The Spanish embassy in Riyadh opened its doors to Esade and Esade Alumni for the most emblematic event of the 2019-20 academic year on 30th October.  

During a networking dinner and drinks, ESADE alumni had the pleasure of meeting Álvaro Iranzo Gutiérrez, ambassador of Spain in Saudi Arabia. Joining all the present at this special event was Koldo Echebarria, director general of ESADE, who introduced ESADE’s mission and internationalization strategy.

Iñaki Ocaña (Lic&MBA 06 / DARH 12), International Relations Director at Esade Alumni, and Olaya Garcia-Lancha (MBA 01), Director, Engagement & Donor Relation’s and Fundraising at Esade, were also there to welcome all the alumni with Ibrahim Khashoggi, Heythem Ben Salem, board members of the Esade Alumni Riyadh Chapter, as well as other alumni living in the Gulf Region.

A powerful alumni community

Koldo Echebarria talked about the changes and challenges in higher education and the strategic priorities of ESADE. Iñaki Ocaña surprised the alumni with an emotional speech about the power of the Esade Alumni community and Ibrahim Khashoggi, greeted everyone, talked about the alumni community in Saudi Arabia and encouraged alumni to keep participating in future meetings.

This was the perfect occasion to make new personal and professional distinguished contacts, while spending a different evening at the Spanish Embassy and enjoying a networking cocktail, courtesy of Ambassador Álvaro Iranzo Gutiérrez, during which typical Spanish products were served.

The Esade Alumni Riyadh Chapter has been operational for years but it is the first time that the Chapter has had the pleasure of participating in such a special event as the official inauguration of the Spanish Embassy.

Since the Esade Alumni community in Saudi Arabia is very powerful, among the attending alumni were various directors of important companies in Saudi Arabia.