The assembly was held under the presidency of Daniel Sanchez (Lic&MBA 92), president of the association; Patricia Valentí (MBA 02 / Promociona 17), director of Esade Alumni; Isabel Ferrer (Lic&MBA 95), general secretary of the Board of Directors; and David Cerqueda (Lic&MBA 98), treasurer.
Patricia Valentí started the session by thanking the team and the Board, which has been actively involved in achieving all the goals. She particularly stressed its participation in drafting the Esade Alumni Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027, and she announced that this past October, Esade Alumni was declared a Public Utility Association.
Moving on to outline the main milestones of the academic year 2022-2023, Patricia Valentí highlighted the efforts made by the association to continue nurturing the community with the creation of new cross-sectorial clubs (Consulting and Arbitration), making a total of 24, and two new International Chapters (Prague and Santo Domingo), bringing the total of 74. In addition, the promotion of the Young community through various initiatives organized exclusively for the younger members that create a greater sense of belonging, such as the Final Project Recognitions, the Engagement Plan, the Associates program, and Esade Alumni Young Evenings.
Yet another year, the outstanding results in promoting up-to-date knowledge through social debate, the contribution of mutual value and learning; support for alumni’s personal and professional development with the mentoring program; the extension of entrepreneurship support on an international scale; and the impact projects and initiatives of Alumni Social (Solidarity Hackathon, DoGood App, and Project Together) have been remarkable successes for the Association's direction.
Daniel Sanchez celebrated the fact that the association has been declared a Public Utility Association, which officially recognizes that the mission it promotes is considered of general interest. This status enables it to enjoy certain rights (tax benefits from Law 49/2002, dated December 23, 2002, on the tax system of nonprofit associations and tax incentives for patronage) but also meet certain responsibilities. “This will lead us to open a deep reflection on our economic model, an analysis that we will carry out during this 2024,” he said. He also outlined the cornerstones of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on building a strong emotional tie that fosters a sense of belonging and generates a commitment to the environment and the community. These new cornerstones are enhancing the value proposition, improving communication and technology, strengthening the ties with Esade, and promoting a more sustainable income model. To do so, the flagship projects will be international conferences, social projects, the mentoring program, the class reunions and promotion anniversaries and the evolution of clubs and chapters into communities, and the new agreement between Esade and Esade Alumni.
Esade Alumni closed the academic year 2022-2023, which spans from 9/1/2022 to 8/31/2023, with a positive result of €15,456, with the income divided into 77% from fees and 23% operating income, as well as an adaptation between the costs and income that allows for a balanced budget. The overall income rose 1% over the previous year. As this was a year in which all activities were held in-person, alumni participation increased, which also led to an increase in costs.
Regarding the budgeted income and costs for fiscal year 2023-2024, David Cerqueda explained that things will largely remain the same and will pursue a bottom line of 0 with balanced income and spending. Next, a 4% increase in national fees was approved, following the average inflation rate, making the new ordinary fee €236.
After the approval of the activity report, the accounts, and the management of the Board of Directors in 2022-2023, as well as the budget for 2023-2024, the Board of Directors was partially renewed, pursuant to articles 11 and 12 of the bylaws. The members of the shared candidacy comprised of Jorge Alcover (Lic&MBA 98), María Alegre (Lic&MBA 08), Raúl Díaz- Varela (Lic&MBA 92), Jorge Manent (Lic&MBA 07), and Raimon Tagliavini (Lic&MD 01/MBA 09) were welcomed onto the Board.
Once the presentations were over, it was time for comments and questions, which concluded the assembly.
NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS
Jorge Alcover (Lic&MBA 98)
María Alegre (Lic&MBA 08)
Raúl Díaz-Varela (Lic&MBA 92) - renewal
Jorge Manent (Lic&MBA 07)
Raimon Tagliavini (Lic&MD 01/MBA 09)
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS
Siro Arias (Lic&MBA 04), member
David Cerqueda (Lic&MBA 98), treasurer
Antonio Delgado (Lic&MD 00 / DTI 02), guest member
Isabel Ferrer (Lic&MBA 95), secretary
Olaya García (MBA 01), member representing the Fundación Esade
Miguel Montes (GEMBA 09), member
Laura Ros (Lic&MBA 94 / AMP 16), member
Josep Salvatella (EMBA 04), member
Daniel Sanchez (Lic&MBA 92), president
Rosa María Sanz (AMP 07/ Consejeros 20), member
Javier Valle (Lic&MBA 92), member
Mar Vila (Lic&MBA 93 / PhD 04), guest member
