Anna Xicoy, new president of the Esade Foundation Board of Trustees

Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Anna Xicoy was appointed by the Society of Jesus as the new president of the Esade Foundation Board of Trustees, succeeding Jaume Guardiola. Guardiola has presided over the board since 2021, contributing to the consolidation of the school in a context of major global transformations.

Anna Xicoy is the first woman to assume the presidency of the Esade Foundation's Board of Trustees. 'It is an honor to assume this responsibility at a time when purposeful education and leadership are more necessary than ever. I am convinced of the importance of continuing to educate people who are committed, compassionate, aware and competent, in order to build a fairer world. I will work to ensure that this institution remains firmly grounded in the Jesuit educational tradition, which has a recognized history spanning almost 500 years. I will continue to strengthen Esade-URL's membership of UNIJES (Jesuit Universities) and IAJU (International Association of Jesuit Universities). I am committed to aligning Esade-URL's educational mission with that of the Society of Jesus, and to maximising its positive transformative impact in the service of the common good," said the new president of the Board of Trustees.

During Jaume Guardiola's presidency, Esade-URL has achieved several significant milestones, including the Financial Times recognizing its Full-Time MBA as the eighth best in the world and the fifth best in Europe, the recent opening of a new campus in Madrid, and its firm commitment to the application of technology in management, as evidenced by the launch of the Bachelor's degree in Business and Artificial Intelligence. In recent years, Esade-URL has strengthened its attraction of global talent — 38.6% of its student body is international — and its commitment to socioeconomic diversity. Last year, it allocated five million euros to its scholarship program, benefiting 295 young students. Reinforcing the institution's international focus, in September 2024, Daniel Traça was appointed as the new Director General. A leader with a strong global profile, an extensive background in higher education, and a commitment to the school's values, he is well placed to lead Esade-URL into the future.

Jaume Guardiola noted, 'Chairing Esade-URL's Board of Trustees in such a complex period has required the broad outlook that I have always advocated. Digital acceleration and growing global tensions require academic institutions to be highly adaptable in order to respond to new trends and market demands. Esade-URL has led this transformation through academic innovation and by reinforcing its commitment to social impact. I am proud to have contributed to the school's progress."