IE University in Madrid has seen significant leadership changes: Manuel Muñiz has been appointed as the new rector. Previously, he held the position of provost at the same university and earlier led the IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs. Muñiz will now combine his duties as rector of IE University with his role as chairman of the board at IE New York College in the United States.
Muñiz is known as an experienced scholar and administrator. He earned his doctorate in international relations from Oxford and holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard. His track record includes managing the Transatlantic Relations program at Harvard and serving as president of APSIA, the association of leading schools in politics and global affairs. He is also a member of the Royal European Academy of Doctors and has received several prestigious awards, including the Rockefeller Fellowship and the Eisenhower Fellowship.
In addition to his academic work, Muñiz has participated in governmental affairs. In 2020–2021, he served as Secretary of State at Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the government of Pedro Sánchez.
Strategy and Priorities
In his new role, Muñiz plans to focus on expanding the university’s international reach and developing its strategic directions. Top priorities include strengthening academic standards, supporting research projects, and increasing faculty growth. The university’s leadership notes that these steps should further enhance and solidify IE University’s standing on the global educational stage.
Muñiz himself emphasizes that his goal is to promote positive change through science, education, and innovation. He expresses gratitude to his colleagues and university leadership for their support and highlights the importance of international experience in implementing key projects.
Team and structure
No significant changes are expected in IE University’s management team. Juan Santaló will continue as Vice-Rector for Faculty and Research, overseeing academic strategy and scientific activity. He will report directly to the new rector.
Salvador Carmona will remain the rector of IE University’s Segovia campus. Vice-provosts Jaime de Aguinaga García, María Eugenia Marín, and Marta Pérez Lidón will take on new roles: Vice-Rector for Strategy, Coordination, and Institutional Affairs; Vice-Rector for Global Academic Alliances and Partnerships; and Vice-Rector for Education and Student Experience, respectively.
In addition, the university’s legal director, Macarena Rosado, has been appointed Secretary General of IE University in Madrid.
Leadership assessment
President and founder of IE University, Diego del Alcázar Silvela, praised Muniz’s professional qualities. According to him, the new rector combines leadership skills, managerial talent, and a deep understanding of global processes. In recent years, Muniz has actively developed the university’s international relations, which has paved the way for the institution’s continued success.
Overall, the appointment of Manuel Muniz as rector of IE University is seen as a step toward further strengthening the university’s position on the global stage and developing new strategic directions.
