ESC Clermont

ESC Clermont was founded in 1919 by the Clermont-Ferrand Chamber of Commerce and Industry, making it one of France's oldest business schools. The institution was established to provide management education to support the region's economic development, particularly its strong industrial base including the Michelin tire company, which has remained a close partner throughout the school's history. In 1949, ESC Clermont pioneered international business education by establishing its first double degree program with an American university, beginning a tradition of global engagement that continues today. The school became a member of the prestigious "Conférence des Grandes Ecoles" in 1972, recognizing its status as a top-tier French graduate school. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, ESC Clermont expanded its program offerings and strengthened its research capacity. The early 2000s marked a period of significant international development, with the school pursuing and achieving its first international accreditations. In 2005, ESC Clermont earned EFMD accreditation, followed by AACSB accreditation, and later AMBA accreditation for its MBA programs. Notable alumni include François Hollande, former President of France, who received an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from the school. In 2023, the school rebranded as Clermont School of Business to reflect its evolution into a globally recognized institution while maintaining its deep roots in the Auvergne region. Today, the school continues to emphasize innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, with plans to open a new campus on the historic Trudaine site in Clermont-Ferrand.