Where both party and entrepreneurial spirits meet: Olivier Crambade (E87), chairman of ESSEC Alumni’s Spain Chapter, gives us his take on the country, and sheds light on the alumni living there.

ESSEC Alumni: Is ESSEC a known entity in Spain? 

Olivier Crambade: We enjoy an outstanding brand image in professional circles. The country’s French high schools, with 21,000 pupils, help to maintain our reputation.

EA: What’s the ESSEC community like in Spain? 

O. Crambade: Spain is currently home to over 140 ESSEC alumni, located primarily in Madrid and Barcelona (which has its own chapter), as well as in other regional capitals like Bilbao, Valencia, and Seville… Their careers are as varied as their ages (from 22 to 70), encompassing everything from analysts to CEOs in almost every business sector, with a particularly strong presence in big luxury brands. 

EA: What opportunities can Spain offer our alumni? 

O. Crambade: France is Spain’s biggest trading partner for both imports and exports. That gives you an idea of how much business takes place between the two countries... Most of the big French companies have a significant footprint in the Iberian Peninsula, which paves the way for alumni looking to move to Spain to find opportunities here, as well as for those looking to settle here after an initial taste of life in the country: that’s 80% of us!

EA: What impact is COVID-19 having on these opportunities? 

O. Crambade: The pandemic has, unfortunately, reduced movement and generated uncertainty with regard to growth, which has slowed down recruitment processes. However, Spain is an extremely dynamic country; I think that the situation will eventually pass and we will see new opportunities arriving in the second half of this year.

EA: What aspects of Spain are particularly appealing to expats? 

O. Crambade: Spain has all the benefits of life in Europe – democracy, the rule of law, quality healthcare and education systems, safety – without relinquishing that Latin lifestyle where priority is given to social and family relationships, all with an attitude of open-mindedness, tolerance, and of course, fiesta. In Spain, problems don’t necessarily lead to conflict, and people are still quite optimistic about the future.

EA: What advice would you give to alumni tempted by the Spanish lifestyle? 

O. Crambade: If you’re working with Spanish entrepreneurs, remember that they are not in any way risk-averse, which makes them agile and effective, but also, sometimes, fragile. Our sacrosanct principle of caution just doesn’t figure in their way of thinking. You should also be prepared to adapt to working hours: mornings at work are from 9am to 2pm, while the afternoon starts at 4pm and can run on until 9pm... and don’t be late for dinner at 10pm.

EA: What is available from Spain Chapter ESSEC Alumni?

O. Crambade: The past year has forced us to limit our interactions to email discussions and meetings in a reduced committee. I do, however, have a surprise in store for the whole community come June... watch this space!

Interview by Veary Ngy, International  Community Manager at ESSEC Alumni, and Louis Armengaud Wurmser (E10), Content Manager at ESSEC Alumni

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