A new edition of the REAS series brings top real estate executives to ESCP Madrid, strengthening experiential learning for MSc in Real Estate students.
This semester, the MSc in Real Estate (MRE) students at ESCP Business School had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the industry through a new round of Real Estate Association (REAS) after school events, held at the emblematic Colegio de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos in Madrid. .
Designed as exclusive sessions for MRE students, the REAS series is a cornerstone of ESCP’s learning-by-doing methodology, bringing students closer to the realities of the sector and to the leaders shaping its future. Through direct interaction, students gain first-hand insights into career paths, professional challenges, emerging trends and personal leadership experiences—while strengthening their professional network in an authentic, high-level environment.
“The REAS series reflects our core mission: to bring students as close as possible to the real estate industry while they are still in the classroom. Learning from top executives allows them to understand the strategic complexity of the sector, the leadership behind major decisions, and the career opportunities that lie ahead. These encounters enrich their learning experience and prepare them to step confidently into a highly competitive global market.” - Prof. Jaime Luque, Academic Director of the MSc in Real Estate
A Semester of Insightful Exchanges with Industry Leaders
Dr Íñigo López de la Osa (23 October 2025)
The series opened with Dr Íñigo López de la Osa, CEO of the Monegasque development group López de la Osa & Franco. A prominent figure in southern Europe’s development landscape, he shared his unique trajectory—from physician to leading real estate developer—illustrating how multidisciplinary backgrounds can enrich the industry. Students also gained insights into large-scale projects such as Mareterra, Monaco’s ambitious sea extension development.
Jaime Pascual-Sanchíz (28 October 2025)
Students then met Jaime Pascual-Sanchíz, CEO of Savills Spain & Portugal, one of the world’s top real estate consultancies. With more than two decades at Savills, he offered a forward-looking perspective on the megatrends shaping the global real estate market, while reflecting on the competencies and mindset that will define the next generation of industry leaders.
Ismael Clemente (5 November 2025)
The third event featured Ismael Clemente, CEO of Merlin Properties, the largest REIT in Spain and an Ibex-35 listed company. His session focused on professional discipline, leadership, and the evolution of Merlin’s business strategy—from traditional asset classes to alternative investments such as data centres, a segment where the company is now a key player.
Mitra Ghamsari (3 December 2025)
The semester concluded on 3 December with Mitra Ghamsari, CEO and Principal of Persepolis Investments, who shared insights drawn from her career across real estate, finance and technology. Since founding Persepolis Investments in 2014, she has led value-add rehabilitation and rental management projects between Madrid and New York, establishing the firm as a reference in luxury flipping.
Based in the heart of Madrid, Persepolis focuses on identifying high-potential residential properties and elevating them through thoughtful design, high-quality rehabilitation, and strategic value creation. Before launching her firm, Ms. Ghamsari built a global career in macro and emerging markets investing at Autonomy Capital, Laurion Capital, Bridgewater Associates and Citigroup, following an early professional chapter in the technology sector at Microsoft.
Her session offered students a comprehensive look at how cross-sector expertise and innovative design can transform opportunities in the high-end real estate market.
Bringing Students Closer to the Real World of Real Estate
Through the REAS series, ESCP aims to bridge academic learning with real-world practice, giving students privileged access to conversations with the industry’s most influential decision-makers.
These encounters foster professional growth, sharpen strategic understanding, and reinforce ESCP’s commitment to preparing future leaders ready to navigate an increasingly complex and fast-evolving real estate sector.
“For our students, the REAS events are transformative. They gain first-hand insights into how the industry truly operates and what is expected from future professionals. Beyond the knowledge shared, these sessions create a space for meaningful dialogue and networking with leaders who shape today’s real estate landscape. It is an invaluable opportunity for them to grow personally, broaden their vision, and define their own professional pathway.” - Nicolás Diaz, Executive Director of the Msc in Real Estate.
Relevant Link
Campuses