We head to Barcelona for this edition of our Real Humans: MBA Students to meet some new members of the Esade MBA Class of 2026.
In 2024, 182 students matriculated at Esade, the first Spanish school to earn the three most prestigious accreditations: AACSB International, EQUIS, and AMBA. Thirty-four percent of the new class are women and 98 percent hail from outside Spain, representing 43 different nationalities. During their undergraduate years, 36 percent had majored in business and management. A quarter had pursued engineering studies followed by 12 percent earning degrees in technology. Eight percent reported degrees in the social sciences and seven percent in economics. Following their undergraduate years, Esade MBAs earned an average of six years of work experience before matriculating. Twenty-two percent had worked in financial services and 18 percent in consulting. Fifteen percent came from manufacturing backgrounds and seven percent from FMCG. Another six percent brought experience from the media/entertainment sectors. Regarding the GMAT, Esade MBAs average around a score of 660 while GRE scores for each section lands around 160/162.
Beyond the stats, the Esade MBA Class of 2026 represents a dynamic and diverse group of individuals who bring unique experiences, backgrounds, and aspirations to Barcelona. From industries spanning healthcare and talent development to industrial engineering and entertainment marketing, this cohort exemplifies the global perspective and collaborative spirit that define Esade.
To start, Juan Manuel Toso, an industrial engineer with a passion for professional growth and self-development, brings experience in business development and supply chain management to the new cohort. Inspired by his brother’s positive Esade journey, Juan chose the program for its human-centric approach, robust curriculum, and global reputation. Then, Axel Martinez beings nearly a decade of experience in healthcare business development and a background in environmental impact research. He was drawn to Esade’s entrepreneurial culture and global reputation and looks forward to leveraging the program to innovate in the tech and healthcare sectors. We also hear from Benjamin Young, a U.S. Army veteran and real estate entrepreneur. Benjamin chose Esade for its cultural fit and international exposure. Passionate about asset management, Benjamin hopes to inspire classmates with insights from his military and entrepreneurial background. A fellow American, Carissa Almendarez, brings a rich blend of global marketing experience and a commitment to diversity and inclusion to campus. Having worked for Warner Bros. Discovery, she is eager to align her career with her values by driving meaningful social change through marketing. A mechanical engineer turned technology consultant, Joseph John Thenamkodath is focused on expanding his consulting career in Europe. His international experiences have honed his adaptability and understanding of diverse perspectives, which he looks forward to sharing with his classmates while diving into Esade’s vibrant academic and social opportunities. Finally, Mohammed Hazazi is a talent development specialist with a decade of experience. Mohammed aims to refine his global business strategies at Esade. Drawn to the program’s strong international focus, he looks forward to collaborating with peers and contributing insights on leadership and cultural inclusivity.
Together, these individuals—and their classmates—are embarking on a journey that promises intellectual growth, global exposure, and transformative experiences. Read on for more about their paths to and lives at Esade.
