ESCP Business School London has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2025, highlighting the School’s commitment to innovation in both teaching and campus development.

Dr Marie Taillard, L’Oréal Professor of Creativity Marketing and Interim UK Dean of ESCP, has been recognised as a finalist for Most Innovative Teacher of the Year, while ESCP London’s Estates Team has been shortlisted for Outstanding Estates Team.

Most Innovative Teacher of the Year

Dr Taillard, founder of ESCP’s MSc in Marketing & Creativity and Director of the Creativity Marketing Centre, is celebrated for her pioneering ‘Not By The Book’ teaching methodology. Blending academic rigour with creativity and real-world problem solving, she equips students to thrive in competitive industries.

Her approach includes creativity workshops, live case studies, consultancy projects and guest seminars. In 2023/24, her course achieved outstanding student feedback, with 94% rating her pedagogical skills highly and 90% saying the course exceeded expectations. Graduates of her MSc programme have secured roles with leading global brands including L’Oréal, Chanel and Ferrari.

Dr Taillard said: “We are grateful that our unique ‘Not by the Book’ approach is being recognised. Working with companies on strategic issues is an invaluable opportunity for students to learn new skills, build confidence, and experience the excitement of real-life creative problem-solving.”

Outstanding Estates Team

ESCP’s Estates Team has been recognised for delivering the first phase of the School’s 10-year Estates Masterplan, which is transforming its historic Finchley Road campus into a modern, sustainable and community-focused environment.

Achievements to date include:

Student wing refurbishment creating new study spaces, meeting rooms, collaboration areas, and a dedicated hub for the Blue Factory start-up incubator.
Executive wing refit with new offices, HR facilities and staff amenities.
Flexible classrooms and library upgrades, expanding teaching capacity while preserving historic character.
Sustainability measures such as BREEAM Excellent+ materials, full LED conversion, biodiversity protections for bats, bees and flora, and a carbon-sensitive Portakabin to accommodate growth.

Sophie Bertrand, UK Director of Estate and Operations, said: “This nomination is a tribute to ESCP’s students, whose support has inspired us to push the boundaries of our historic campus. Together, we’ve found creative and sustainable ways to improve what is their space. This recognition reflects the dedication of our students, staff and wider community.”

Professor Kamran Razmdoost, Dean of ESCP’s London Campus (2021–2025), commented: “Marie and our Estates Team both embody the innovative spirit that defines ESCP. Whether through teaching that empowers students to think boldly or campus spaces that inspire creativity and collaboration, these shortlistings are a well-deserved recognition of ESCP’s impact.”

Now in their 21st year, the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards are widely regarded as the “Oscars of higher education”, celebrating excellence across the UK and Irish sectors. This year’s awards attracted more than 500 entries from over 120 institutions across 21 categories. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 13 November 2025 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.