IIM Lucknow, one of India’s premier business schools, has partnered with Emeritus to launch the Senior Leadership Programme, aimed at shaping the next generation of business leaders. The initiative comes at a time when businesses worldwide are navigating disruption, rapid digital transformation, and increasing complexity in operations and decision-making. Leadership roles are evolving quickly, yet according to Gartner’s Top 5 Priorities for HR Leaders in 2025 report, only 36% of HR leaders believe their leadership development efforts adequately prepare leaders for future challenges, and just 23% are confident in their leadership pipeline. Recognising this gap, IIM Lucknow and Emeritus are introducing a programme designed to equip senior professionals with the skills, strategic mindset, and cross-functional expertise needed to excel in today’s competitive environment.

Ranked fourth among all B-schools in India by the prestigious FT-100 rankings and globally accredited by AMBA and AACSB, IIM Lucknow brings academic excellence and global recognition to the initiative. The Senior Leadership Programme is targeted at CXOs, senior executives, business unit heads, general managers, functional leaders, and high-potential mid-career professionals who aspire to take on board-level roles or significantly enhance their leadership impact. Over a 10-month duration, the programme will provide participants with a strategic, cross-functional perspective essential for driving organisational growth and transformation.

Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President and Head, India & APAC at Emeritus, highlighted the programme’s relevance in the current business landscape. “Business environments today demand leaders who can seamlessly navigate complexity, drive transformation, and inspire high-performing teams. The Senior Leadership Programme is a unique opportunity for professionals to acquire these capabilities while earning an IIM Lucknow credential,” he said.

The learning experience is designed to blend flexibility with rigor, ensuring minimal disruption to participants’ professional commitments. The programme combines live online classes with a three-day campus immersion at IIM Lucknow, offering direct access to the institute’s world-class faculty, peer learning opportunities, and practical, case-based discussions. Live sessions are scheduled for three hours on Sundays, supported by self-paced study materials and collaborative projects, making it accessible to working professionals.

Its high-impact curriculum is built around critical leadership pillars, including Corporate Strategy and Business Transformation, Financial Acumen for Strategic Decision-Making, People Leadership and Change Management, Marketing and Digital Strategy, and Business Analytics for Performance Excellence. A standout feature of the programme is the integrated Capstone Project, which involves working on real-world scenarios to apply learning in a practical context. Participants will also attend leadership workshops and interact with industry practitioners, gaining insights that bridge academic theory with on-ground realities.

Its high-impact curriculum is built around critical leadership pillars, including Corporate Strategy and Business Transformation, Financial Acumen for Strategic Decision-Making, People Leadership and Change Management, Marketing and Digital Strategy, and Business Analytics for Performance Excellence. A standout feature of the programme is the integrated Capstone Project, which involves working on real-world scenarios to apply learning in a practical context. Participants will also attend leadership workshops and interact with industry practitioners, gaining insights that bridge academic theory with on-ground realities.

The Senior Leadership Programme aims to develop well-rounded leaders capable of taking strategic decisions with a holistic view of the business. It will strengthen financial and analytical skills, enabling leaders to leverage data-driven insights for better decision-making. Emphasis will also be placed on driving organisational transformation through innovation and digital strategies, fostering inclusive leadership practices, and building high-performing teams. By the end of the programme, participants will not only gain an IIM Lucknow credential but also enhance their credibility and readiness for senior leadership or board-level positions.

The programme is set to commence on September 30, 2025, and will run for 10 months. Eligible candidates include graduates or diploma holders (10+2+3) as well as postgraduates, provided they have more than seven years of work experience. The fee for the programme is INR 5,50,000 plus GST. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate from IIM Lucknow, provided they maintain a minimum attendance of 75 percent. They will also gain the opportunity to become part of the IIM Lucknow Executive Alumni network, expanding their professional connections and long-term career opportunities.

By combining academic rigor, practical application, and flexible delivery, the Senior Leadership Programme by IIM Lucknow and Emeritus stands out as a comprehensive pathway for experienced professionals seeking to expand their leadership capabilities in an era of rapid change. It addresses not only the skill gaps identified by global HR leaders but also the pressing need for adaptive, innovative, and resilient leadership in organisations. The collaboration between IIM Lucknow’s academic expertise and Emeritus’s global learning platform ensures that participants will gain insights, tools, and networks to navigate the evolving business landscape successfully.

In an increasingly competitive and volatile global market, leaders must be prepared to think strategically, lead with confidence, and inspire transformation. The Senior Leadership Programme promises to deliver these capabilities, creating a new generation of leaders ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. With its blend of strategic content, immersive learning experiences, and prestigious certification, the programme is poised to be a valuable career investment for ambitious professionals aiming to make a lasting impact in their organisations and industries.

By combining academic rigor, practical application, and flexible delivery, the Senior Leadership Programme by IIM Lucknow and Emeritus stands out as a comprehensive pathway for experienced professionals seeking to expand their leadership capabilities in an era of rapid change. It addresses not only the skill gaps identified by global HR leaders but also the pressing need for adaptive, innovative, and resilient leadership in organisations. The collaboration between IIM Lucknow’s academic expertise and Emeritus’s global learning platform ensures that participants will gain insights, tools, and networks to navigate the evolving business landscape successfully.

In an increasingly competitive and volatile global market, leaders must be prepared to think strategically, lead with confidence, and inspire transformation. The Senior Leadership Programme promises to deliver these capabilities, creating a new generation of leaders ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. With its blend of strategic content, immersive learning experiences, and prestigious certification, the programme is poised to be a valuable career investment for ambitious professionals aiming to make a lasting impact in their organisations and industries.