Gabriel Escarrer, president and CEO of Meliá: winner of the Esade Award

Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Esade Alumni has announced the winner of the 2025 Esade Award: Gabriel Escarrer, president and CEO of Meliá Hotels International. Escarrer will receive the award on the Annual Esade Alumni Day at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya on June 16th, an event attended by former students in the Esade community.

Gabriel Escarrer has been chosen as the winner of this year’s Esade Award in recognition of his ethical and innovative leadership, his commitment to sustainability and business excellence, and his positive impact on society. His ability to consolidate and internationally showcase the legacy of a family business whilst respecting its founding values and pushing ahead with a modern, global transformation, make him truly inspirational. In addition, he has safeguarded and bolstered the value of the family and the entire team as the backbone of his company’s purpose and culture, incorporating this dimension into his strategic decision-making and the company’s long-term vision.

The award will be presented during the 29th Annual Esade Alumni Day when Gabriel Escarrer will share his experience with the former Esade students attending this year’s event entitled “From Legacy to Leadership” with a focus on family firms. Speakers will examine how a family legacy can be transformed into significant leadership whose impact can be felt in both business and personal realms. The ability to adapt without neglecting one’s essence and fundamental values is one of the great lessons that family firms can teach us today. Besides the award winner, participants will include Daniel Sánchez, president of Esade Alumni; Daniel Traça, Esade director general; María José Parada, director and professor in the Esade Department of Strategy and General Management and expert in family firms; and Dimo Ringov, professor in the Esade Department of Strategy and General Management.