ESCP Business School London has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2025.

The THE Awards are often referred to as the “Oscars of higher education”.

Based on the School’s achievements during the 2023/24 academic year, ESCP has been recognised for its achievements in innovation, sustainability, and teaching excellence, receiving nominations for Outstanding Estates Team and Most Innovative Teacher of the Year. 

 

To be shortlisted across two categories at the THE Awards is a proud moment for our School. These nominations reflect our commitment to excellence in every area, from teaching and research, to sustainability, facilities, and community impact. They showcase the hard work of our staff, students, and partners, and the unique role ESCP plays as a global business school with strong local roots in London.

Prof. Kamran Razmdoost, Dean of ESCP Business School LondonProf. Kamran Razmdoost
Dean of ESCP Business School London
Photo: Prof. Marie Taillard, nominated for Most Innovative Teacher of the Year

 

Most Innovative Teacher of the Year

Dr Marie Taillard, L’Oréal Professor of Creativity Marketing and Interim Dean of ESCP London Campus, has been shortlisted for her innovative, student-focused “Not By The Book” teaching methodology, which combines creativity, practical experience, and industry collaboration.

As founder of ESCP’s MSc in Marketing & Creativity, she has inspired hundreds of students to embrace bold ideas, challenge conventions, and launch careers with leading brands such as L’Oréal, Chanel, and Saint Laurent.

Her teaching approach includes:

  • Hands-on learning projects with leading global brands, giving students real-world experience \
  • Innovative assessment methods, replacing traditional exams with client presentations, group projects, and reflective work
  • Supportive, coaching-based teaching, encouraging students to challenge conventions and develop bold, strategic ideas

The approach ensures courses remain relevant and continuously improve through student feedback and industry input, preparing students to thrive as future-ready, innovative marketers.

 

We are grateful that our unique “Not by the Book” teaching approach is being recognised in this way: it is one of the main reasons students choose our programme. Working with companies on strategic issues is an invaluable opportunity for students to learn new skills, to build their confidence and to experience the excitement that comes from real-life creative problem-solving. For companies, the value comes from exposure to new talent and the very fresh innovative thinking from students with highly diverse backgrounds and experiences. On our end, the process feeds right into our curriculum, challenging us to keep our course content relevant and cutting edge. All in all, it is a highly effective virtuous cycle.

Marie Taillard, L’Oréal Professor of Creativity Marketing and Dean of ESCP London Campus (interim)Marie Taillard
L’Oréal Professor of Creativity Marketing and Dean of ESCP London Campus (interim)
Photo: Members of the ESCP Student Wing Design Team at the opening of the new student wing

 

Outstanding Estates Team

The Estates Team has been shortlisted for successfully launching the first phase of its 10-year Estates Masterplan, which is transforming ESCP’s historic Finchley Road campus into a sustainable and flexible learning environment.

Highlights include:

  • Student wing refurbishment with new study spaces, meeting rooms, and collaboration areas
  • Dedicated space for the Blue Factory, ESCP’s European start-up incubator
  • Executive wing refit, creating modern executive education offices, HR facilities, and staff amenities
  • Flexible classrooms and library upgrades, enhancing teaching and study capacity while preserving the building’s historic character

The project also puts sustainability at its core, with greener building materials, full LED lighting, and measures to protect local biodiversity, from bees to bats. By rethinking how space is used, the School has been able to create more than 120 extra study places each week and introduce innovative, low-carbon facilities.

Student numbers have more than tripled over the past decade from 350 in 2012 to over 1,200 in 2024, and these developments ensure the campus continues to grow in a sustainable and student-focused way.

 

This nomination is a tribute to ESCP’s students, whose indefectible support has inspired us to push the boundaries of our historic campus and think outside of our “site box”. With the support of our entire community, we have found creative and sustainable ways to improve what is ultimately their space. This recognition is a result of all our students, staff and wider community working together as ESCP continues to grow in the UK.

Sophie Bertrand, UK Director of Estate and Operations at ESCP Business SchoolSophie Bertrand
UK Director of Estate and Operations at ESCP Business School

Now in their 21st year , the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards celebrate excellence across the UK and Irish sectors. This year’s awards feature 21 categories and attracted more than 500 entries from over 120 institutions. The winners of the 2025 THE Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, 13th November at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

 

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