beyond the competition.”

In the case of Ajay Rajnikanth, his campus legacy rests with devising an interview prep system for his peers.

“Interview prep can be overwhelming, especially when it’s hard to find the right practice partners and manage schedules effectively. From November to January, many students struggled due to the lack of a clear process for matching people based on their needs and availability. To address this, I developed a centralized system where classmates shared their availability, experience levels, and target industries. Using this information, I paired them with others who had complementary skills and similar goals. I also set up a shared schedule to simplify coordination.”

UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES

Among notable tidbits, Agiimaa Kruchkin, the only Mongolian in the class, has lived in six countries across five continents. Investment banker Beatriz Cayetana Bueno Güerri has taught yoga and given art exhibits. Sanjna Gupta personifies IESE’s cosmopolitan spirit: She was born in Germany, raised in Indian traditions, studied in England, and moved to Spain for business school. And let’s just say that Alexa Ebnöther possesses a unique talent.

“I made myself quite well-known with my MBA peers for serenading fish while scuba diving – the ocean being my unconventional concert hall.”

Those aren’t the only memories shared by the MBA Class of 2026. Inoué Vong-Séguy has started a band with his classmates. Their name – Goodwill Impairment – was inspired by a term from Fernando Peñalva’s accounting course. Beatriz Cayetana Bueno Güerri helped organize her team’s monthly socials, where she introduced classmates to pà amb tomàquet, a Catalon hors de oeuvre featuring garlic-seasoned toasted covered in tomatoes and olive oil. For Sanjna Gupta, the best memories stemmed from the student events celebrating the school’s various cultures.

“The exposure to my classmates’ rich cultures has been equally memorable, alongside super fun events like the pre-MBA boat party, the Mexican “El Grito” celebration, the Argentinian “Asado,” the Indian “Diwali” celebration, section-specific Secret Santa and Christmas get-togethers – my first term at the MBA has been filled with unforgettable moments and memories. These experiences have allowed me to form genuine connections with people who are positive and energetic. I´m truly grateful for this shared ‘journey of a lifetime’.”

AN MBA YOU EARN

It isn’t necessarily an easy journey. In fact, IESE Business School carries a (deserved) reputation for being among the most academically demanding MBA programs. Make no mistake: MBAs know exactly what they are signing up for at IESE. More than that, despite the initial onslaught, they know there is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

“It’s true the program challenges you with three cases a day, career preparation, and more,” admits Ajay Rajnikanth. “The key phrase here is “Trust the process.” At first, it may feel overwhelming, but as you settle into the rhythm, you’ll notice how quickly you’re absorbing new knowledge and developing critical skills. The initial struggle becomes incredibly rewarding when you see how much you’ve grown in such a short period.”

Indeed, “Trust the process” is the mantra you’ll hear early on at IESE. That’s because the IESE experience is hardly organic, says Ahmed Tuma. Just like the case method is a simulation of how executives think through problems, IESE’s structure is a means to teach MBAs the mindset needed to make the best use of their time and resources once they graduate.

“Every aspect of the MBA program has been carefully considered,” Tuma explains. “While the program is academically rigorous, it has been crafted in the best way possible to suit students. That said, the primary advice for incoming students would be prioritization! There are countless valuable activities, both curricular and extracurricular, that the school offers. However, with only 24 hours in a day, it is not possible to be involved in everything!”

ADVICE TO FUTURE IESE MBAs

Respect your limits is not the only advice that the Class of 2026 offers to future IESE MBAs. Sanjna Gupta urges students to follow a routine, no matter how difficult it is to maintain. In contrast, Renda Putri cautions first-years to never underestimate the value of rest so they can “keep your energy up and your mind sharp.” At the same time, adds Alexa Ebnöther, don’t forget to take the support offered by classmates.

“I would emphasize the crucial role of your assigned team. These are the peers you’ll work with throughout your first year, and they become your first support system at IESE. My advice is to invest time early on in building strong relationships within your team. Take time to understand each member’s background, strengths, and working style. These relationships often extend far beyond academics.”

Alumni like Damian D’souza, a 2025 P&Q Best & Brightest MBA, have advice too. In D’souza’s case, he found alumni extremely helpful. “They are quite literally just a LinkedIn message away, always willing to share advice, make introductions, or offer guidance. I’ve been able to confirm some very senior investors for our IESE PEVC conference (e.g. an MD from General Atlantic, a Partner from Mexico City, a Head of VC from the European Investment Fund) just because they as alumni are so open to coming back to campus to support us students.”

