ESCP Business School

Founded in Paris on December 1, 1819, ESCP Business School is the world's oldest business school. What began as a single campus in the French capital has grown into a multi-country institution with locations in Paris, Berlin, London, Madrid, Turin, and Warsaw. The school's full name, École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris, reflects its French origins, but its footprint is distinctly European, offering students a truly international education.

The school offers a wide range of programs, from bachelor's degrees and MBAs to executive education and PhDs. Its flagship offerings include a Master in Management, which consistently ranks among the best in Europe, and an Executive MBA that attracts seasoned professionals. With a strong emphasis on multicultural learning, ESCP requires students to study across multiple campuses, giving them firsthand experience in different business cultures. The school's alumni network spans the globe, with graduates holding leadership positions in major corporations, startups, and public institutions.

ESCP operates as a non-profit grande école under the governance of the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry and holds the prestigious triple crown of accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Its motto, "The world is our campus," captures the school's unique approach to business education, blending rigorous academics with real-world exposure across Europe. [edit]

ESCP's mission is to educate purpose-driven leaders who can navigate the complexities of a globalized world. The school emphasizes European multiculturalism, responsible leadership, and a deep understanding of diverse cultural, economic, and regulatory environments. Its educational philosophy is built on the conviction that tomorrow's business leaders must be open to the world and grounded in ethical responsibility, preparing graduates to make a positive impact in business and society. [edit]

ESCP was founded on December 1, 1819, by Vital Roux, a businessman and legal expert, and Jean-Baptiste Say, the renowned classical economist known for Say's Law. The school was created to provide formal business education at a time when commerce was typically learned through apprenticeship. Say's liberal economic ideas shaped the curriculum, emphasizing practical, scientifically grounded training.

For over a century, ESCP operated as a single Parisian institution, building a reputation as a leading French grande école. In 1973, it opened its first international campus in London, pioneering the multi-campus model that would define its identity. Over the following decades, campuses were added in Berlin, Madrid, Turin, and Warsaw, creating the current six-campus structure across five countries.

In 2011, the school rebranded from ESCP Europe to ESCP Business School, though its legal name remains École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris. The leadership transitioned in 2024, with Professor Léon Laulusa serving as Executive President and Dean, and in August 2026, Professor Thomas Jeanjean assumed the role, tasked with executing the "Bold & United" strategic plan. [edit]