Meet IESE Business School’s MBA Class Of 2026

CLASS OF 2026 DATA

As a whole, the MBA Class of 2026 features 440 students. 40% of the class are women – an all-time high – with international students making up an 85% share. According to the school, the class includes representatives from 56 countries. Notably, 44% of the class hails from the America, with 30% from Asia, Middle East & Africa, and 26% from Europe. Such diversity inside IESE only amplifies what MBAs experience outside the classroom, says Agiimaa Kruchkin, who is also making the proverbial ‘triple-jump” at IESE.

“Surprisingly, I did not experience any culture shock despite coming from a very different background, partially due to the diversity of Barcelona. My neighborhood is a melting pot of Catalan, Spanish, Arab, Asian, Latino and African families, as well as students from all over the world.”

In terms of GMATs, scores ranged from 545-715, while GRE scores ran from 143-170 in both the Verbal and Quantitative tests (with 20% of the class submitting GRE scores). While the University of Navarra is known for its humanist approach rooted in the Opus Dei tradition, just 10% of the MBA class hold degrees in Humanities-related subjects. Engineering majors represent the largest segment of the class at 36%, followed by Business (33%) and Sciences (21%).

While Ahmed Tuma may be an engineer, he points to the business school’s philosophy as the biggest reason why he joined IESE’s MBA program. “What made me chose IESE was the perfect alignment of my aspirations with the school´s values: a mission to develop leaders who strive for positive impact; a vision of providing lifelong learning to bring profound meaning to business; and values of integrity, excellence and service.”

Finance (22%) and Consulting (20%) professionals hold the most seats in the Class of 2026, followed by Tech (10%). The catch-all ‘Diversified Industries” – which includes Consumer Goods, Retail, Healthcare and the Public Sector – covers the remaining 48%.

FAVORITE TRADITIONS

Last year, IESE Business School finished as the #2 non-American MBA program according to Poets&Quants (and 2nd among European program in Bloomberg Businessweek’s ranking). This year, The Financial Times ranked IESE #3 globally, behind just the Wharton School and Columbia Business School (and 10 spots ahead of mentor Harvard Business School). However, that rank doesn’t represent the true state of the program. For one, in a survey of students and recent alumni, IESE averaged a 9.412 out of 10 points – 3rd-best in the world. The same respondents gave IESE the 2nd-best average for the quality and effectiveness of its alumni, while ranking the school 11th for Career Services – the 2nd-highest score in Europe. Long known as a leader in sustainability education, IESE produced the 2nd-highest score for its ESG and Net Zero Teaching with The Financial Times – while achieving a 6th-place ranking for its International Course Experience. That experience extends beyond Barcelona, with IESE maintaining campuses in Madrid, Munich, New York City, and São Paulo.

Sanjna Gupta has been a fan of what she has seen in the international realm thus far. “What stood out to me apart from the appealing selection of elective modules covering the most relevant topics of global trends, were the extensive opportunities for international exposure beyond the Barcelona MBA curriculum. The international modules in China, Mexico, the USA, and Kenya, the exchange programs with top business schools and the impactful summer internship all provide an incredibly rich experience. These opportunities maximize cultural immersion and learning, offering the global perspective, which we require for leading multinational organizations.”

You don’t have to press MBAs and alumni to speak fondly about IESE’s distinctive traditions. Alexa Ebnöther relishes Open Mic, where students gather to share their talents. During case discussions, students are given a Cow Award – a “small plush cow” for the most insightful remark in a class says alum Lily Chen. Among the most anticipated events is the IESE Asado sponsored by the Argentinian students. Picture the ultimate barbecue, where students don’t just dig in but learn the secrets behind preparing the meats (Think 24-hours of grilling). Let’s not forget Breakfast with the Dean, where small groups get intimate face time with Franz Heukamp.

In fact, adds alum Sergi Rivera Morcillo, IESE goes out of its way to expose students to top leaders. “Whether through lunches with global CEOs, top-tier speakers, or real venture capitalists in the VCIC, we regularly interact with influential professionals. Even in the Executive Simulation, our performance is evaluated by shareholders of leading companies. I am grateful for IESE’s tradition of treating each student as an individual and facilitating meaningful interactions with executives at the highest level.”

