Leonardo Maresi

ESCP Business School

“An atypical and dynamic engineer who loves nature, sports, and meeting new people.”

Hometown: Bologna, Italy

Fun fact about yourself: I love fishing, yet I don’t like eating fish. I practice only catch-and-release, as a way to enjoy the sport while respecting nature.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

University of Bologna, Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

University of Bologna, Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Philip Morris International, Line Leader

Where did you intern during the summer of 2025? I am currently a full-time employee in Philip Morris International

Where will you be working after graduation? Philip Morris International, role still to be confirmed

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: During my MBA, I was awarded a merit-based scholarship in recognition of my academic performance. I also served as a student representative on the London campus, acting as a liaison between students and the program administration. In this role, I helped communicate students’ feedback, contributed to improving the academic experience, and supported initiatives aimed at strengthening the sense of community within the cohort.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One moment I am particularly proud of during my MBA was being asked to become the godfather of my best friend’s daughter, who was born during that period. Beyond the academic and professional achievements of the program, this moment reminded me of the importance of trust, friendship, and the relationships we build along the way. Being chosen for such an important role was deeply meaningful to me and made me realize that success is not only measured by professional milestones, but also by the impact we have on the people around us.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One professional achievement I am most proud of was building and developing a team of 40 young employees and, within one year, turning it into the most competent and high-performing team in a production plant of around 800 people. What makes this achievement particularly meaningful to me is that it was not only about performance, but about people. By focusing on training, trust, and accountability, we were able to unlock the potential of a young team and create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Seeing individuals grow professionally while collectively achieving outstanding results was extremely rewarding and reinforced my belief that strong leadership starts with empowering people.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose ESCP for its strong international dimension. I believe there is nothing more valuable than learning from people with different cultural backgrounds and perspectives. Studying in such a diverse environment allows you to challenge your assumptions, broaden your mindset, and develop the global perspective that is essential in today’s business world.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor was Terrence Tse. He teaches a subject in which I did not initially have a strong background, yet he manages to make it concrete, engaging, and highly interactive. His ability to involve students and encourage critical thinking greatly improves our understanding of complex concepts. Moreover, his deep expertise and mastery of the subject, combined with his genuine passion for both the topic and teaching, make every class even more enjoyable and stimulating

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course during the MBA was Corporate Finance. I particularly enjoyed it because it provided a structured way to understand how companies create value and make strategic financial decisions. The course combined theory with practical applications, allowing us to analyze real business situations and understand how financial choices impact a company’s long-term performance. It strengthened my analytical thinking and gave me a clearer framework for evaluating investments and corporate strategy.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite MBA event was the business simulation game. For three intense days, we worked in teams acting as the management of a company, making strategic decisions in a highly competitive environment. The experience truly embodied the “be bold” spirit of the program: we were constantly encouraged to take initiative, make decisions under uncertainty, and defend our ideas. What made the experience even more valuable was the international and multicultural composition of the teams. Working with classmates from different cultures and backgrounds brought diverse perspectives to the table, making the collaboration richer and more stimulating. It perfectly reflected one of the school’s greatest strengths: the international environment, where diversity of thought and healthy competition push everyone to perform at their best.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back, one thing I would do differently is seek more international experiences earlier in my academic journey. I would have also taken part in an Erasmus program during my undergraduate studies for a full year and seriously considered pursuing my master’s degree in English abroad. Only later did I fully realize how valuable it is to build an international network and to collaborate with people from different countries and cultures. These experiences not only broaden your perspective but also strengthen your ability to connect with others. This is especially true through languages, which are powerful bridges between people. In the end, life is short, and I believe international experiences such as seeing new places and meeting people from diverse backgrounds are among the most enriching opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

What was the most impactful case study you had in business school and what was the biggest lesson you learned from it? One of the most impactful case studies during my MBA focused on sustainability and the history of Easter Island. The case explored how the overexploitation of natural resources eventually led to the collapse of the island’s society. What made it particularly powerful was the clear parallel with today’s world: it showed how short-term decisions and the pursuit of growth without considering environmental limits can have long-term consequences. The biggest lesson I learned is that sustainable thinking is not just an ethical choice, but a strategic necessity. Leaders today must balance economic growth with environmental responsibility to ensure long-term resilience and prosperity

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I loved most about my business school’s town is that it is truly multi-campus, with locations in Paris, London, and Madrid. Each of these cities is incredibly international and represents a center of excellence in Europe, where networking opportunities and professional possibilities feel almost limitless. Living and studying in such large, vibrant, and dynamic cities is incredibly inspiring. Being surrounded by so much energy, diversity, and ambition naturally encourages you to think bigger and dream bigger about your future.

What business leader do you admire most? The business leader I admire most is Wang Chuanfu. While Elon Musk played a crucial role in accelerating the global transition to electric vehicles, I particularly admire Wang Chuanfu for the way he quietly built BYD into one of the world’s leading EV companies. Starting from a battery manufacturing background, he developed a vertically integrated company with strong engineering capabilities and a long-term industrial vision. What makes his leadership even more remarkable is that BYD has managed to surpass Tesla in global electric vehicle sales, demonstrating how strategic patience, technological expertise, and operational discipline can challenge even the most disruptive innovators.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? One remarkable way the program integrated AI into our learning was through a course focused on building AI agents for everyday use. This experience highlighted the approach we will need to adopt in the future: learning how to work alongside AI while maintaining the ability to critically interpret its outputs. The school emphasized that AI should be considered a powerful support tool rather than a substitute for human reasoning. We were encouraged to challenge the results generated by AI, verify sources, and apply our own judgment. This perspective helped me understand that the real value of AI lies not only in using it, but in knowing how to question, interpret, and integrate it responsibly into decision-making.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? The classmate I most admire is Rhea Sakr. At 31 and a mother of two young children, she made the courageous decision to leave a stable full-time job to pursue a full-time MBA. What impressed me the most is how she managed to take on this demanding journey without compromising the time and dedication she gives to her family. Despite the challenges, she consistently proved to be an outstanding classmate, responsible, reliable, and always supportive of others. Her ability to balance sacrifice, organization, and determination is truly inspiring and sets a powerful example for everyone in the class.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. Lead a global team while working and living in different countries. One of my main professional goals is to build an international career where I can lead diverse teams across different markets. Working and living in multiple countries would allow me to better understand different cultures, perspectives, and business environments. I believe that the ability to manage multicultural teams and navigate global challenges is an essential skill for modern leaders.

2. Start my own business. Another important item on my professional bucket list is to create my own company. I am motivated by the challenge of building something from the ground up, turning ideas into real solutions, and creating value for customers and society. Entrepreneurship represents an opportunity to combine creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership while making a tangible impact.

What made Leonardo such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2026?

“I would like to express my support for the nomination of Leonardo Maresi. Although my interactions with Leonardo were limited, and the P2 just started in London, I have found him to be a mature, responsible, and highly committed participant in the program. He approaches his work with seriousness and intellectual curiosity, consistently demonstrating thoughtful engagement and a strong sense of accountability. Leonardo contributes constructively to discussions, and he embodies the professionalism and collaborative spirit that reflect positively on our MBA community.”

Professor Siamak Soudani
London Campus MBA Academic Director

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