ESSEC Alumni in Mexico: "Starting Your Business Here is Easy"

Bénédicte Roy (E79), president of our Mexico Chapter, gives us some insight on life for alumni there and the activities she offers them. If you are a graduate or student in Mexico, don’t hesitate to join the local community group on our website! 

ESSEC Alumni: Can you tell us about your career in Mexico? 

Bénédicte Roy: I moved here in 1980, just after my studies at ESSEC, to work for a small French financial consultancy firm. 6 years later, I returned to France and spent 8 years as a financial auditor in logistics and then geo-marketing. I moved back to Mexico definitively in 1994. I held financial management positions at Valeo, Moulinex, ArvinMeritor (automotive supplier), Yves Rocher, IPG Media Brands and PointPay (sale of mobile phone minutes), before becoming a freelance consultant for French-speaking newcomers hoping to launch a business and / or manage the financial and administrative aspect of SMEs and micro-businesses here.

EA: What is Mexico’s current economic situation? 

B. Roy: We’re going through a slightly complicated period in the run-up to the presidential election this June, which will lead to a change in government as of December. So, the climate is one of uncertainty, combined with negotiation; there’s a great deal of clientelism...More generally, the Mexican economy is not immune to global difficulties. Inflation has hit families hard and the number of small subsistence jobs, such as street vendors, shoe-shiners and windscreen washers has skyrocketed. Nevertheless, the country is still very vibrant and starting a business here is easy, given that the administrative procedures are generally faster and less restrictive than elsewhere.

EA: What are the profiles of ESSEC alumni in Mexico? 

B. Roy: There are around a hundred alumni from more or less all the School’s programs, one third of whom are Mexican. The majority live in Mexico City, others in industrial cities close to the capital (Queretaro, Puebla or San Luis Potosi), the country’s two other major conurbations (Monterrey and Guadalajara), and on the coast (Cancun, Baja California). Their careers reflect the diversity of our network, in general management, regional, financial, sales & marketing management, or supply chain, consulting, and so on. We even have an ambassador and an EU head of delegation! 

EA: What advice do you have for ESSEC members hoping to move to Mexico?

B. Roy: Be curious, attentive and open-minded; there are cultural differences which could lead to misunderstandings, particularly when it comes to commitments, compromises and lead times. The main thing to know is that hospitality and mutual aid are deeply rooted in the Mexican mentality. You will be welcomed as warmly as the very pleasant climate here; know how to return that favour! Don’t miss out on the magnificent local art or crafts either.

EA: What activities does the Mexico Chapter offer?
B. Roy: We’re first and foremost a small network which is always willing to lend our support and share advice and good practices, especially with newcomers. We also organise events on a regular basis, such as informal dinners with dishes that remind us of France, a Galette des Rois and crêpes not long ago, or more exclusive events such as the recent reception at the French Residence in Mexico City, on the invitation of ambassador, Jean-Pierre Asvazadourian (E86). I’d like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to Marc Chassinat (E74) and everyone who helps with organisation. 

EA: What projects does the Mexico Chapter have in the pipeline?

B. Roy: We want to launch conferences on economic, financial and political topics, in addition to events in partnership with the alumni networks of other schools. We’re also in talks with the France-Mexico Chamber of Commerce to boost the visibility of ESSEC members.

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Interview by Louis Armengaud Wurmser (E10), Content Manager at ESSEC Alumni 

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