Of course, there is the annual Multi-Culti event, which draws an average of 1,000 attendees each year.  “Held at the iconic Poble Espanyol this all-evening celebration is a true showcase of cultural diversity,” writes alum Christa Zacharia. “Each country sets up a stall and serves authentic food and drinks while wearing traditional attire and sharing local customs. You can enjoy Nigerian Jollof rice, Italian Aperol Spritz, Spanish Tapas, German beer, Peruvian Ceviche, and countless other specialties. As the night unfolds, national groups take the stage to perform traditional dances and cultural showcases, bringing the spirit of their homeland to life. Multi-Culti perfectly captures the essence of studying in an international environment, where more than 50 nationalities come together to celebrate their heritage.”

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ACADEMIC DIRECTOR

Among this year’s IESE headlines is class size, which grew by 70 students with the Class of 2026. What are some other developments? Earlier this year, P&Q reached out to Professor Mireia Las Heras, MBA Academic Director at IESE Business School. From international business programming to new courses to career services, here is what is on the horizon at IESE.

P&Q: What have been the two most important developments in the IESE MBA program over the past year? What type of impact will they have on current and future MBAs?

Las Heras: “Actually, we have three significant developments:

1. Growth in Class Size: This year, our MBA program has expanded considerably. This is a very relevant development for current and future students, as it enhances the IESE community in a number of ways. Larger MBA programs are highly attractive to recruiters because they prefer to engage with a substantial pool of talented individuals in one place. This growth also allows us to develop a broader and more connected alumni network, which is invaluable for career support, mentorship, and lifelong connections. Additionally, it enables us to strengthen and expand the electives we offer, our career resources and enhance our other extra-curricular services and activities.

2. Growth in Diversity and Internationalization: As well as growing in size this year, we´ve also grown in terms of the internationality and diversity of the IESE MBA. Our class composition stands out as one of the most diverse globally, with 88% international students. Furthermore, no single nationality represents more than 14% of the class, ensuring a truly multicultural learning environment where no single perspective dominates. In our small working groups, which consist of 9 members, nearly every group is comprised of individuals from different nationalities, with no more than two students sharing the same country of origin. Furthermore, women represent 40% of our cohort. This rich mix of backgrounds fosters a global mindset and prepares students for leadership in an interconnected world.

3. Executive Simulation Final Project: The mandatory final project of our MBA is now an Executive Simulation (ExSim). This intensive one-week simulation places students in the role of executives running a company. Participants engage with real representatives acting as board members, union leaders, and financial institutions, such as banks. This immersive experience is invaluable for students to develop strategic decision-making, leadership, and crisis management skills under pressure.”

P&Q: Every January, P&Q publishes a “10 Business Schools to Watch” feature that highlights how schools are raising the bar and enhancing the student experience through innovation or expansion in programming or resources. What is one innovation that sets your school apart from your peer programs and makes you a business school to watch? Why is it so groundbreaking?

Las Heras: “What truly sets IESE apart is our ability to integrate multiple innovative elements into a cohesive, transformative experience—particularly around international business. For example, our faculty is extremely international, with professors who can share insights from living, working and doing business in regions around the world, and from varied research expertise and perspectives. This is mirrored by our highly international student body, comprising individuals who come from a wide range of geographies, as well as industries and backgrounds – everything from logistics, healthcare, operations, arts, and entrepreneurship. This ensures a mix of international perspectives and experiences in class discussions, and also enhances global networking opportunities within the cohort.

At the same time, IESE has one of the most diverse collections of cases from around the world. The curriculum emphasizes international business scenarios, exposing students to challenges faced across diverse countries, sectors, and business types—from government institutions to startups. These cases provide both breadth and depth of global business knowledge.

Students then have the chance to take international modules in locations such as New York, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, Nairobi, and Mexico City. These modules provide hands-on exposure to country-specific business practices and cultural nuances, preparing students to excel in diverse environments. Our exchange partnerships are also exceptionally strong, with 70-100 students annually participating in programs at top business schools like Cornell, London Business School, and CEIBS. This exposure further broadens their global perspective and networks.

By blending classroom learning with real-world global experiences in the way, IESE delivers a uniquely holistic and impactful MBA journey, positioning our graduates as versatile, international leaders.”

P&Q: What types of programs do you offer to sharpen your students’ soft skills? What areas do you emphasize, and how do you instill these skills in your students?

Las Heras: “At IESE, we place a strong emphasis on developing students’ soft skills—a critical component of effective leadership. Our programs focus on key areas such as communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and crisis management:

Intensive Communication Skills Program: At the start of the MBA, students participate in a rigorous one-week communication skills workshop. Organized in small groups of 9-10 students, this program ensures that each participant receives personalized feedback and training on effective communication strategies. The skills learned here are foundational, enabling students to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively throughout the program and beyond.

