Joan Vicens Sard

Associate Partner

Paris, France11 yrs experience
Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

  • Led international campus expansions in Spain and Luxembourg.
  • Built ESSCA's Executive Education division from scratch.
  • Fluent in multiple languages, enhancing multicultural collaboration.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Higher Education and International Business Development expert.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

International Business DevelopmentHigher Education AdministrationBusiness DevelopmentInternational RelationsEconomic HistoryCultural ExchangeFdiMarket ExpansionEconomic PolicyAcademic PublishingEditorial DevelopmentCustomer RelationsExecutive EducationInternational RecruitmentMarketing & OutreachLanguage EducationCross-cultural CommunicationEditorial StrategyResearch & Analysis

Other Skills

Academic AdvisingAdministrationAsian StudiesAsian economyBloggingBusiness EnglishChinese Foreign PolicyChinese HistoryChinese PoliticsChinese cultureCollege RecruitingComparative PoliticsCreative WritingCritical ThinkingCultural Awareness

About

Global higher education and business development professional with a track record of leading internationalization strategies, market expansion, and FDI projects across Europe and Asia. Currently serving as Associate Director for International Development at ESSCA School of Management, I specialize in campus expansion, executive education, international partnerships, and digital marketing. Over the years, I have: · Led the launch of ESSCA’s Spain and Luxembourg campuses, overseeing setup, operations, and long-term strategy. · Managed four international campuses and a team of 20+. · Built ESSCA’s International Executive Education division from the ground up, driving business growth and forging corporate partnerships. · Led international student recruitment, admissions, and digital marketing, leveraging analytics to enhance performance. · Facilitated high-impact FDI projects from Hong Kong, leading to over 100+ new hires in key industries like video-gaming, automotive, semiconductors, IT, life sciences, and PropTech. · Taught at top universities (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, FAU) in international business, transpacific trade, and economic history. · Worked in academic publishing, fostering relationships with global scholars in Asian Studies. Fluent in English, Spanish, Catalan, or Italian, and intermediate fluency in French and Mandarin, I thrive in multicultural environments and excel at bridging the gap between higher education, business, and government institutions. My expertise spans global strategy, international operations, digital transformation in education, and cross-border investment promotion. Always open to new collaborations in higher education strategy, global business development, and executive education programs. Let’s connect!

Experience

La vanguardia

Book Reviewer with Expertise on International Relations and Asia-Pacific Studies

Feb 2023Mar 2023 · 1 mo

  • · Reviewed works on Taiwan’s political and economic landscape, cross-strait relations, and regional trade.
  • · Analyzed publications on transpacific trade, economic history, and cultural exchange, providing critical insights for academic and professional audiences.
  • · Focused on geopolitical strategy, industrial policy, and Asia-Pacific market dynamics.
  • Key areas: Taiwan Studies, Economic History, Transpacific Trade, Geopolitics, International Business, Cultural Exchange
Cultural AwarenessInternational EconomicsWorld HistoryBusiness EnglishEducationInternational Relations+1

Essca

Associate Director for International Development

Jun 2022Present · 3 yrs 9 mos · On-site

  • · Campus Expansion & Market Entry: Led the launch of ESSCA’s campuses in Spain and Luxembourg, overseeing setup, operations, and strategic growth.
  • · Leadership & Strategy: Served as Interim Director of International Operations for seven months, managing a team of 20+, including four international campuses (Shanghai, Malaga, Budapest, and Luxembourg), international marketing and recruitment, and other global initiatives.
  • · Executive Education & Business Development: Built ESSCA’s International Executive Education division from the ground up, developing custom programs for global executives and forging corporate partnerships.
  • · Marketing & Digital Strategy: Currently Interim International Marketing Director, leading a digital team of four, implementing analytics, and enhancing global student recruitment.
  • Key Areas: Internationalization, Market Expansion, Business Development, Higher Education Strategy, Executive Education, Institutional Partnerships, Digital Marketing.
International BusinessInternational Business DevelopmentInternet RecruitingHigher Education AdministrationCultural AwarenessDiplomacy+18

La vanguardia

Book Reviewer with Expertise on China and International Relations

Mar 2021Apr 2021 · 1 mo

  • · Reviewed publications on China’s economic history, industrial policy, and global trade strategy.
  • · Provided critical analysis of China’s foreign investment trends, Belt and Road Initiative, and regulatory landscape.
  • · Examined works on geopolitics, market expansion, and China’s role in global economic shifts.
  • Key areas: China Studies, Economic Policy, FDI, Trade & Investment, Belt and Road, Industrial Strategy, Global Markets
Chinese Foreign PolicyCultural AwarenessChinese HistoryChinese PoliticsInternational EconomicsWorld History+5

