Kick off for the Gothenburg Executive MBA 2022-2024 – Multifaceted group aiming to develop

On October 6, the managers and leaders accepted to the Executive MBA programme 2022-2024 at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg gathered for the first time. The participants, who represent nine countries of origin and very diverse industries, will attend the English-language management training part-time for 21 months. The programme has a Nordic-Asian focus and prepares the participants for leadership and responsibility in a global world that is constantly changing.

Previous participants usually mention the interactions and knowledge exchange with others in the group as very significant factors for the success of the programme. This year’s group originate from nine different countries across four continents. The 22 participants come from a wide range of businesses, including Essity, Gekås, Liseberg, Nudie Jeans, Sahlgrenska Science Park, SKF and Vitec Energy.

The Executive MBA programme at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg focuses on the Nordics and Asia. Sustainability, digitalisation and the ability to lead in change are examples of skill areas that are becoming increasingly important, and which characterise the programme in different ways. Half of the lecturers come from the School of Business, Economics and Law and half come from the school’s partner universities around the world. The Asian orientation is manifested through two week-long study trips to Bangalore in India and Singapore respectively. Previously, one of the trips went to China, but the effects of the pandemic make it difficult to go there now.

Professional and personal development

In parallel with building skills that provide a holistic and management group perspective, former participants highlight that they also experience great personal development during the programme. This is completely aligned with what those responsible for the education strive for.

“Today’s complex world and fast pace of change require courageous and wise leaders with the ability to reflect on their decision-making. This runs like a red thread throughout the programme. I’m really looking forward to following this year’s broad and experienced group and everyone’s professional, as well as personal, development,” says Håkan Ericson, CEO of GU Executive Education.”

Here are some of the participants’ comments on why they applied to the Executive MBA programme in Gothenburg and how they experienced the first training module Management Accounting:

Ylva Linder, Head of Sustainability, Liseberg:

“I am here to broaden and deepen my skills, build networks and get tools that strengthen me as a leader and sustainability manager. After the first module, I am impressed by the professional structure and the committed lecturers, as well as by the other participants. The training will involve both personal and professional development.”

Christopher Hillman, Chief Design Officer, Atlantiska Byrån:

“My goal is to be able to offer my clients more from a business and strategic perspective and to gain a more in-depth knowledge of running a business. After an initial intensive module, I have gained a lot of new perspectives on my work.”

Anna Eurenius, Operations Manager, Nordiskt Endoskopicentrum:

“As a trained nurse, I applied to the programme to add a higher education that provides knowledge in economics and tools for running a business. I want to become a better business manager and be able to develop our company successfully and make it grow. On the very first day, I gained new tools and new perspectives regarding entrepreneurship that I will implement!”

The School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg was first in Sweden to gain a Triple Crown accreditation – a seal of quality in the form of the three main international accreditations for business schools (AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS), which is held by only about one percent of the world’s business schools. The Executive MBA programme in Gothenburg provides 60 higher education credits.

Appreciated lecturers

Previous evaluations of the Executive MBA programme show that the participants feel that they have become better at integrating different parts of their organisations’ operations; are more aware of ethics and responsible business; have developed their decision-making and their leadership skills, as well as their strategic thinking. Participants particularly appreciate:

• the lecturers’ ability to make good use of the participants’ experiences
• the integration of the various subjects
• how current events are brought into the programme
• the dynamics and exchange in the group, and
• the international breadth of the lecturers.

*Executive MBA group photo: six participants missing for complete cohort

For more information on GU Executive Education’s leadership programmes, contact:

Peter Salomonsson, Sales & Business Development Manager

peter.salomonsson@handels.gu.se, +46 708 62 48 60

Håkan Ericson, CEO

hakan.ericson@handels.gu.se, +46 709 50 63 35