By and large, most Executive MBA programs are fairly commoditized and structured. Experienced managers visit a campus over the course of a number of weekends during a two-year period and get the business basics. One exception is the newly revamped EMBA option at IMD in Switzerland, a transformation two years in the making. The new program is designed to align with the evolving needs of executives and the fluidity of modern careers, offering unparalleled flexibility and customization.
IMD’s new Executive MBA program is a bold step forward in executive education. Besides the increased flexibility, the program offers real-world impact and a truly personalized learning experience. With two innovative formats, expanded global immersion options, and a curriculum tailored to the needs of modern executives, the program sets a new standard. As Vanina Farber, dean of the Executive MBA at IMD, notes, it’s a program designed for the realities of today’s world—and one that simply “makes sense.” Applications are now open, and the program officially begins in September 2025.
The EMBA’s debut comes on the heels of the school’s reimagined curriculum for its full-time MBA program, a transformation that led Poets&Quants to name the program the MBA of the Year for 2024.
Poets&Quants’ John A. Byrne sat down with Farber to discuss the impetus behind these changes, the innovative new formats, and the exciting features that make this program a game-changer in executive education. An economist and political scientist specializing in social innovation, sustainability, impact investment and sustainable finance, Farber boasts nearly 20 years of teaching, researching and consultancy experience. She led the redesign of IMD’s Executive MBA. The transcript of the interview has been edited for clarity.
John A. Byrne: Vanina, what led to the decision to completely redesign the Executive MBA program?
Vanina Farber: When I took this position right after COVID, I realized that the traditional, time-bound, linear structure of our Executive MBA no longer met the needs of our participants. At first, we thought these challenges—geopolitical tensions, fragmented career paths, and demand for new skills—were temporary. But we soon saw that these changes were here to stay.
Participants aren’t just climbing the corporate ladder anymore. They’re pivoting, seeking self-actualization, or needing specific skills to demonstrate credentials. We’re also seeing more entrepreneurs and professionals from the nonprofit sector. IMD has always been participant-centric, so instead of treating these challenges as exceptions, we decided to build a program that integrates these realities as core features.
Technology played a big role. It now allows us to create a program that is both flexible and integrated. Combining this with IMD’s strong ecosystem of partners enabled us to design a program that not only builds on our strengths but pushes the boundaries of executive education.
Byrne: The new Executive MBA program offers two distinct formats. Can you explain these?
Farber: Absolutely. It’s one program with two pathways. The first, Modular-Flex, is designed for flexibility. Participants can complete the program in as little as 18 months or stretch it up to 48 months. There are five to six different entry points throughout the year, and modules can be taken online or on-campus. Each module is self-contained, allowing participants to take breaks if needed.
The second format, Elective-Flex, begins with a more traditional cohort model but offers flexibility in its electives. Participants can choose courses from IMD’s open-enrollment programs, global immersion weeks, or even partner universities within the Global Network for Advanced Management. They can also select their preferred delivery format, whether face-to-face or online. This flexibility ensures that participants can tailor their journey to their unique needs and professional goals.
Byrne: What are some of the new features and highlights of the redesigned curriculum?
Farber: Global immersion weeks are a cornerstone of our program, and we’ve expanded them significantly. Participants can now engage with impact investment in Peru and Colombia, explore digital transformation and AI in India, or learn about resilience in Japan. We also offer a program in Kenya focused on business at the base of the pyramid and one in China that examines innovation through the lens of community-building.
These immersion weeks go beyond corporate visits. Participants tackle real challenges with tangible stakes, immersing themselves in the local context and gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and business environments. For example, in Peru, participants advise a Swiss impact investor, working to spot value in emerging markets.
We’ve also introduced Learning Labs to address real-world business challenges in areas like customer centricity, digital transformation, and corporate culture. These labs allow participants to bring their work challenges into the classroom, where they collaborate with faculty and peers to develop actionable solutions.
Byrne: How does the program accommodate the diverse needs of today’s executives?
Farber: Flexibility is key. We’ve introduced multiple entry points and delivery formats to ensure that the program works for participants with demanding professional and personal responsibilities. For example, we offer online options for those who can’t commit to long periods away from work or family. This flexibility also allows us to attract a more diverse cohort, not just in terms of gender but also career paths and sectors.
We’ve also built in support for participants facing external challenges. For instance, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, one of our participants had to pause their studies. We work hard to ensure that everyone can continue their education, even in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
Byrne: What kind of career support is available for participants?
Farber: We recently relaunched our Career Center, focusing on the unique needs of Executive MBA participants. Career coaching in this program is less about finding a job and more about self-reflection, exploring different career paths, and fulfilling a sense of purpose.
We’re also leveraging our alumni network to provide mentorship and support, creating a lifelong learning community. Our goal is to blur the lines between degree programs and ongoing executive education, enabling participants to continue their development well beyond graduation.
Byrne: What were the biggest challenges in developing and implementing this new program?
Farber: Flexibility requires robust systems and seamless execution, and that’s not easy. Participants expect a high level of quality, so we had to ensure that the program remained cohesive and integrated, even with all the new options.
Fortunately, IMD is an entrepreneurial institution that thrives on innovation. With the help of our Chief Innovation Officer, Sara Toms, and a dedicated team, we built a program that combines personalization with strong foundational systems. It took two years and a lot of collaboration, but we’re thrilled with the result.
Byrne: When will the new program officially launch, and how can prospective participants learn more?
Farber: The revamped Executive MBA program will launch in September 2025, but applications are already open. Interested candidates can find detailed information on our website, request a brochure, or speak with our admissions team. I’m also happy to answer questions and guide prospective participants to the right resources.
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