28.5.2025
On May 24th and 25th, 2025, ESSEC Business School held its traditional Commencement Day at the Philharmonie de Paris, a major venue for music and culture. More than a graduation ceremony, the event marked a time of transition and inspiration for graduates, a moment to close one chapter and open new ones. In today’s dissonant world, this year’s event encouraged boldness, commitment, and cooperation as ways of building harmony.
Inside the warm and solemn acoustics of the Philharmonie, more than 3,000 graduates were honored alongside their families, professors, and many alumni. Over two days and four ceremonies, the program combined music, emotional speeches, shared memories, and forward-looking perspectives.
In his opening address, ESSEC Dean and President Vincenzo Vinzi called on graduates to embrace harmony as a principle for life and leadership. Reflecting on the word “Philharmonie,” he spoke about the need to build unity in a world marked by tension:
“Music, like life, shows us that harmony comes from bringing together dissonance in the right way. It’s a noble task, and I know you are ready to take it on.”
His key message: the world needs leaders who know how to listen, engage in dialogue, and foster cooperation.
Each ceremony highlighted the richness of individual journeys, the diversity of programs, and the commitment of the students. Academic directors joined them on stage to commend their team spirit, adaptability, and ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
A highly anticipated moment, the guest speakers’ addresses brought powerful inspiration and unique perspectives on the world. All ESSEC alumni, these outstanding figures reflect the school’s values and the global reach of its network.
Students from across the different programs also took to the stage and shared their experiences, beliefs, and vision for the future. It was a way to celebrate the diversity of backgrounds and commitments that make the ESSEC community so vibrant, from Executive Education to the Global BBA, including the Master in Management, Specialized Masters, and the PhD program.
Nicolas Hieronimus (E85), CEO of L’Oréal, spoke about leadership, boldness, and staying true to one’s values. He reminded graduates that it’s possible to change the world from within large companies, as long as they keep an entrepreneurial mindset.
Pétronille Ricard (E13), Head of CSR at Celio, encouraged graduates to follow their instincts and values:“Life is full of surprises. Trust your gut, dare to say no, and speak up. Even if your path is unexpected, your energy can make fashion more ethical and sustainable.”
Amal Louis (E17), Development Director at the Port of Marseille, underlined that green transitions are not only about technology, but about committed leadership that can inspire change and transform communities.
Sandra Sancier-Sultan (E93), Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, spoke of her lasting bond with ESSEC and called on graduates to lead organizations and society toward more impact, inclusion, and humanity.
As every year, the ESSEC Foundation highlighted the importance of donations to promote equal opportunity and support students from all backgrounds. Thanks to alumni and their partners, many scholarships have helped students complete their studies at ESSEC.
Marie-Pierre Schickel, Managing Director of ESSEC Alumni, invited the new graduates to stay active in the school’s global network of 74,000 alumni through mentoring, events, and collaboration.
To close the ceremonies, Executive Vice President and Dean of Pre-Experience Programs Aarti Ramaswami reminded graduates that they are now ambassadors of ESSEC values, ready to help build a fairer, more sustainable, and more open world.
Julien Malaurent, Executive Vice President and Dean of Executive Education and Corporate Relations, ended the Executive Education ceremony by stressing that digital transformation is not just about technology, it’s about vision, anticipation, and responsible change.
ESSEC is proud of its new graduates. A new era begins, shaped by commitment, responsibility, and hope. The story continues, together.