Team Dynamics and Feedback: From day one, students are placed into diverse teams of 9 that work together throughout the year. This structure fosters collaboration and exposes students to different working styles and perspectives. They are trained to give and receive constructive feedback within their team, a skill further honed through dedicated workshops.

Coaching and Crisis Management: Throughout the two-year program, we offer classes and workshops on leadership coaching, crisis management, and emotional intelligence. These sessions equip students to handle high-pressure situations and lead effectively in challenging environments.

Student Clubs and Extracurriculars: By participating in and leading student clubs, such as consulting, entrepreneurship, or cultural affinity clubs, students further develop soft skills such as teamwork, negotiation, and leadership.”

P&Q: What types of programming – through classroom instruction, extracurriculars, and treks – does your school offer to expose students to country-specific and global business practices? What have students told you were the most educational and fun aspects of these activities?

Las Heras: “IESE provides a wide range of programming to expose students to both country-specific and global business practices.

Our international modules offer immersive, in-depth experiences in countries like the U.S., China, Kenya, and Mexico. For example, students in Kenya work closely with micro-entrepreneurs in local communities, gaining firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities in emerging markets.

Students also participate in career treks to global business hubs, where they engage with leading companies and industry leaders. Our strong exchange partnerships with top business schools worldwide further expand their exposure to international business environments.

Additionally, student-led clubs such as the Latin America Club and DACH Club focus on specific regional business and cultural practices. These clubs host prominent business leaders, policymakers, and academics, providing students with valuable real-world perspectives.

Beyond academics, students often highlight the cultural experiences as the most educational and enjoyable aspects of these programs. Whether through international modules, treks, or campus events, students gain a deeper appreciation for local communities and customs. For example, “MultiCulti”—one of IESE’s most beloved MBA traditions—celebrates diverse cultures through food, drinks, and performances. Other events, such as Thanksgiving celebrations or exploring cuisine and traditions from peers’ home countries, further foster cultural understanding and community building.

These activities create a vibrant, inclusive environment that students deeply value for enhancing their global perspective and strengthening connections across cultures.”

P&Q: What are the most exciting new courses that your school is offering to MBAs this school year? What makes them so unique and valuable?

Las Heras: “This year, we’re excited to introduce several courses that reflect our commitment to integrating the humanities into the MBA curriculum to foster ethical, values-driven leadership and well-rounded decision-making.

Some standout courses include:

Beauty Appreciation: This unique course explores how an appreciation of beauty through art, nature, and human expression—can cultivate values-driven leadership and enhance a leader’s sense of purpose.

From Adam Smith to Pope Francis: What is Business For?: This thought-provoking course examines the deeper purpose of business, challenging students to look beyond financial models and consider its broader societal impact.

On the Shoulders of Giants: Focusing on anthropological readings of classic authors, this course provides insights into human nature and leadership through timeless works.

West: A critical exploration of Western values and their modern-day applications, equipping students to reflect on ethical frameworks and leadership principles.

These courses are distinctive because they encourage students to step back from traditional business-focused learning and engage with fundamental questions about leadership, values, and the role of business in society. By blending the humanities with business education, we aim to develop leaders who think more deeply, act more ethically, and lead with purpose.”

P&Q: Who are two new professors who’ve joined your faculty in the past year? What do they teach, and how will they be difference-makers in your MBA program?

Las Heras:

“Yuliya Snihur, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship: Yuliya is a highly influential and widely-cited scholar who was recently recognized as one of the world’s most impactful researchers, according to the Top 2% Scientists list by Stanford University and Elsevier. Her research focuses on how entrepreneurial leaders design innovative and high-performing business models, particularly in the face of technological change and evolving ecosystems. Yuliya’s thought leadership significantly enhances both the classroom experience and the strategic entrepreneurial mindset of our students.

Mailys George, Assistant Professor of Managing People in Organizations: With a French-Moroccan background, Mailys explores how individuals navigate uncertainty—whether transitioning across roles, facing identity-threatening experiences, or managing challenges in workplace relationships. Her research is published in leading academic journals, and her engaging teaching style makes her classes highly popular among students. Beyond academics, Mailys brings a deeply personal approach to leadership development, helping students reflect on their aspirations and leadership journeys.”

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

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