Become the enterprise-ready leader
Program for Executive Development
Become the enterprise-ready leader
Stepping into senior leadership demands that you expand your perspective beyond your function and develop the capabilities to lead across the entire business. You’re an experienced manager, ready to take the next step. But to succeed at the top, you must go beyond your area of expertise and master the ability to think, decide, and lead across the entire business.
As your influence grows, so do expectations: to align teams, set direction, and drive change at scale. It’s not one transition, but two: each requiring a shift in mindset and leadership approach.
- From functional expert to general manager. Move from deep expertise to broad accountability. Now, you’re responsible for performance across multiple functions, not just your own.
- From general manager to enterprise leader. Step back to see the bigger picture. Set direction, shape culture, and inspire people across the business with self-awareness, resilience, and presence.
Benefit from several flexible starting options per year. Starting from just 7 weeks, plus executive coaching, and distance learning support. Discover more about the journey.
Completion of the two stages and a final assessment lead to the IMD Program for Executive Development. This IMD Executive Certificate is an accredited Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Business Leadership, an internationally recognized academic qualification that awards 20 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
IMD’s Program for Executive development accelerates careers.
New IMD research* shows that participants in the Program for Executive Development experience significantly faster career growth. Graduates are 2.5 times more likely to be promoted and see faster salary increases compared to a matched control group.
*IMD study evaluated the career impact of IMD’s Program for Executive Development (Foundations for Business Leadership and/or Transition to Business Leadership), comparing IMD participants with a matched control group over a 1 -5 year period (2021–2025).
Is this program right for you?
Answer a few quick questions to discover if this program aligns with your goals and experience.
Do you need more information?
Talk with a Program Advisor to get personalized guidance and answers to your questions.
What is it really like to experience the Program for Executive Development?
Hear directly from participants as they share how the program helped them broaden their perspective, grow as leaders and prepare for more senior roles.
Managing Director, UBP, Switzerland
Could I have had a successful career without the Program for Executive Development?
Perhaps. But the acceleration the program provides is extremely valuable.
It’s about making the most of your time.
Head of Center for Cyber Security (CFCS), Denmark
IMD’s Program for Executive Development has really delivered on my high expectations, transforming me from a functional manager into a true business leader of cross-functional teams.
President of Bakery Sweets, Nestlé, USA
The Program for Executive Development is a key building block for your development as a leader.
I experienced a high-quality learning environment, with outstanding faculty and excellent program content.
Head of Editorial Communication, BCV, Switzerland
I chose this program to broaden and strengthen my leadership skills.
I now have a clearer vision and a better understanding of stakeholder perspectives, which helps me guide my team and maximize the value we create.
CEO, Buben & Zörweg, Germany
The Program for Executive Development takes you on a fascinating deep dive into the latest research and best practices of all relevant general management disciplines, combined with a very thorough personal leadership development stream.
Luxury New Retail Chief Business Officer, Cartier, Switzerland
My competencies have improved absolutely!
Tangible takeaways from the coaching gave me excellent ideas.
Splitting the course in two stages was also extremely useful.
Executive Officer – Group Head, Nestlé, Japan
Program for Executive Development will help you make a smooth transition from ‘specialist’ to ‘generalist’ by developing innovative and courageous business leadership skills.
Ready to start?
Duration: 7 weeks in 2 flexible stages Location: Lausanne Fee: CHF 54,250 (includes Transition to Business Leadership alumni discount)
Tuition, teaching materials, and lunch are included.
All fees quoted are exclusive of any value-added or other indirect taxes that may be due in any country.
IMD reserves the right to modify the program dates, location, and fee at any time. View full details.
Looking to explore more?
This program is part of our broader General Management portfolio for ambitious executives, designed to strengthen strategic leadership, drive organizational performance, and prepare leaders to navigate complex business challenges.
Need more information about admissions, curriculum, or key dates? Our Program Advisors are here to help.