Ecolint names Nicolas Péjout as director general

Ecolint has appointed Nicolas Péjout as director general after an international search, with the role taking effect at the end of August 2026. The Geneva-based international school says his background in higher education, public service and international institutions will support its next phase of growth.

Why it matters: - Nicolas Péjout will lead one of the world’s best-known international schools at a time when education faces pressure from AI, climate change, social inclusion and geopolitical shifts. - The appointment puts an experienced higher-education executive in charge of Ecolint’s academic quality, institutional growth and long-term stability.

What happened: - The Ecolint Foundation Board named Nicolas Péjout as director general after a broad international search. - The appointment takes effect at the end of August 2026. - Ecolint is based in Geneva and serves students, families and staff across campuses in Geneva and the canton of Vaud.

The details: - Péjout is currently deputy general director and a member of the executive board at emlyon business school. - At emlyon, he oversees international development, partnerships, fundraising, alumni engagement and institutional growth. - His career began as a researcher in South Africa. - He later worked for France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. - He also held leadership roles at Sciences Po Paris. - Péjout later became director general of Université Paris Dauphine. - He then served as strategy and development director at emlyon business school. - He helped design and execute the institution’s 2021–2025 strategic plan. - Ecolint said his background includes academic affairs, student life, finance, human resources, governance, campus operations, infrastructure and international development. - Ecolint said Péjout has built strong relationships with students, teachers, staff, unions, parents, alumni and external partners. - Péjout said he is honored to join Ecolint and wants to strengthen its academic excellence, impact and sustainability. - Péjout said the school’s mission of peace education remains especially relevant. - Péjout said his work will focus on AI, climate change, social openness and geopolitical transformation. - Maria Lucia Uribe Torres, vice president of the Foundation Board and chair of the director general search committee, said Péjout’s international leadership experience and collaborative style will help shape an ambitious and inclusive future. - Ecolint was founded in 1924 and describes itself as the world’s first international school. - The school says its mission is rooted in peace education.

Between the lines: - The hire signals Ecolint wants a leader with both academic management experience and broad institutional operating experience. - The emphasis on peace education and global challenges suggests the school is framing leadership as both mission-driven and future-focused.

What's next: - Péjout will assume the role at the end of August 2026. - Ecolint’s next phase will likely center on reinforcing academic excellence, expanding impact and supporting long-term continuity. - The school’s public profiles include LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

The bottom line: - Ecolint is betting on a seasoned international education leader to guide the school through a period of change and growth.