Simon Mercado is a Professor of Management and Higher Education Leadership at ESCP Business School. Based on the London Campus, he teaches at the master’s level in the areas of strategy, leadership, and cultural and emotional intelligence. His scholastic and advisory work focuses on higher education (HE) leadership and transformation, organisational culture, cultural intelligence, and internationalisation.

Professor Mercado has previously served at ESCP as Executive Vice-President (EVP) for Global Affairs & Accreditation (2023–2024); EVP for Business & Corporate Relations (2021–2023); and as Dean of ESCP London (2015–2021). He previously held the Vice-Dean's position at Nottingham Business School (2011–2015), where he was also a Professor of Management.

Simon is well known within the business school community as a conference speaker/chair, mentor, and peer reviewer. He chaired the Annual EFMD Conference in Lisbon (June 2019) and the inaugural EFMD Quality, Impact & Accreditation (QIA) Conference in April 2023. He also convenes the EFMD’s annual Internationalisation Workshop for business school leaders. He sits on the AACSB’s Innovation Committee and StudyPortals Global Advisory Board. Simon serves as an advisory board member/chair for accredited business schools in France and Italy. His thoughts and commentary on international education and leadership are regularly featured in international media.

In the UK context, Simon is a volunteer for the UK’s Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS), supporting conference and CPD programmes. He has been Chair of the CABS International Committee (2021–2023) and an External Examiner at UK universities, including Newcastle and Hertfordshire. He also sits on the advisory council of the French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain.