IMD business school for management and leadership courses

Start date

5 intakes per year

Duration

Flexible from 18 months

Location

Lausanne, online and international locations

Part-time

Only 7-9 weeks out of office

Part-time and flexible

Our Executive MBA program is meticulously designed to minimize disruption to your professional life, requiring only 7-9 weeks away from work over a period of 18 months. This includes on-campus sessions with your cohort and global immersion experiences, providing a rich blend of learning environments.

Flexibility is at the core of our EMBA program. It features a part-time, modular format with multiple starting dates and a blended learning format. This accommodates the schedule of busy executives like you, ensuring you can acquire the knowledge and skills you need for substantial career advancement, while respecting your full-time employment commitments.

You will become part of a distinguished cohort composed of a diverse group of senior corporate leaders. This program connects you with peers from industries and positions different than your own and strategically positions you in a dynamic global network.

Global immersion weeks

The Executive MBA program is distinguished by three ‘Global Immersion Weeks’ combined with on-campus interactions among peers. This integration of on-campus collaboration and international experiential learning promotes profound engagement and offers practical insights into the dynamics of global business.

Its innovative structure is designed to accelerate learning and application in critical business domains such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability. This approach not only broadens your global business perspective but also sharpens your acumen in these essential areas.

Perfectly tailored for ambitious senior managers, this program is equally beneficial for entrepreneurs and professionals contemplating a career transition, providing you with the tools and confidence you need to advance your career.

Your transformational journey

You’ll master new dimensions in leadership and management, guided by expert faculty, with practical in-company assignments and customized projects.

The IMD career management module offers you personalized guidance from a dedicated career strategist to help you plan your professional trajectory.

We look for candidates who demonstrate management experience, a track record of consistent career advancement, and exceptional leadership qualities that set them apart.

Management skills

Master your management skills across diverse business, social, and political settings.

Creative mindset

Cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset: embrace creativity, risk-taking, and confidently navigate uncertainty.

Leadership growth

Become a more strategic, self-aware, and reflective member of the management team.

Career trajectory

Unlock new potential for your company and broaden your career prospects

130k+
Worldwide Alumni
40
Average age
60%
Director level
30
Nationalities
16
Years of work experience
What our graduates say
IMD EMBA graduate Thaís Torres Carpenedo.
Thaís Torres Carpenedo

Deputy CEO
Votorantim Cimentos
EMBA 2023, Brazil

‘From the classrooms of IMD to the corporate boardrooms, the lessons from my EMBA continue to guide my decisions. It’s not just about solving problems – it’s about understanding that behind every challenge lies an opportunity for innovation and growth.’

IMD EMBA graduate Tsuyoshi Harada
Tsuyoshi Harada

Principal
NovaQuest Capital Management
EMBA 2023, Japan

Spectacular Discovery Expedition week in Mumbai, India, exploring digital strategic agility through a project with a leading retail company was extremely eye-opening experience.

IMD EMBA graduate Frederieke Reiners
Frederieke Reiners

Vice President
GEA Digital Hub
EMBA 2023, Germany

It’s not just a graduation, it’s a transformation – a journey of intense learning, invaluable insights, and cherished memories.

IMD EMBA graduate Julien Le Goff
Julian Le Goff

Head of Global Customer Research & Insights
AGCO Corporation
EMBA 2023, Switzerland

Through the IMD EMBA program, I’ve integrated its teachings into our strategies, championing a human-centric leadership approach. This evolution has bolstered our team dynamics, sparking innovative approaches and fostering individual accountability that have driven our global initiatives forward.

Read article.

IMD EMBA graduate Zoë Falquet
Zoë Falquet

Sustainability Manager
International Petroleum Corp
EMBA 2023, Switzerland

It’s a privilege to learn from unique and inspiring IMD professors. We travelled the world to meet entrepreneurs, corporates, and NGOs. And the 55 amazing people in my cohort – all incredible individuals who have become true allies.

IMD EMBA graduate Behnam Shayegan
Behnam Shayegan

Commercial Projects Leader
Shell
EMBA 2023, United States

It’s dream come true to graduate with an Executive MBA from IMD. Thank you for inspiring me to push the boundaries in my ambition to become a better person and leader.

IMD EMBA graduate Sibongile Gumbi
Sibongile Gumbi

CEO and founder
Smart Biotech
EMBA 2023, South Africa.

The quality and diversity of class members – both in terms of culture and industry – was truly exceptional. Together, we shared an amazing wealth of experience. And each of us was always ready to push the boundaries – both in the classroom and on discovery expeditions.

IMD EMBA graduate Rashod Nasirov
Rashod Nasirov

Almarai
Regional Marketing Manager – Poultry & Dates categories, GCC
EMBA 2023, Saudi Arabia

After graduating from IMD, I was offered a more strategic leadership role in a business expansion project within my company. The knowledge and frameworks I acquired have proven to be invaluable.

