INCAE Business School announces that Dr. Camelia Ilie Cardoza, of Spanish nationality and Romanian origin, becomes as of today its tenth President, taking over the reins from Mr. Enrique Bolaños Abaunza, who has held the position since 2015. This appointment represents a transcendental moment for the institution, which for the first time in its 60-year history will be led by a woman.
Dr. Ilie Cardoza is a global citizen, a leader with over 30 years of experience in strategy, innovation and financial management in organizations in Europe, Latin America and the United States. Prior to her appointment as President of INCAE, she served as Dean of Strategy and Institutional Affairs, Dean of Executive Education and Strategic Innovation, Chair of the Center for Inclusive and Sustainable Leadership (CELIS) and full-time professor at the institution.
"For almost a decade, I have had the privilege of leading this extraordinary institution that I am proud to call my Alma Mater. I am certain that Camelia's leadership, along with her experience and strategic vision will ensure that INCAE will continue to positively impact our region," said Enrique Bolaños about his successor.
Camelia Ilie Cardoza commented, "During the period ahead we will focus our collective effort on enhancing our school's mission and consolidating its legacy for the benefit of Latin American societies. To achieve these goals our institution relies on its greatest strength, people: brilliant professors who inspire, ambitious students who make a difference, administrative staff dedicated to generating the best learning experiences, generous donors, loyal graduates and strategic allies who expand our reach and impact."
The operational transfertook place today, January 15. On March 19, in Panama, the transfer ceremony will be held with the presence of members of the Board of Directors, National Committees, Advisory Council, INCAE Foundation, and alumni.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of INCAE, Roberto Artavia Loría, expressed his confidence in the leadership of Dr. Ilie Cardoza stating, "We are deeply grateful to Enrique for a decade where what we have experienced could only be surpassed with his exceptional leadership, and we welcome Camelia, whose experience and strategic vision will be key in guiding INCAE towards an even brighter and more relevant future for our region."
With more than 60 years of experience, INCAE continues to be a benchmark as a leading business school and research center in Latin America. Since its founding, the institution has graduated more than 19,500 professionals and has been consistently recognized as the best business school in the region.
This change in the President represents the beginning of a new chapter, one that promises to continue the legacy of excellence, innovation and transformation that characterizes INCAE Business School.
Trained as an engineer, she holds a doctorate in business administration from Comillas University in Spain. She has worked at institutions such as IE Business School and ESADE Business School, and was a research fellow at the Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University. He regularly writes the column "Perspectives in Time of Change" for the Harvard Review of Latin America.
Under his leadership, the Executive Education area of INCAE was positioned in the Top 25 of the Financial Times world ranking. In addition, he led the creation of INCAE Online, an online education start-up in partnership with Emeritus, which has trained more than 6,500 participants annually from 15 countries.
As an expert in corporate governance, she leads programs that help presidents, CEOs and boards of directors improve their governance systems, manage digital transformation and foster innovation. She has also worked with renowned multinationals such as Banco Santander, Telefónica, PWC and Copa Airlines.
Dr. Ilie Cardoza has been internationally recognized for her impact on business education:
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Media Contact: Trinidad Alvarez. trinidad.alvarez@incae.edu
