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30th Esade Alumni Annual Meeting: A space for reflection, leadership, and connection

The Annual Meeting, held at L’Auditori under the theme “Seeing the world, shaping the future”, brought together nearly 1,000 alumni and hosted the presentation of the 2026 Esade Award to Ramon Laguarta (Lic&MBA 86), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Did you miss the event? Start by watching the highlights:

 

The Esade Alumni Annual Meeting in Barcelona was a space for understanding the world, anticipating challenges, and celebrating the alumni community’s positive impact. The meeting started by astonishing participants with a performance by the magician Mag Lari, who brought a fun, stimulating touch with his magic and audience participation. In her welcome, Patricia Valentí (MBA 02, Promociona 17), director of Esade Alumni, invited participants to “open your gaze and see reality with new eyes,” underscoring leaders’ responsibility in an increasingly complex global context. She extended a special thanks to CaixaBank, the event sponsor, and to everyone who is a member of and drives forward the Esade Alumni community.

Jorge Alcover (Lic&MBA 98), president of Esade Alumni, then presented the event as a prime space for reflection and dialog, where participants can share relevant information and make new connections.

Leadership and transformation in the debate spotlight

 

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The first session, featuring F. Xavier Mena, chair of Economics at Esade–Universidad Ramon Llull, focused on the new geopolitical situation. Mena analyzed how the new geopolitical architecture is transforming the rules of play for companies, institutions, and societies, and he highlighted the United States’ leadership in maritime routes, China’s control over critical minerals, and global fragmentation. He underscored the importance of proactive, anticipatory business strategies and cited the increase in military spending in Europe, the energy transition, and the aging of the population as the main risks.

The heart of the meeting was the conversation between Ramon Laguarta (Lic&MBA 86), chairman of the board and CEO of PepsiCo, and Jorge Alcover. Laguarta shared his vision of leadership and business transformation and highlighted discipline, values, and a passion for work and people. He recounted how PepsiCo is adapting its organization to new consumer expectations and a tougher business environment: “Winning in a changing world entails rethinking how we grow: preparing our business model for the future, getting ahead of consumer expectations, and building with a positive impact.”

 

2026 Esade Award: Recognition of leadership with purpose

Next, Ramon Laguarta was given the 2026 Esade Award for a career marked by global business management, adaptation to transforming markets, and a vision of growth that combines innovation, resilience, and positive impact. The award, offered by the alumni community, precisely aims to recognize leadership that is capable of anticipating and responding to the challenges of a constantly changing world.

Jornada Anual Barcelona

 

When he received the award, Laguarta highlighted his personal ties with Esade: “This recognition is very special for me. It closes a circle that began 45 years ago, when I started studying at Esade. I acquired skills and values here that have remained with me and guided me throughout my entire career. I’ll always be deeply grateful to Esade.”

The closing featured Daniel Traça, director general of Esade, who stressed the entire community’s commitment to “Meaningful Impact,” the institution’s mission of promoting a positive transformation in society, businesses and the environment. Traça also announced a range of training options adapted to the times, a greater connection with Barcelona and with Esade Alumni, and a new impetus in the Scholarship Program.

This year’s debate foregrounded adaptation to scenarios of uncertainty, organizational agility, and responsible leadership, reaffirming Esade’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth. To finish off the evening, a social cocktail was held to foster networking and allow participants to reunite with old acquaintances.

Jornada Anual Barcelona
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