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James Costos Joins IE University as Chairman of Global Senior Fellows Initiative

IE University is pleased to announce that James Costos, former United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, will serve as Chairman of the Global Senior Fellows Initiative.

The first of its kind in Europe, the initiative is designed for seasoned business, government, and social leaders with more than 25 years experience who want to continue taking on professional and personal challenges.

“There is an incredible opportunity with IE’s Global Senior Fellows Initiative to mobilize an experienced segment of society – individuals over 50 who have knowledge to share, years of productivity ahead, and are ready to make a positive and lasting impact on the world,” said Costos.  “To begin with, I will help with the design of the initiative and focus on ensuring the right mix of global participants. It will be a pleasure to help them discover and succeed in this next stage of their lives.”

James Costos served as the United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 2013-2017, appointed by President Barak Obama. During his tenure he focused on strengthening the link between the United States and Spain by fostering entrepreneurship and community engagement. Prior to his diplomatic career, Costos was an executive in the entertainment and retail industries, including HBO and Tod’s.

“During his tenure as Ambassador, James Costos became known as someone who can bring together people from seemingly different industries, backgrounds, and cultures to create an ecosystem that emphasizes awareness and benefits everyone,” said IE University President Santiago Iñiguez. “It is his innovative and entrepreneurial style which is so befitting of IE and our new Global Senior Fellows Initiative, because each one of our participants are looking not only to expand their personal knowledge but to give back to society in some way.”

Fellows will contextualize their existing knowhow and network with a humanistic approach, renew their sense of purpose, and build a plan to pursue the next phase of their personal and professional life. The program is slated to begin in the 2018-19 academic year.

“The Senior Fellows Initiative is for global people with a global mindset, for leaders who are looking for a catalyst that will help them redesign the next state of their lives.” said Teresa Martin-Retortillo, Executive President of IE Exponential Learning. “Learning should not be confined to the first half of our lives, especially now that we are living longer.”

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