Meet the EDHEC Global MBA’s Class of 2026 | EDHEC Business School
With its signature diverse and international cohort, bold ambitions, and contagious energy, the EDHEC Global MBA's Class of 2026 got off the mark in Nice at the beginning of September.
A transformative new chapter begins
At the beginning of September, EDHEC Business School welcomed the Global MBA Class of 2026 to its Nice campus, marking the start of what promises to be an intense and transformative journey. Each of the intake’s 62 students brings a distinctive professional background and ambitious outlook, united by the shared goal of shaping their future leadership in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Programme Director Sandra Richez set the tone in her welcome remarks.
“This is always a special day for us at EDHEC. Each cohort reflects the world in miniature, and this year we are proud to see not only exceptional diversity of nationality, gender, and professional background, but also a strong collective ambition to make a difference through business. The next ten months will be challenging, but the bonds you form and the perspectives you gain will last a lifetime.”
Representing 25 nationalities, the cohort is 94% international, with participants coming from North America (31%), South Asia (23%), Europe (19%), Asia Pacific (13%), Latin America (10%), and the Middle East & Africa (8%). The class brings together a near-even gender balance, with 53% women and 47% men, and an average age of 32, along with an average of 9 years’ professional experience.
With strong representation from the USA, India, China, Canada, France, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Indonesia, Russia and beyond, the Class of 2026 embodies the diversity and perspectives that define the EDHEC Global MBA.
Seasoned professionals, new horizons
For Francesco Mastrandrea, an Italian finance professional with a background in corporate development and strategy, the appeal was clear: “The Global MBA will allow me to strengthen my foundation by providing international exposure, enhancing my leadership through hands-on projects, and connecting me with a diverse professional network that will support my growth.”
That combination of diversity and purpose drew Melba Melton, a Washington, D.C.-based attorney aiming to pivot into the luxury and beauty sector. “EDHEC’s Global MBA stood out to me for its diversity, its 10-month structure, and its focus on leadership and sustainability. The personalised support I received during the admissions process made me feel even more confident in my decision.”
For Kartika Susanti, an Indonesian public affairs leader with nearly two decades of experience, EDHEC’s mission resonated strongly. “When I first read about EDHEC’s reason of existence, which is a desire to make positive impact on the world, I resonated strongly with this. In each of my career journeys, my main consideration has always been: how is this role making an impact? I feel aligned with this purpose of EDHEC.”
French entrepreneur Yann Djobet, who previously ran a renewable energy business, highlighted the entrepreneurial and international dimensions of the programme. “The size and diversity of the cohort really surprised me. We are 62 students with more than 25 nationalities represented, each bringing a different background. That makes for a unique learning experience and new global perspectives.”
Guidance from the Global MBA Community
As part of the welcome, Nikitas Zafeirakis, part of a cadre of GMBA alumni who shared his impressions and advice.
“My first impression of this class was one of great energy and diversity. What stood out most were their openness, ambition, and the sense that each person is driven not only to advance their own career, but also to make a broader impact.”
He encouraged the students to embrace the experience fully: “The GMBA year is full of opportunities—academic, professional, and personal—and the key is to grasp every single one of them. It will pass incredibly quickly, so make the most of it, not only in terms of learning but also in building genuine friendships and networks that will last well beyond graduation.”
The opening day also featured remarks from Dr Ghassan Paul Yacoub, Academic Director of the Global MBA, who underlined the programme’s balance between rigorous foundations and forward-looking themes.
“The strength of this programme lies in its ability to bring together diverse professional experiences and align them with rigorous academic content. Our role is to challenge you, but also to give you the tools and frameworks to lead responsibly in complex environments. This year, we will continue to integrate themes of sustainability, AI, and innovation across the curriculum.”
Beyond the curriculum, the Global MBA is about forging a community of ambitious professionals eager to learn from one another.
The Class of 2026 is proving itself rife with the potential of blooming into a network that blends backgrounds, geographies, and perspectives—an incubator for leaders committed to making an impact.
The first days in Nice was just the beginning of a demanding but rewarding journey. With diverse ambitions, seasoned faculty, and a collaborative spirit, the cohort is well-positioned to make its mark in the months ahead.
Will you be part of our next cohort?
Explore the EDHEC Global MBA programme and embark on a journey towards unparalleled opportunities and transformative experiences.
