ESADE and Aalto University have started the first Aalto-ESADE MBA for Executives programme. This unique qualification is designed for managers who wish to explore the field of global business and innovation in Asia and Europe. The programme will give participants a more global profile, boost their leadership skills and performance in international companies, and train them to manage multidisciplinary, intercultural teams.

The programme is the result of a cooperation agreement signed by ESADE Business School and Aalto University Executive Education (Aalto EE) in 2015. The first cohort of students will begin the programme in December 2018 and graduate in June 2020. Participants will spend four weeks in Asia (three in Singapore and one in Ho Chi Minh City) and four in Europe (one in Helsinki and Madrid and two in Barcelona).” The curriculum at each location will consist of several intensive, specialised modules such as global businesses, strategy, design thinking and innovation, digitalisation, entrepreneurship and leadership.

Michele Quintano, Executive Director of ESADE Executive Education and responsible of the Aalto-ESADE MBA, commented that “today’s global managers need to know about the business and innovation landscape of different regions so that they can think in global terms and pinpoint opportunities for new, innovative businesses in different markets.” He added: “This MBA exposes participants to the latest business trends and burning issues in Asia. By fostering interaction among talented individuals, the MBA for Executives provides a springboard for economic activities and initiatives between Asia and Europe.”

Pekka Mattila, Group Managing Director of Aalto Executive Education, commented: “when ESADE and Aalto EE join forces, they can provide participants with a unique platform for business-model and value innovation, as well as their monetisation. Teaching excellence and methodological innovation will make this a memorable and transformative experience for all participants.”

Exceptional executives from 15 countries

This year, 19 executives (40% of them women) from 15 countries on four continents will be taking part in the Aalto-ESADE MBA for Executives. All of the participants have around 16 years of professional experience, an international profile, and excellent interpersonal and leadership skills. Their backgrounds are varied: business, consultancy, international organisations, academic institutions, research, public administration and diplomacy.

This all-round experience will boost participants’ ability to exploit the programme’s opportunities and advantages and provide first-hand knowledge of how other professionals and companies are competing and cooperating in an ever more interdependent and globalised world.

Eight intensive weeks in Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Helsinki, Madrid and Barcelona

The programme is split into four blocks, each held at a different strategic location. This structure gives participants the skills they need to lead global teams — skills that are vital that ensuring that companies are capable of adapting to macro-economic changes in the business world.

The programme’s design thinking methodology and focus on entrepreneurship and corporate responsibility will help participant’s pinpoint emerging business opportunities in Europe and Asia. The programme’s graduates will be superbly positioned to boost the performance and management of global teams, thereby maximising profits, catering to multiple stakeholders and promoting competitive advantages through new business innovations.