Deusto Business SchoolNuestra Historia

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Spain’s only century-old business school

From 1916 to 1986

1916 | Launch of the first courses at the Universidad Comercial de Deusto (Bilbao)

1922 | Foundation of the Association of Economics Graduates of the University of Deusto, an initiative of the first graduates in this career in Spain.

1956 | ESTE, Escuela Superior de Técnicos de Empresas, is created in San Sebastian.

1963 | Creation of INSIDE (Instituto Internacional de Dirección de Empresas), linked to the Universidad Comercial de Deusto (La Comercial), and dedicated to postgraduate executive education.

1967 | Founding of the INSIDE Graduate Association

1971 | LLa Comercial becomes the Faculty of Economics and Business Studies at the University of Deusto. For the first time, the Master's in Business Administration and Management is taught at ESTE, making it the third oldest MBA in Spain.

1973 | he Ministry of Education and Science grants official recognition to the degree awarded by La Comercial. It becomes the first private university in Spain to receive this accreditation.

1979 | ESTE is incorporated into the University of Deusto as the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.

1982 | ESTE launches the International Student Exchange Programme with foreign universities.

1984 | The Bernaola Foundation is established to award scholarships aimed at enhancing the training of both faculty and students through seminars, programmes, and training projects.

1986 | The Ministry of Education and Science officially recognises the degrees awarded by ESTE. Launch of the Doctoral Programme in Economics and Business Administration offered at ESTE.

From 1986 to 2025

1990 | ESTE receives the Erasmus Award for Interuniversity Cooperation from the European Union. Launch of the Master’s in Human Resources Management and the European Management Programme Master’s at La Comercial.

1996 | Establishment of the Alumni Association by a group of ESTE graduates.

1999 | Launching of the ALCE Foundation, associated with ESTE.

2005 | ESTE and the Faculty of Engineering create a joint undergraduate programme in Business Management and Technical Computer Engineering Management.

2008 | Deusto Business School Foundation dedicated to Executive Education.

2009 | La Comercial and ESTE merge to form a single Faculty of Economics and Business Studies with campuses in Bilbao and San Sebastian. New degrees and joint degrees in compliance with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) regulations.

2010 | Deusto Business School expands its scope to cover all teaching activities of the new Faculty (undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral), as well as MBAs, Executive Master’s programmes, and Executive Education.

2011 | Opening of the new Deusto Business School centres in Madrid and San Sebastian for Executive Education, MBAs, in-company training, and postgraduate programmes.

2016 | Deusto Business School celebrates its 100th anniversary.

2021 | Deusto Business School obtains the AACSB and AMBA international accreditations.

2022 | Deusto Business Alumni marks its 100th anniversary. Deusto Business School programmes are featured in international rankings for the first time. 

2024 | Opening of the new Madrid centre on the Arrupe Campus, blessed by the Father General of the Society of Jesus, Arturo Sosa SJ.

Deans of La Comercial

Fr. Chalbaud

His inaugural address emphasised the mission of educating future business leaders with a focus on academic excellence, ethics, and service to society, laying the foundations for the distinctive values of La Comercial.

Fr. Chalbaud

1916-1932

Francisco de Icaza

As President of the Vizcaína Aguirre Foundation, he was a key pillar in ensuring the economic sustainability of La Comercial during his tenure, facing challenges such as the dissolution of the Society of Jesus.

Francisco de Icaza

1932 - 1936

Fr. Bernaola

The Luis Bernaola Foundation bears his name and was established in 1984 by alumni to support the education of undergraduate students. His legacy is highly regarded within the institution.

Fr. Bernaola

1940 - 1941 1942 -1974

P. Ostolaza

During his tenure, he worked to preserve the identity and values of La Comercial, addressing the challenges of its full integration into the University of Deusto.

P. Ostolaza

1974 - 1984

Antonio Freije

With his innovative vision, he expanded the centre’s influence through projects such as INSIDE, taking its methodology to other countries and strengthening its international reputation.

Antonio Freije

1984 - 1990

Fernando Gómez-Bezares

Under his leadership, La Comercial sought to modernise and expand, playing a key role in transforming the institution into a leading business school, enhancing its autonomy and management capacity.

Fernando Gómez-Bezares

1990 - 1996

Susana Rodriguez Vidarte

She was actively involved in efforts to modernise the institution and expand its postgraduate offerings. She was also pivotal in transforming La Comercial into a more competitive business school with a stronger international profile.

Susana Rodriguez Vidarte

1996 - 2009

Deans of ESTE

Saint Elespe

The first Dean of ESTE, he played a key role in improving the quality of teaching. He brought with him an enthusiasm and determination that reflected his dedication and commitment to the institution.

Saint Elespe

1960-1963

Jose Joaquin Paricio

He began his experience at ESTE during the Franco regime, highlighting his efforts to internationalise the university. He was notable for his good relationship with students and his ability to manage challenges.

José Joaquín Paricio

1968 - 1977

Francisco J Olarte

He fostered a dynamic and excellent academic environment, ensuring that ESTE Business School remained at the forefront of higher education in the business field.

Francisco J Olarte

1978 - 1987 1993 - 1998

José María Etxeberria, s.j.

He promoted the internationalisation of the school, highlighting programmes such as Erasmus, and encouraged the use of Basque. He contributed to the creation of forums on corporate social responsibility.

José María Etxeberria, s.j.

1987 - 1992

Víctor Urcelay

He played a key role in the development of ESTE, driving the MBA and ensuring its integration into the University of Deusto. He also facilitated the creation of specialisations with their respective Master’s programmes.

Víctor Urcelay

1999 - 2009

Deans of Deusto Business School

Antonio Yabar

He promoted the integration of La Comercial and ESTE, leading to the creation of Deusto Business School in 2009. His leadership was key in modernising the institution and expanding its reach both nationally and internationally.

Antonio Yabar

2009-2012

Guillermo Dorronsoro

Under his leadership, the School strengthened its international profile, gained major accreditations, and established itself as one of Spain’s leading business schools.

Guillermo Dorronsoro

2012 - 2018

Álvaro de la Rica

Under his leadership, Deusto Business School achieved the international AACSB and AMBA accreditations, and its programmes were ranked internationally for the first time.

Álvaro de la Rica

2018 - 2025

Macarena Cuenca

She is responsible for designing the Deusto Business School Strategic Plan from 2026 onwards.

Macarena Cuenca

2025 -