Also attending the Madrid event was Dean of Comillas Pontifical University, Julio Luis Martinez; the Director of the ICAI Engineering School, Mariano Ventosa; the Director of the ICADE Business School, Robert Andrew Robinson.The University of Strathclyde, in partnership with Iberdrola and Comillas Pontifical University in Spain, has now launched an MBA specialising in the global energy industry which was first announced last year.
The initiative which aims to provide the sector's future professionals with the training they need was launched in Madrid this month, attended by Jillian MacBryde, Vice Dean of Strathclyde Business School, and Alexander Wilson, Head of Executive Education at the University.
The bespoke MBA was first announced last year with First Minister Alex Salmond visiting Spain to meet with Iberdrola chairman Ignacio Galan. The formal launch means that energy experts from around the world will now begin the qualification at Strathclyde Business School.
Professor Susan Hart, Executive Dean of Strathclyde Business School, said, "The University of Strathclyde is playing a pivotal role in collaborating with businesses to tackle technical obstacles and leadership challenges associated with delivering developments in the global energy industry.
"This innovative programme brings together expertise from across engineering and business disciplines, across national boundaries and helps to bridge the gap between academia and business.
"The bespoke programme will hone the knowledge and skills of energy professionals to deliver higher levels of competitiveness to Iberdrola in a sector vital to the global economy and sustainability."
Also attending the Madrid event was Dean of Comillas Pontifical University, Julio Luis Martinez; the Director of the ICAI Engineering School, Mariano Ventosa; the Director of the ICADE Business School, Robert Andrew Robinson.
Iberdrola was represented by the company's Director of Corporate Resources, Fernando Becker; the group's Director of Human Resources, Ramón Castresana; and the Director of Human Resources at Scottish Power, Sheila Duncan.
Mr Becker said, "There is no greater investment than education and skills development. It is essential to provide employees with the training they need to meet the challenges, and opportunities, that our industry faces at a global scale".
This Master's degree (which takes two and a half years to complete) combines usual MBA subjects with an energy-sector specific curriculum. The programme is accredited by both academic institutions. A total of 27 students with managerial potential from Spain, the UK, the US, Mexico and Brazil will enrol for the course.
The MBA will be taught at Strathclyde Business School and Comillas (Spain), with an innovative and practical curriculum and the participation of managers from Iberdrola Group. The aim of this MBA is to develop managerial and leadership skills relevant to the energy industry's global context and the specific goals of the Iberdrola Group, a company with an important international profile ranking among the world's main utilities.
The launch of the MBA follows the University of Strathclyde being named UK University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards. Judges described Strathclyde as a "bold, imaginative and innovative institution" and praised the close links with business and industry and the commitment to making an impact on the global economy.
Strathclyde Business School has offered an MBA programme since 1966, and now offers full time, part time and flexible learning options, as well as a number of bespoke MBA programmes for corporate clients.