Programme start for Gothenburg Executive MBA 2021–2023

A most senior group with broad experience

On October 7, the participants in the Executive MBA programme 2021–2023 gathered at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg for the first time. Twenty expectant leaders from small, medium and multinational organisations will attend the 21-month general management education programme that is taught part-time and in English. The programme has a Nordic-Asian focus with emphasis on Nordic strengths such as sustainability, innovation and international trade and on Asian economic development, business logic and culture.

Previous participants usually mention the knowledge exchange with the other group members as an important and rewarding part of the education. This year’s class members represent a handful of nationalities, business experience from a dozen countries across five continents and a high level of seniority. The participants come from a wide range of organisations including AstraZeneca, CEVT, the Port of Gothenburg, MobilityXlab, Oatly and SecureBug.

Leadership in a changing and global business environment

The Executive MBA programme at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg focuses on the Nordic countries and Asia. It equips participants for greater business responsibility and leadership in a global world in constant and rapid change. Sustainability and digitalisation are examples of the areas of expertise that are becoming increasingly important, and which influence the programme in different ways. Half the lecturers come from the School of Business, Economics and Law and half from the school’s partner universities around the world. When the pandemic situation allows again, the Asian focus will be manifested through two week-long study trips, to Bangalore in India and to Hangzhou and Shanghai in China.

“I am impressed by the experience and breadth of this year’s class. Regardless of which individual platform the participants start out from, the education involves a far-reaching development journey, both personally and professionally. I am really looking forward to following this group during the programme,” says Håkan Ericson, CEO of GU Executive Education.

Looking for new skills, new tools and even more self-confidence

Some of this year’s participants explain why they chose to attend the Executive MBA programme in Gothenburg:

Elvir Dzanic, CEO, Port of Gothenburg

“We’re living in a time when almost everything is transforming. It is wonderful and inspiring to be part of this rapid and extensive development, but it is also challenging. I am taking the Executive MBA to get tools to help me manage the complexity that characterises both our time and our business in the Port of Gothenburg.”

Amra Cenanovic, Product Development Specialist, SKF

“I am an engineer and have complemented that background with studies in organisational psychology. Now I’m going to join the Executive MBA programme to learn more about business development. In addition, I’m looking forward to getting to know this fantastic group of people.”

Frédéric Prothon, Head of Operations Food Science, Oatly

“I have a PhD in food science and worked with research and development. I am attending the Executive MBA programme because I need to expand my skill base to include business administration and management. I’m hoping that at the end of the education, I’ll be more confident in all contexts that require a holistic view of a rapidly growing and global business like Oatly.”

The School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg was the first school in Sweden to be Triple Crown-accredited. This is a hallmark of quality from the three main international accreditation organisations for business schools: AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS. Only around one percent of the world’s business schools are Triple Crown-accredited.

Inspiring lecturers

In previous evaluations of the Executive MBA programme, participants have stated that they have developed their strategic thinking, become more efficient at work and improved decision-making skills. The evaluation showed that the participants especially appreciated:

• the lecturers’ ability to incorporate and make use of the participants’ experiences,
• the lecturers’ competence and broad experience,
• the dynamics and the knowledge exchange in the group,
• how the programme integrates current events,
• the global content of the programme,
• the integration of the different subjects.

More about Gothenburg Executive MBA

More about GU Executive Education

For more information about Gothenburg Executive MBA, 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