The John Molson School of Business embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. This article delves into the man behind the name and his commitment to innovation.
The John Molson School of Business, often referred to simply as John Molson, is a prominent business school situated in Montreal, Canada. Concordia University established the schoool in 1974 as the Faculty of Commerce and Administration. A generous donation from the Molson family in 2000 inspired the renaming.
The school offers a variety of master’s programs including in Accountancy, Finance, International Business, and Supply Chain Operations Management, to name a few. This program diversity ensures the school caters to various interests and career aspirations.
The John Molson School of Business prioritizes academic rigor and ensures its programs address current global challenges, such as sustainability. Authorities have recognized the school for its sustainable business education efforts, notably through the Sustainable Investment Professional Certification (SIPC) program.
Besides sustainability and academic excellence, John Molson School of Business is committed to innovation, highlighted by its knowledge hub, John Molson Perspectives. The resource for the business community offers insights and fosters dialogue on critical issues. It’s a way of serving its namesake, John Molson, an innovator at heart.
Now, Let’s delve into the man behind the name.
John Molson (28 December 1763 – 11 January 1836) was an English-born entrepreneur. He significantly contributed to Montreal and Canada in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Orphaned at a young age, he was raised under the guardianship of his grandfather until he decided to seek new opportunities in North America. Molson immigrated to Canada in 1782, at the age of 18, with a small inheritance and his ambition to guide him. Settling in Montreal, he was stepping into a small but growing colonial town ripe with opportunity.
In 1783 John joined family friend Thomas Loid’s small brewer and fully took over the venture the following year. The Molson Brewery, now Molson-Coors, is recognized as one of the oldest breweries in North America and the second oldest company in Canada. This initial venture was the cornerstone of his success, but Molson’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there.
Besides beer brewing, John was a prominent figure in constructing the first steamboats (1809) and passenger railroad (1836) in Canada. Additionally, John’s ventures also extended into infrastructure and public services, illustrating his commitment to community development. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Bank of Montreal in 1817, Canada’s first bank, and was involved in various philanthropic activities, contributing to the health and education sectors of early Montreal society.
John’s contributions left a lasting impact on Canadian society and his family carries on his legacy through the John Molson Foundation. To the Montreal Gazette, Andrew Molson said,
“We sincerely believe that a better community thrives with people who’ve been successful giving back.”
From this perspective, the John Molson School of Business, honors John Molson’s achievements, not only by name but also by its ethos.
The John Molson School of Business at Concordia University has a vibrant alumni community across various industries worldwide. Here we highlight two recent graduates that have found success.
Marie-Pier Darsigny is a 2021 MBA graduate with a medical background. Marie-Pier is a consultant at Umbrex, following her stints at McKinsey & Company and the Ministry of Health.
Christina Paylan, MBA ’16, transitioned from media to finance with a flair that mirrors her dynamic career journey. Starting in journalism and entertainment, she pursued an MBA at John Molson to gain business acumen. After graduating she pivoted to the finance industry as an independent consultant, managing nearly $2 million after her first year. She is currently a Financial Services Consultant at Sun Life.
The future for the John Molson School of Business looks promising, with its MBA program being the fourth best in Canada according to Bloomberg’s Businessweek’s 2023-24 rankings. This marks an improvement of two spots from the previous year.
As the school climbs in rankings, it actively expands its influence both locally and internationally. Rooted deeply in the principles of giving back and pushing boundaries, the John Molson School of Business stands ready to inspire and empower a new generation of changemakers.