Universitat pompeu fabra - barcelona

Associate Professor

Jan 2021Sep 2023 · 2 yrs 8 mos · Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

  • · Global Trade & Economic History – Transpacific trade, Belt and Road Initiative, China’s economic development.
  • · International Relations & Policy – China’s foreign policy, geopolitical strategy, cross-border investment.
  • · Cultural & Historical Perspectives – Transpacific narratives, global economic history, Asia-Pacific influence.
  • Key areas: Global Trade, Economic History, International Relations, Foreign Policy, FDI, Business & Market Strategy, Asia-Pacific Studies
Higher Education AdministrationCultural AwarenessInterpersonal SkillsInternational EconomicsHigher Education LeadershipWorld History+4

Acció

General Manager / Investment Promotion (South China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan)

Jan 2020Dec 2022 · 2 yrs 11 mos · Hong Kong

  • · Expert in China’s business landscape, industrial policy, and innovation ecosystem.
  • · Conducted in-depth analysis of China’s Outbound Direct Investment (ODI)—trends, sectoral shifts, and strategic developments.
  • · Sector focus: Logistics, ICT, Automation, Automotive, Life Sciences.
  • · Advised on business development and market entry strategies for Southern European companies expanding into China.
  • · Built and managed international partnerships, stakeholder relations, and investment networks.
  • Key areas: FDI, Market Expansion, Industrial Strategy, Innovation, Asia-Europe Trade, Business Development
International BusinessProject ManagementInternational Business DevelopmentCultural AwarenessDiplomacyInternational Development+8

The university of hong kong

Acquisitions Editor

Feb 2019Dec 2019 · 10 mos · Hong Kong

  • · Acquired and developed academic manuscripts in History, Humanities, and Social Sciences, with a focus on East and Southeast Asia.
  • · Managed the peer review, editorial development, and publishing process to ensure high scholarly standards.
  • · Built and maintained high-level relationships with leading scholars in Asian Studies, fostering partnerships for future publications.
  • · Provided strategic support to the publisher, contributing to editorial direction, market positioning, and content development.
  • Key areas: Acquisitions, Academic Publishing, Editorial Development, Peer Review, Asian Studies, Manuscript Evaluation, Author Relations, Publishing Strategy
Asian StudiesInternational Business DevelopmentHigher Education AdministrationCultural AwarenessInternational EconomicsHigher Education Leadership+6

The chinese university of hong kong

2 roles

International Marketing and Recruitment (MBA Department)

Oct 2018Feb 2019 · 4 mos · Hong Kong

  • · Managed customer relations for young and mid-career professionals, enhancing engagement and retention.
  • · Led marketing, outreach, and partnership-building initiatives to expand program visibility and industry connections.
  • · Developed strategies for executive education growth, fostering relationships with corporate and institutional partners.
  • Key areas: Customer Relations, Executive Education, Marketing Strategy, Corporate Partnerships, Outreach, Business Development
International BusinessInternational Business DevelopmentHigher Education AdministrationCultural AwarenessInterpersonal SkillsHigher Education Recruitment+11

China Studies Programme Executive

Jul 2016Jun 2018 · 1 yr 11 mos · Hong Kong

  • · Led international student recruitment across 30+ countries over two academic years, expanding global enrollment.
  • · Managed marketing and outreach strategies, enhancing the center’s international presence.
  • · Built and maintained institutional partnerships to support academic collaboration and student mobility.
  • Key areas: International Recruitment, Marketing & Outreach, Higher Education Strategy, Global Partnerships, Student Mobility, China Studies
International BusinessInternational Business DevelopmentInternational SalesHigher Education AdministrationCultural AwarenessInterpersonal Skills+12

Kaifeng senior high school

Teacher of Foreign Languages

Feb 2015Jun 2016 · 1 yr 4 mos · Kaifeng, Henan, China

  • · Taught Spanish and English to students from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural exchange and global perspectives.
  • · Designed and developed custom teaching materials, adapting to linguistic and cultural nuances to enhance learning.
  • · Delivered student-centered, immersive lessons, combining language acquisition with real-world applications.
  • · Gained firsthand experience in China's educational system and local culture, shaping a deep understanding of language learning in an international context.
  • Key areas: Language Education, Cross-Cultural Communication, Curriculum Development, Immersive Learning, International Teaching Experience
Cultural AwarenessEnglish as a Second Language (ESL)International EconomicsHigher Education LeadershipEducationLanguage Education+1

