Guatemala City, October 2, 2024 - INCAE Business School celebrated its 60th anniversary last night with a special event in Guatemala City. The ceremony brought together prominent entrepreneurs, graduates, leaders from the region, members of the National Committee and strategic allies, who gathered to commemorate six decades of transformative impact on education and leadership in Latin America.
The opening remarks were delivered by Danilo Siekavizza, president of the National Committee of INCAE in Guatemala, who emphasized: "During these sixty years, INCAE has built its reputation and recognized success, faithful to its mission of not only training, but transforming entrepreneurs and executives into leaders who contribute to the development of their companies, and who also work with sensitivity and capacity to fulfill the ultimate goal of our mission: to contribute to the integral development of our countries".
Rector Enrique Bolaños then offered a welcoming message in which he said: "INCAE has been a beacon for business education in Latin America for six decades, forging leaders committed to ethics, sustainable development and innovation. Our purpose of transforming lives for a better future of the region continues to guide our every step." He then presented the commemorative video "INCAE 60 years", which highlighted the most important milestones in the history of the institution since its founding in 1964.
During the ceremony, Danilo Siekavizza, Roberto Artavia and Enrique Bolaños presented awards to several very important figures for the institution. Among them, Carmelo Torrebiarte, Edgar Heinemann and Julio Herrera, who were honored for their invaluable legacy and their fundamental role in the history of INCAE. Also recognized were Salvador Biguria and Markus Newvailer, both from MAE I; Markus' recognition was received by his daughter, Bea Newvailer de Torrebiarte.
Additionally, Luis Lara and Ramiro Castillo, from Banco Industrial, were honored for their commitment to the mission of INCAE on this 60th anniversary. Eric Campos, a graduate of INCAE and General Manager of BAC in Guatemala, was also recognized for his active participation in the Community Incaísta both in Guatemala and Costa Rica, where he founded the Association of Graduates. Special recognition was also given to Danilo Siekavizza for his invaluable support and essential contribution to the vision of INCAE in Guatemala.
The keynote address was given by Roberto Artavia, president of the Board of Directors of INCAE, who presented "The global and regional context: challenges and opportunities for Guatemala in 2024". In his talk, he analyzed the economic and social outlook of both the country and the region.
The event concluded with a cocktail reception, creating a space for networking among the nearly 200 attendees who participated in the commemoration. This celebration in Guatemala is part of a series of activities throughout the region to commemorate the 60 years of leadership of INCAE in the formation of responsible leaders committed to the development of Latin America.
In October 1963, the Dean of Harvard Business School, George P. Baker, accepted an invitation to organize and co-sponsor with INCAE a Senior Management Program in Guatemala. In December of the same year, INCAE acquired legal status in the country. In July 1964, the first Senior Management Program (SMP) was held in Antigua Guatemala, with 45 participants, at which the Dean of Harvard delivered the inaugural address. During the graduation of the program on August 8, 1964, the founding act of INCAE was signed, so the relationship of the institution with Guatemala is very important. Currently, dozens of Guatemalans are students at INCAE, either in its executive education or master's degree courses.