EMBA graduate 2021 Hend Al Rumaithi
Hend Al Rumaithi

Sinior Director
Company: Emirates National Oil Company
EMBA 2021, Saudi Arabia

IMD EMBA is a pivotal milestone in my lifetime, professionally and personally. The learning journey ignited in me the power of curiosity, reflection and pragmatic thinking.  This translated in clarity, confidence and drive of continuous growth and more importantly being part of a life-time well-trusted community.

IMD EMBA graduate Abubakar Shehu
Abubakar Shehu

Director VAS
Globacom
EMBA 2022, Nigeria

Fortified by the EMBA, I took the helm of senior management at Globacom Nigeria, navigating three critical revenue streams with poise during times of global change. It honed my abilities as a leader of conviction, capability, and moral fiber, ready for any challenges ahead. Now, representing IMD as its champion, I am prepared to kindle a transformative energy in the heart of the business world.

IMD EMBA graduate Rosario Osobase
Rosario Osobase

Managing Director
Tenaris
EMBA 2021, Nigeria

My EMBA journey was truly transformative, empowering me with the confidence to propel my career to new heights within the dynamic corporate landscape. As I assumed the position of Managing Director, I felt exceptionally well-prepared, armed with invaluable skillsets, strategic frameworks, and a powerful network cultivated during the course of my EMBA program.

IMD EMBA graduate Viacheslav Kostin
Viacheslav Kostin

Chief Executive Officer
WislaCode Solutions
EMBA 2023, Russia

While hard skills are essential, my time at IMD reminded me that effective leadership goes beyond technical acumen. It’s also about the inner journey — understanding your life path, strategy, and goals.

Read article.

IMD EMBA graduate Anda Cristescu
Anda Cristescu

VP Global Supply Chain
Cargill
EMBA 2016, Romania

Developing my entrepreneurial skills in Silicon Valley with the EMBA has shown me that there are literally no limits to what we can do. I see possibilities out there for myself professionally and for my personal fulfilment in a much broader way.

Mohammed Farahneh IMD EMBA graduate 2023
Mohammed Farahneh

Group Vice President
ABB
EMBA 2023

Discovery expeditions gave me valuable insights into diverse business practices. The program offered me the opportunity to interact with people outside my domain. Such insights helped me question and reassess practices within my organization, challenging my biases and assumptions.

Yulia Voronina IMD EMBA graduate 2023
Yulia Voronina

eCommerce Channel Manager
Nestlé Purina
EMBA 2023, Russia

The EMBA enhanced my skills, expanded my network, and prepared me for career advancement. It fostered self-insight in a diverse setting, boosting my confidence and critical thinking. Realizing the transformative power of self-acceptance and vulnerability has the potential for exponential growth across all aspects of my life and opened new professional paths and opportunities.

How the program works

The IMD Executive MBA is a flexible, two-stage program blending personal and professional development. It can be completed in as little as 18 months, with 5 annual start dates, and requires 7-9 weeks away from work, depending on your Foundation Stage choice.

Foundation Stage

In the Foundation Stage of your program, choose either:

Option 1: ‘Foundations for Business Leadership’ – An intensive, three-week session on the IMD executive campus in Lausanne, Switzerland, to kick-start your learning journey face-to-face with faculty and your cohort, to rapidly build your general management knowledge and cross-functional skills.

Option 2: ‘Global Management Foundations’ – Benefit from IMD’s state-of the-art virtual classroom, with a combination of synchronous and a-synchronous learning over 10 weeks, enabled by the latest technology to guarantee deep learning from the convenience of your home or office; followed by 1 week on the IMD executive campus in Lausanne, Switzerland, to connect with your faculty and peers.

Following the successful completion of one of the above Foundation options, you proceed to the next phase:

‘Advanced Management Concepts’ – This five-week online course deepens your knowledge in strategic thinking, finance, and marketing; (requires approximately 15 hours of weekly study.)

Mastery Stage

The Mastery Stage consists of 6 face-to-face modules delivered over 12 months. 3 modules are offered on the IMD executive campus in Lausanne, Switzerland, and 3 can be chosen from the Global Immersion weeks in diverse locations. A variety of topics are covered, such as corporate resilience, innovation, entrepreneurship, impact investment, and crisis management, to name only a few.

Individual and group assignments allow you to combine themes in real-world projects with an integrated learning approach. Personal leadership coaching and executive career management help ensure the outcome is transformative and relevant to you.

Graduation

Upon graduation, you’ll join a powerful network of global connections and opportunities, thanks to IMD’s 130’000+ alumni in 180+ countries.

Take control of your career trajectory today
Brochure download

Download the EMBA brochure for more details about the program.

Is the EMBA right for you?

Share your profile with us; we’ll be happy to offer a no-obligation, complementary assessment.

Join an event to learn more

Register for upcoming online or on-campus events to learn more about the EMBA.

Lausanne, Switzerland

The IMD campus is located in Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva. It is a 15-minute walk from the Lausanne train station.

The campus is approximately 40 minutes by direct train from Geneva Airport and 2 hours and 30 minutes by train from Zurich Airport.