SDA Bocconi welcomes the Class of 2025: a journey begins

With 83 participants from 31 countries, the 26^th edition of SDA Bocconi’s Master in Corporate Finance (MCF) officially kicked off on October 1 with an opening ceremony that marked the start of a transformational journey. Tailored for future leaders in financial strategy, the program welcomed its new class with insights from faculty and guest speakers, including a keynote from Stefano Grassi, Group CFO at EssilorLuxottica.

Federico Pippo, MCF Director and Professor of Corporate Finance, opened the day with a personal reflection on the journey ahead. Drawing from his own time as a Master student, he invited students to look beyond technical mastery, speaking about fear, resilience and the value of building something that lasts. “You’re not here only for yourself. You’re here to be part of a community.”

The morning continued with Stefano Caselli, Dean of SDA Bocconi, who invited students to embrace the challenges ahead with courage and curiosity. “Be curious, be brave, and use this experience to shape who you will become,” he said, emphasizing that technical skills remain essential, but so too does the ability to navigate the broader economic and societal landscape.

Next, Enzo Baglieri, Associate Dean for Master Programs, encouraged students to view the MCF as a space of personal and professional transformation. “The MCF is a process of change, day by day,” he noted, underlining the School’s commitment to individual growth and its role as an active partner in each student’s journey.

Maurizio Dallocchio, Full Professor of Finance and MCF founder, added a pragmatic perspective. Reflecting on the growing pressure from financial markets and the need to balance return expectations with responsible management, he urged students never to lose sight of the long-term nature of their profession. “Read the signals. Interpret complexity. Anticipate outcomes,” he stated. “When you lead, people look at you. You can’t afford to be vague, confused, or afraid.”

At the heart of the ceremony was the keynote by Stefano Grassi, who reflected on his journey through international finance and strategic leadership. From his early days at General Electric to his current leadership at EssilorLuxottica, Grassi offered a grounded perspective on the evolving role of finance, encouraging students to see it as a strategic tool that enables decision-making across multiple dimensions. “Make the most of what you’re about to experience, because the real challenge is knowing how to use your time and energy where it counts,” he stressed. He also underlined the importance of discipline and vision: “Big houses require big foundations. Start building yours now.”

The morning session closed with a session led by Andrea Benocci, MCF Community Manager, who reminded students that the program is also a community, encouraging them to invest in relationships and to support one another throughout the year. “The goal,” he said, “is to create lasting value that goes beyond technical learning.”

After lunch, the agenda turned to practical matters. Francesca Roveda, International Student Care Coordinator, outlined the support services and resources available to students for the year ahead.

This was followed by a high-impact talk from Massimo della Ragione, Professor of Practice and Head of the Digital Tech Vertical at B4i – Bocconi for Innovation. Drawing on real-world cases, he challenged students to think beyond technical formulas and approach finance as a strategic lens. He spoke of the responsibility that comes with financial decision-making in high-growth and high-pressure environments, encouraging students to develop the clarity and discipline needed to connect finance with broader business objectives. “Numbers are just the starting point. Your job is to ask the right questions and know what to do with the answers,” he stated.

The day closed with presentations from the Bocconi Alumni Community and Library & Archives team, with Agnese Riva, Alessandra Ruzzier and Andrea Benocci returning to introduce key tools and data resources that will support the class throughout the year.

The Master in Corporate Finance is a rigorous and international one-year program, taught entirely in English and awarding 70 CFU/ECTS credits.

Designed for early-career professionals aiming to master the language of global finance, it combines analytical excellence with strategic vision, preparing students for careers in investment banking, corporate finance, asset management, or financial advisory.

As the Class of 2025 begins this journey, one message resonates above all: Finance is not just about numbers — it’s about purpose, clarity, and impact.

SDA Bocconi School of Management

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