Casa asia

Internship

Sep 2013Dec 2013 · 3 mos · Barcelona Area, Spain

  • Conceptualized, wrote, and edited the Observatorio Iberoamericano de Asia-Pacífico Newsletter, elevating its content to the standard of leading international affairs publications.
  • Researched and analyzed geopolitical, economic, and cultural trends in the Asia-Pacific and Ibero-American regions to produce insightful, well-curated content.
  • Assisted in event planning and coordination, supporting discussions on international relations and cross-regional cooperation.
  • Key areas: Editorial Strategy, International Affairs, Research & Analysis, Content Development, Event Coordination, Asia-Pacific Studies
International Business DevelopmentCultural AwarenessGeopoliticsInternational DevelopmentInternational EconomicsGlobal Economics+8

Oozebap

Volunteer

Jul 2013Nov 2013 · 4 mos · Barcelona Area, Spain

  • · Translated works by African scholars into European languages, making key perspectives accessible to a broader audience.
  • · Focused on topics including African history, philosophy, and social movements, ensuring accurate and culturally sensitive translations.
  • · Contributed to the dissemination of underrepresented voices in global academic and intellectual discourse.
  • Key areas: Translation, African Studies, Intercultural Communication, Knowledge Dissemination, Social Movements
Cultural AwarenessInternational Economics

Generalitat de catalunya

Internship

Jul 2013Aug 2013 · 1 mo · Barcelona Area, Spain

  • · Conducted research on the global economy and international affairs to support diplomatic and trade initiatives.
  • · Assisted in the planning and coordination of official trips for the President of the Generalitat, including high-level delegations to India and Israel.
  • · Contributed to agenda-setting, stakeholder mapping, and briefing materials for international engagements.
  • Key areas: International Affairs, Economic Diplomacy, Government Relations, Strategic Planning, High-Level Delegations
Cultural AwarenessIndiaPolicy AnalysisIsraelInstitutional Relations

Global asia

Internship

Oct 2012Dec 2012 · 2 mos · Barcelona Area, Spain

  • · Edited and refined articles on China’s economy, politics, and global influence, ensuring clarity, depth, and analytical rigor.
  • · Adapted content for digital platforms, optimizing readability, engagement, and audience reach.
  • · Worked with contributors to enhance the impact of their analyses on China’s role in global affairs.
  • Key areas: Editorial Strategy, Digital Publishing, International Affairs, China Studies, Content Optimization
Cultural AwarenessPolicy Analysis

Friedrich alexander university erlangen-n

Spanish Lecturer

Apr 2012Jul 2012 · 3 mos · Nürnberg Area, Germany

  • · Taught undergraduate and graduate courses on Spanish business, economy, and culture, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of Spain’s economic landscape and social dynamics.
  • · Designed and delivered Spanish-language instruction, integrating real-world case studies and cross-cultural analysis.
  • · Guided students in exploring Spain’s role in global trade, investment, and economic policy.
  • Key areas: Business & Economic History, Spanish Economy, Cross-Cultural Studies, Higher Education, International Trade
Cultural AwarenessTeaching Spanish as foreign language

Telefónica learning services

Formador

Nov 2010Dec 2010 · 1 mo · Palma, Mallorca

  • · Assisted unemployed professionals in navigating Spain’s labor market, providing guidance on training, upskilling, and job search strategies.
  • · Supported initiatives in digital transformation and workforce adaptation, helping individuals develop relevant skills for evolving industries.
  • · Worked on education and employability programs, connecting participants with resources to enhance career opportunities.
  • Key areas: Workforce Development, Digital Transformation, Career Coaching, Adult Education, Employability Programs

Bbva

Bank Teller

Jul 2008Aug 2008 · 1 mo · Cala Ratjada, Mallorca

  • · Processed daily transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, and account inquiries, ensuring accuracy and customer satisfaction.
  • · Assisted clients with basic financial services, providing guidance on accounts, loans, and banking products.
  • · Managed cash handling and reconciliation, maintaining compliance with security and regulatory standards.
  • Key areas: Customer Service, Cash Handling, Financial Transactions, Banking Operations, Client Assistance

Education

Universitat Pompeu Fabra

MA in Chinese Studies — Pacific Area/Pacific Rim Studies

Jan 2013Jan 2014

Macquarie University

MA in International Relations

Universitat de Barcelona

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Exchange Student at the Centre for China Studies — China Studies

Jan 2014Jan 2014

Universitat Pompeu Fabra

Postgraduate degree on African Societies and Development

Jan 2013Jan 2013

Luiss Business School

DBA — Higher Education Management and Leadership

Oct 2025Jul 2028

Stackforce found 100+ more professionals with International Business Development & Higher Education Administration

Explore similar profiles based on matching skills and experience