1986
Founded in Geneva
A practical approach to business education
40 years of rethinking business education
40 years of rethinking
business education
Our history
For over 40 years, ESM has challenged traditional approaches to business education. By combining flexibility, innovation, and real-world learning, we’ve helped generations of students turn ambition into opportunity.
The history of ESM
1992
Race « Le lièvre et la tortue »
Already making a difference. ESM students turn learning into action through a fundraising project supporting the Geneva cystic fibrosis association.
1998
MBA francophone
Launch of the first 100% French-language Executive MBA in Switzerland, accredited by ACBSP.
2009
Bachelor Sport-Elite
Launch of a university programme designed for elite athletes preparing for their professional transition.
What we have always believed
Education should be accessible
What has changed
The world around education has changed.
And it’s changing faster than ever. New technologies. New industries. New ways of working.
From AI to global collaboration, the skills people need today look very different from before. And so do the people learning them. Different backgrounds, different goals, different ways of thinking and working.
40 years later, our belief remains unchanged.
Whatever the generation, success begins with the decision to move forward.
— Vivian Charrière, Director General at ESM
Are you ready to take your next step?
Whether you know your direction or are still exploring, we’ll help you move forward.