D’souza’s classmate, Sergi Rivera Morcillo – another P&Q Best & Brightest MBA – harkens back to the “Trust the Process” foundation for why he found success in the IESE MBA program.

“It has been invaluable during intense workloads, teaching me to prioritize and stay focused…IESE challenges you to define your North Star, but along the way, the flood of opportunities can make you lose sight of it. At some point, I considered paths in consulting, finance, and corporate leadership. Eventually, I returned to my project and truly understood “Trust the process.” IESE provides all the tools to succeed, but real success comes from surrounding yourself with inspiring people, and the case method at IESE allows us to learn from them on a daily basis while pushing your own mental boundaries.”

BARCELONA: ‘CHILL VIBES AND SALSA CULTURE’

Alas, the work demands can feel particularly daunting living in Barcelona. Picture a geography where you can be sunning yourself on a breezy Mediterranean beach in the morning, hiking Montserrat Mountain in the afternoon, and skiing the slopes in the evening. Emma Barbian even highlights the marquee attractions: “You’re surrounded by art, museums, music, bars, restaurants and cafes, the beach, and a rich cultural history.” Such amenities, says Ajay Rajnikanth, acts as stress relief.

“The city is beautiful and very cosmopolitan. Each of its neighborhoods has unique characteristics and charms, making exploration a lot of fun. You never know what you’re going to find—random concerts in a plaza? Check! Streets decorated like a Studio Ghibli movie? Check! People dressed in costumes running around under an umbrella of fireworks? Also check!”

Yes, the Class of 2026 have been enjoying Barcelona’s high quality of life – the “chill vibes and the salsa culture” in the words of Xinyue Du. Renda Putri points to the area’s “energy” – while hyping the city’s food and wine scene.

“As someone who loves cooking and exploring flavors, Barcelona feels like paradise. Every neighborhood has markets filled with fresh seafood, top-quality meats, cheeses, and anything else you could dream of. People here also embrace seasonal eating, which means enjoying the best local produce at its peak. It’s a foodie’s dream come true!”

A PLACE TO DO BUSINESS

That energy extends to Barcelona’s business culture. The city is the European headquarters for PepsiCo and Kellogg’s and boasts large operations for companies like Google, Microsoft, Bayer, IBM, Tesla, 3M, and Novartis. As a whole, Barcelona – and the surrounding Catalonia – is home to nearly 2,300 startups, which have raised over $6.1 billion in venture capital from 2020-2024. In fact, the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report ranked Barcelona #2 globally among its emerging startup ecosystems. Such advantages have grabbed the attention of students like Alexa Ebnöther.

“The city’s entrepreneurial spirit is contagious, and its position as a hub where different cultures converge creates an environment where innovation naturally flourishes. Beyond the classroom, Barcelona serves as a perfect backdrop for an MBA with its thriving startup ecosystem and role as a cultural melting pot. The opportunity to work closely with classmates from across the globe, combined with Barcelona’s startup dynamism and cultural diversity, creates an ideal environment for developing into a truly global business leader.”

Sure enough, alumni can’t say enough good things about Barcelona. ’25 grad Lily Chen lauds the Gothic and Modernist architecture, particularly Gaudi’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell. In contrast, Christa Zacharia gushes about weekly street festivals like summer’s Gràcia, where the Bohemian neighborhood is decked out in animal decorations and umbrella lights. She also points to how so many neighborhoods are walkable, while business ecosystems like Norrsken or the Mobile World Congress are only a short metro ride away. Better still, Zacharia adds, IESE MBAs tend to cluster together outside of school.

“Living within 20 minutes of each other meant impromptu beach volleyball sessions at Barceloneta or debates over vermouth after class which weren’t just fun—they forged stronger bonds. The city’s festivals, like La Mercè or Primavera Sound, became shared adventures that turned classmates into lifelong friends. Even “small” moments—haggling at La Boqueria market with section mates or navigating a group dinner in Catalan—taught me more about cultural agility than any textbook.”

Next Page: An Interview with Miriela Las Heras, MBA Academic Director

Page 3: Profiles of 10 Members of the Class of 2026

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