With this alliance, Johan Cruyff Institute and Esade Executive Education reaffirm their role as leaders in educating professionals who are ready to face global challenges in the sports industry and make a real impact
Under the title Executive Programme in Sports Strategy & Global Growth, this initiative combines Johan Cruyff Institute’s expertise in sports management with Esade Executive Education’s academic and strategic excellence.
The programme, set to begin in March 2026, will be delivered in a hybrid format, starting with an online phase followed by an intensive in-person module on Esade Executive Education’s campus in Barcelona. Over a total of 54 teaching hours, participants will delve into key aspects of global sports strategy, innovation, sustainability, and international expansion, working with real case studies and analyzing major industry trends.
Designed for sports executives, managers, and former athletes transitioning into the business world, the programme aims to equip participants with the necessary tools to lead sports organizations in an ever-evolving environment. The methodology, based on hands-on learning, includes expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and a final Case Challenge in which teams will present their strategic proposals to a panel of professionals.
Students of the Executive Programme in Sports Strategy & Global Growth will not only gain deep knowledge in strategic decision-making and organizational leadership but will also interact with industry experts, fostering valuable connections that bridge knowledge and practice. Through a dynamic and immersive learning experience, this programme prepares participants to become key players in shaping the future of the sports business.
The faculty includes both academics and active industry professionals, among whom are Ivana Casaburi, academic director of the programme at Esade Executive Education and expert in international strategy, and Victor Jordán, academic director at Johan Cruyff Institute and a leading figure in digital transformation and sports marketing.
Ivana Casaburi is Professor in the Marketing Department at Esade and Academic Director of several custom programs. With over 30 years of experience in higher education, executive training, and strategic consulting, she specializes in internationalization, sustainable growth, and global market entry strategies. Ivana has taught at leading institutions across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, including in Spain, Italy, Chile, Portugal, Bulgaria, China, and Mexico.
Victor Jordán has combined his teaching with innovative projects such as co-designing the first MOOC at Pompeu Fabra University with over 55,000 students, launching the first online Sports Sponsorship program, and developing a MOOC focused on the eSports industry.
Albert Romans, General Manager of Johan Cruyff Institute, highlighted the importance of the agreement between the two institutions: “This collaboration between Johan Cruyff Institute and Esade reinforces both organizations’ commitment to training professionals capable of driving positive change in sport, combining values, innovation, and strategic vision.”
The new executive programme by Johan Cruyff Institute and Esade Executive Education is designed to train the next generation of leaders in the sports industry and prepare them to tackle the sector’s global challenges.
