INSEAD Solidifies Its Global Presence With New Campus in North America

INSEAD has announced the establishment of a new permanent facility in North America with the opening of the INSEAD San Francisco Hub For Business Innovation. Set to be inaugurated in February 2020, the facility will add to INSEAD’s strong global presence, with existing campuses in Europe (Fontainebleau), Asia (Singapore) and Middle East (Abu Dhabi).

Expanding to North America allows INSEAD to bring years of expertise, global insights and perspective that it has gained from decades of working with international executives and global organizations. In its inaugural year, the INSEAD San Francisco facility will offer a selection of executive development programs that are more relevant to the American market from a portfolio of 50+ programs.  

Beginning of a new chapter for INSEAD in North America

Talking about the new facility, INSEAD’S Dean Ilian Mihov, said:

From our origins in postwar Europe, INSEAD has distinguished itself in bringing together diverse people and perspectives to drive learning and build bridges as we develop responsible business leaders. Coming to North America opens an important new chapter in this journey.  We are deeply grateful to our many alumni donors who made possible the transformation of this historic building into a state-of-the-art facility for learning and exchange.

INSEAD’S plans for North America

INSEAD’s San Francisco hub will be led by Isabelle Finger, a former MBA graduate from the class of ‘09. Isabelle’s previous work experience includes working as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Coursera, while also working as a pro bono consultant for Taproot Foundation, an educational NGO, to develop their strategies. At Coursera, Isabelle defined and implemented content strategy for 160+ universities worldwide. Talking about the San Francisco hub in an interview with INSEAD, Isabelle says “offering a physical presence in North America is a key element to build brand awareness and brand recognition in this market”. 

The hub will provide the best-in-class executive education programs, while also facilitating interactions between INSEAD’s global community members and research, cementing the school’s commitment to lifelong learning. The facility will also be providing degree students, program participants, and alumni with the tools and opportunities to be able to make a positive change on business and society.

INSEAD’S push into North America will see them stick to the same values and principles – a desire to learn from but also create a positive impact in their surrounding environment, which has allowed the business school to become a dominant name in the MBA circuit. A closer proximity to the Silicon Valley allows a larger scope for innovation and technology, while also boosting research and providing more learning opportunities for the students and program participants.

A preferred destination for business schools

INSEAD’s expansion to San Francisco comes at a time when a lot of American business schools are opening campuses in the city, including the likes of Wharton, Kellogg, and Babson, who are all providing either executive programs or a semester in the city. San Francisco’s culture of being firmly rooted in tech, venture finance, entrepreneurship and sustainability is an added bonus for universities to provide students with. 

For more information about INSEAD’s San Francisco Hub for Business Innovation, you can head to the website.