European business schools top ranks of chief executive officer producers. MBA graduates heading companies including BG Group, Banco Santander and Credit Suisse.
Europe’s top MBA programs have produced chief executive officers of the largest public firms in each of the five largest economies on the continent.Companies on the UK’s FTSE 100, France’s CAC 40, Germany’s DAX, Spain’s Ibex 35 and Italy’s FTSE MIB are led by MBA graduates of the business schools INSEAD, HEC Paris and IESE among other top institutions.
INSEAD, which has campuses in France, Singapore and Abu Dhabi, has the most: 12 CEOs of leading public European companies. These include António Horta-Osório of UK lender Lloyd’s Banking Group, Gonzalo Gortázar of Spanish bank CaixaBank, Helge Lund of oil major BG Group, and Tidjane Thiam of the UK insurer Prudential, who moves to Swiss bank Credit Suisse this year.
INSEAD has nearly twice as many top corporate chiefs as its nearest competitor. INSEAD MBA graduates also account for nine CEOs in the Fortune 500 — more than the alumni of top US business schools Stanford, Booth and Kellogg.
Spanish business school IESE counts four of the main Spanish stock index’s 35 companies as being led by alumni, as well as one UK-listed company. These include Rafael Villaseca Marco, who became chief executive of Gas Natural, the Spanish energy group, in 2005.
HEC Paris of France has produced two CEOs of FTSE 100 companies. Pascal Soriot, the chief executive of UK based pharmaceuticals corporation AstraZeneca, is the most notable example.
IE Business School, a leading school in Spain, produced the CEOs of two major Spanish listed companies. And Italy’s Bocconi University counts CEOs at two major Italian companies, Atlantia, a conglomerate, and Pirelli, the Formula 1 tyre maker, as alumni.
The UK’s Cass Business School graduated Muhtar Kent, CEO of beverage group Coca-Cola. Cranfield School of Management has produced two FTSE 100 CEOs, including the chief of British bank Barclays, Antony Jenkins.
US business schools lay claim to many CEOs of top European firms. They are led by Harvard Business School, which has seven CEOs from top European MBA programs. These include Vittorio Colao at telecoms group Vodafone, and Sir Martin Sorrell of WPP, the world’s largest advertising group.
Wharton and Chicago Booth are also notable chief executive producers. Booth boasts several top corporate chiefs including José Antonio Álvarez, who leads Spain’s bank Banco Santander, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, and John Watson at Chevron, the energy major.
Elsewhere, Stanford counts Carlos Brito, CEO of brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev, as alumni; California-Berkeley graduated Joseph Jimenez, who leads pharma group Novartis; and University of Southern California’s Ivan Glasenberg leads Glencore Xstrata, the miner.
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
Unlocking My Potential at City University London
My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.
Rather interesting
The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.
Urban campus life
At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities
