India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. To seize opportunities and sustain success under shifting global business conditions, companies need executives who are exceptional leaders—confident decision-makers, skilled strategists, global thinkers, and effective change agents.

Taking place in four modules over the course of a year, the Senior Executive Leadership Program–India accelerates the transformation of experienced senior executives into capable leaders who can drive business success. Delivered in a series of modules in Boston and Mumbai, this business management program can take your leadership skills and your career to the next level. You will become a stronger leader who can design competitive strategies in a global context, promote continuous innovation, and overcome obstacles to growth.

Summary

Key Benefits

Focused on helping growing businesses in India and beyond develop greater leadership capacity, this intensive program empowers you to look critically at the business as a whole—and build and lead a high-performance organization. You will emerge better prepared to make the bold market moves that foster business growth.

Key Benefits

Think strategically and find innovative approaches to business challenges
Seize growth opportunities and compete successfully in a complex global economy
Improve your organization's ability to deliver value to customers
Lead authentically and ethically at all levels and foster a culture of accountability across the organization
Build confidence in yourself as both a leader and a decision-maker
Develop enduring bonds with accomplished peers who span functions, industries, and countries
Take advantage of resources for lifelong learning as a member of the global HBS alumni community

Who Should Attend

Experienced senior executives who are general managers or functional leaders, particularly those assuming new responsibilities or driving new growth initiatives.

Participating Companies Have Included:

Barclays

Deloitte

Ernst & Young

IBM

Johnson & Johnson

Microsoft

Nissan

Oman Air

Oracle

Philips

Tata Capital

Dive Deeper into the Experience

diverse group of participants in the class room

Build a Competitive Advantage With HBS in India

Explore the unique business challenges and opportunities emerging across South Asia—and the globe.

Learn More

We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Experience the Case Method in the Classroom

Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.

Who Should Attend

Experienced senior executives who are general managers or functional leaders, particularly those assuming new responsibilities or driving new growth initiatives.

Participants typically represent organizations including:

Large, established companies
Entrepreneurial ventures—either new companies or new ventures within established companies
Family businesses
Multinational firms with an increased presence in South Asia
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies, especially those working closely with the private sector

Participating Companies Have Included:

Barclays

Deloitte

Ernst & Young

IBM

Johnson & Johnson

Microsoft

Nissan

Oman Air

Oracle

Philips

Tata Capital

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Build a Competitive Advantage With HBS in India

Explore the unique business challenges and opportunities emerging across South Asia—and the globe.

Learn More

We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Experience the Case Method in the Classroom

Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.

An Exceptional Learning Experience

When you participate in an HBS Executive Education program, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your small learning group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

An Exceptional Learning Experience

While in Boston, you will spend most of your time in an area of the HBS campus designed for Executive Education, with living quarters and amenities that maximize your comfort while facilitating small group discussions. Classrooms, supported by the latest technology, are designed to foster dynamic and fast-paced interactions among participants and faculty.

During the program's Mumbai modules, you will not be living with your group, but you will continue to work together, with ongoing opportunities for cross-cultural learning, discussion, class preparation, mutual support, and feedback.

Alumni Status and Lifelong Learning

Upon completing the Senior Executive Leadership Program—India, you will become a lifetime member of the HBS alumni community—gaining exclusive access to our vast global alumni network and an array of resources that facilitate lifelong learning, growth, and success. Learn more.

Admissions Criteria and Process

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although this program has no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

The Application Process

We select applicants who embrace challenges, seek genuine personal and professional growth, and are ready to innovate—in themselves and in their organizations. The curious, open-minded executive who commits wholeheartedly will find the program to be a highly stimulating, rewarding—even life-changing—experience.

To apply, you will submit:

The application, telling us about your experience, your organization, and your current responsibilities, goals, and challenges
A letter of reference from someone familiar with your work

To review both the application and letter of reference, download the Application PDF. You can submit your application via our online application form or by returning a completed PDF. When submitting the online application form, you will be asked for the email address of the individual serving as your reference. That individual will receive an email with a link to an online letter of reference form.

Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Letter of Reference

To gain a deeper understanding of your background and your potential as a leader, we require a letter of reference from a senior executive within your organization, a board member, or an HBS graduate familiar with your role and responsibilities. To submit the letter, follow the instructions in your application.

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply as soon as you can, and at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

English Proficiency

Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for active participation in fast-moving classes and small group discussions.

Learning Commitment

Residency is required for each module—on campus for Boston modules and at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai for India modules. Your active participation in all classroom sessions, case discussions, and other program activities is essential, so you must be free of other responsibilities during the program. In addition, you must be able to set aside sufficient time for the virtual learning assignments between modules.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel or defer participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations or deferrals received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

Potential candidates may apply through the HBS Executive Education website. Harvard Business School Executive Education also works with Eruditus Executive Education as a program recruitment partner for the Senior Executive Leadership Program—India.

Admissions Criteria and Process

The Application Process

To apply, you will submit:

The application, telling us about your experience, your organization, and your current responsibilities, goals, and challenges
A letter of reference from someone familiar with your work

Answering Your Questions

Letter of Reference

Application Submission

English Proficiency

Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for active participation in fast-moving classes and small group discussions.

Learning Commitment

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

The innovative and comprehensive curriculum of the Senior Executive Leadership Program—India will take you beyond business basics to focus on the challenges of greatest concern to corporate leaders today—across India and the globe. Requiring just seven weeks away from the office over the course of a year, the unique format maximizes learning and the development of a global perspective, while minimizing consecutive days away from home and work.

Four intensive in-class modules—two in Boston and two in Mumbai—include faculty presentations, case discussions, guest speakers, and skill-building exercises. Through personal coaching and special projects, you will address the leadership challenges facing you and your organization. Between modules, work on an individual strategy project and sharpen your leadership skills. As you try out new approaches in your workplace, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your experience, receive feedback from your boss and colleagues, and bring new insights back to the classroom.

What You Will Learn

Module DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Module 1: Imperatives for today's organizations and leaders Module 1: Imperatives for today's organizations and leaders

Format: HBS Campus, Boston

The first module provides an overview of critical business issues and topics that you will examine in greater depth in subsequent modules, including:

Strategy: Looking critically at your business as a whole; evaluating your company's capabilities, advantages, potential, and challenges in the context of the global economy; and cultivating new sources of value and advantage
Leadership: Building your capabilities in the context of the leader's multifaceted role; becoming a more effective negotiator; leading authentically and ethically while creating a more accountable organization; and driving changes that generate performance and shareholder value
Innovation: Becoming an entrepreneurial leader; leveraging design thinking and improving
Globalization: Gaining a broader understanding of the increasingly interconnected global economy and how global conditions affect your company's opportunities and challenges in both developed and emerging markets

Diving deeply into the case method of learning, you will open yourself to new insights as you work individually, in small groups, and in the larger classroom. You will begin working on your Value Mapping Strategy project and also use a detailed questionnaire as the basis for starting work with your personal coach

Module 2: Creating, capturing, and measuring value Module 2: Creating, capturing, and measuring value

Format: Taj Lands End, Mumbai

You will examine how successful companies build the capabilities to create customer value and sustain competitive advantage. In the process, you will expand your ability to define, measure, and monitor performance—and align your company's operations to achieve its strategic objectives.

Design sound competitive strategies and growth plans
Deliver more value to customers—and corporate stakeholders
Empower employees and align service levels and cultures with strategic choices
Translate corporate mission and business strategy into a comprehensive set of performance targets and measures
Balance economic, social, and governance goals while managing risk

Module 3: Becoming an agile leader Module 3: Becoming an agile leader

Format: Taj Lands End, Mumbai

You will focus on improving your personal performance as a leader and refining a key executive skill—negotiating. Examining multiple dimensions of innovation, you will learn how open, creative, and exploratory thinking can contribute to both personal and organizational success.

Adapt your leadership style to your organization's needs while managing competing demands on your time
Expand your ability to manage yourself, your team, and your internal and external networks
Negotiate more effectively—in routine situations or in high-stakes deals on which your company's future depends
Develop and sustain an empowered, entrepreneurial, and innovative culture
Embrace the strategic and tactical opportunities presented by new technologies and trends

Module 4: Leadership and change Module 4: Leadership and change

Format: HBS Campus, Boston

You will refine leadership strategies that can help you take your company forward. Reflecting on course themes and your leadership journey during the past year, you will delve into the nature of authentic, responsible leadership and prepare to continue growing as a leader throughout your career.

Drive the changes that align your organization to achieve strategic goals while improving accountability
Meet your organization's ongoing financial needs, ethical obligations, and legal requirements
Foster effective teamwork by empowering and inspiring others
Lead authentically with greater self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and integrity
Balance work and home life and obtain greater satisfaction from your leadership role

Module Details

Module 1: Imperatives for today's organizations and leaders

Format: HBS Campus, Boston

The first module provides an overview of critical business issues and topics that you will examine in greater depth in subsequent modules, including:

Strategy: Looking critically at your business as a whole; evaluating your company's capabilities, advantages, potential, and challenges in the context of the global economy; and cultivating new sources of value and advantage
Leadership: Building your capabilities in the context of the leader's multifaceted role; becoming a more effective negotiator; leading authentically and ethically while creating a more accountable organization; and driving changes that generate performance and shareholder value
Innovation: Becoming an entrepreneurial leader; leveraging design thinking and improving
Globalization: Gaining a broader understanding of the increasingly interconnected global economy and how global conditions affect your company's opportunities and challenges in both developed and emerging markets

Module 2: Creating, capturing, and measuring value

Format: Taj Lands End, Mumbai

Design sound competitive strategies and growth plans
Deliver more value to customers—and corporate stakeholders
Empower employees and align service levels and cultures with strategic choices
Translate corporate mission and business strategy into a comprehensive set of performance targets and measures
Balance economic, social, and governance goals while managing risk

Module 3: Becoming an agile leader

Format: Taj Lands End, Mumbai

Adapt your leadership style to your organization's needs while managing competing demands on your time
Expand your ability to manage yourself, your team, and your internal and external networks
Negotiate more effectively—in routine situations or in high-stakes deals on which your company's future depends
Develop and sustain an empowered, entrepreneurial, and innovative culture
Embrace the strategic and tactical opportunities presented by new technologies and trends

Module 4: Leadership and change

Format: HBS Campus, Boston

Drive the changes that align your organization to achieve strategic goals while improving accountability
Meet your organization's ongoing financial needs, ethical obligations, and legal requirements
Foster effective teamwork by empowering and inspiring others
Lead authentically with greater self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and integrity
Balance work and home life and obtain greater satisfaction from your leadership role

Special Program FeaturesExpand All Collapse All

Living/learning group work Living/learning group work

A yearlong program creates the opportunity to build close, trusting relationships with a small, diverse group of peer executives who can understand your challenges—but are not part of your organization. Throughout the program, you will work with a small group of peers who will stimulate your learning as you:

Absorb global insights by working with executives from different countries, cultures, and professional backgrounds
Share diverse perspectives as you discuss cases and assignments
Complete small group exercises and projects as a team
Give and receive feedback and advice—both personal and professional—in a safe environment

While on the HBS campus in Boston, you will share accommodations with your living group, forging relationships that serve as a valuable source of peer feedback, support, and advice.

Professional coaching Professional coaching

Each living group works with a professional coach to optimize group dynamics and maximize the value of the group learning experience. In addition, coaches work with you one-on-one to help you develop a personal leadership style that works for you.

Using the 360-degree leadership assessment and feedback tool as a starting point, your personal coach will work closely with you during Module 4 to identify your strengths, target areas for improvement, and help you develop a personal action plan for ongoing development. All coaching sessions are strictly confidential, giving you the freedom to share your personal goals and professional challenges.

Value mapping strategy project Value mapping strategy project

Throughout the program, you will work on an individual project that addresses a strategic challenge facing your organization.

Utilize a powerful framework for analyzing the value of your offering or business line, considering value from the customer's perspective
Compare your own offering with those of competitors
Refine your competitive strategy and develop a short presentation based on feedback from faculty, peers, and your personal coach
After sharing your Value Mapping strategy with your organization and team, develop an action plan for driving the changes that will improve value and increase success

Special Program Features

Living/learning group work

Absorb global insights by working with executives from different countries, cultures, and professional backgrounds
Share diverse perspectives as you discuss cases and assignments
Complete small group exercises and projects as a team
Give and receive feedback and advice—both personal and professional—in a safe environment

While on the HBS campus in Boston, you will share accommodations with your living group, forging relationships that serve as a valuable source of peer feedback, support, and advice.

Professional coaching

Value mapping strategy project

Throughout the program, you will work on an individual project that addresses a strategic challenge facing your organization.

Utilize a powerful framework for analyzing the value of your offering or business line, considering value from the customer's perspective
Compare your own offering with those of competitors
Refine your competitive strategy and develop a short presentation based on feedback from faculty, peers, and your personal coach
After sharing your Value Mapping strategy with your organization and team, develop an action plan for driving the changes that will improve value and increase success

The HBS Advantage

The Senior Executive Leadership Program—India is developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

Krishna G. Palepu

Ross Graham Walker Professor of Business Administration, Senior Adviser to the President of Harvard University. Member of the Accounting and Management and the General Management Units; and faculty chair of "Senior Executive Leadership Program—India" and "China CEO Renewal Program"; and faculty cochair of "Leading Global Businesses."

Read Full Bio

"By attending this program, CEOs prepare to take their companies to the next level and make them more successful globally."

Faculty

Rohit Deshpandé

Sebastian S. Kresge Professor of Marketing. Member of the Marketing Unit; and faculty chair of the "Global Colloquium on Participant-Centered Learning."

Read Full Bio

William W. George

Senior Fellow. Member of the General Management Unit; founder of the "Authentic Leader Development" program, and faculty cochair of "Leading Global Businesses."

Read Full Bio

Francesca Gino

Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration. Unit Head, Negotiation, Organizations & Markets; and faculty cochair of "Behavioral Economics: Understanding and Shaping Customer and Employee Behavior" and "Driving Profitable Growth."

Read Full Bio

Sunil Gupta

Edward W. Carter Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Marketing Unit; faculty chair of the "General Management Program" and "Driving Digital Strategies."

Read Full Bio

W. Carl Kester

George Fisher Baker Jr. Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Finance Unit.

Read Full Bio

Joshua D. Margolis

James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration. Head of the Organizational Behavior Unit and faculty chair of "Program for Leadership Development" and "PLD Module 5."

Read Full Bio

Ramana Nanda

Sarofim-Rock Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

V.G. Narayanan

Thomas D. Casserly, Jr. Professor of Business Administration. Chair, MBA Elective Curriculum. Member of the Accounting and Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Das Narayandas

Edsel Bryant Ford Professor of Business Administration. Senior Associate Dean, External Relations and Harvard Business Publishing. Member of the Marketing Unit.

Read Full Bio

V. Kasturi Rangan

Malcolm P. McNair Professor of Marketing; cochair of the HBS Social Enterprise Initiative. Member of the Marketing Unit. He is the author of Transforming Your Go-to-Market Strategy: Three Disciplines of Channel Management. Cochair of "Managing Sales Teams and Distribution Channels."

Read Full Bio

Stefan H. Thomke

William Barclay Harding Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty chair of "Leading Product Innovation."

Read Full Bio

Gunnar Trumbull

Philip Caldwell Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Business, Government and the International Economy Unit.

Read Full Bio

Michael L. Tushman

Baker Foundation Professor, Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit; faculty chair of the "Advanced Management Program" and faculty cochair of "Leading Change and Organizational Renewal."

Read Full Bio

The HBS Advantage: The Senior Executive Leadership Program—India is developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

Krishna G. Palepu

Ross Graham Walker Professor of Business Administration, Senior Adviser to the President of Harvard University. Member of the Accounting and Management and the General Management Units; and faculty chair of "Senior Executive Leadership Program—India" and "China CEO Renewal Program"; and faculty cochair of "Leading Global Businesses."

Read Full Bio
"By attending this program, CEOs prepare to take their companies to the next level and make them more successful globally."
Read More

Faculty

Rohit Deshpandé

Sebastian S. Kresge Professor of Marketing. Member of the Marketing Unit; and faculty chair of the "Global Colloquium on Participant-Centered Learning."

Read Full Bio

William W. George

Senior Fellow. Member of the General Management Unit; founder of the "Authentic Leader Development" program, and faculty cochair of "Leading Global Businesses."

Read Full Bio

Francesca Gino

Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration. Unit Head, Negotiation, Organizations & Markets; and faculty cochair of "Behavioral Economics: Understanding and Shaping Customer and Employee Behavior" and "Driving Profitable Growth."

Read Full Bio

Sunil Gupta

Edward W. Carter Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Marketing Unit; faculty chair of the "General Management Program" and "Driving Digital Strategies."

Read Full Bio

W. Carl Kester

George Fisher Baker Jr. Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Finance Unit.

Read Full Bio

Joshua D. Margolis

James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration. Head of the Organizational Behavior Unit and faculty chair of "Program for Leadership Development" and "PLD Module 5."

Read Full Bio

Ramana Nanda

Sarofim-Rock Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

V.G. Narayanan

Thomas D. Casserly, Jr. Professor of Business Administration. Chair, MBA Elective Curriculum. Member of the Accounting and Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Das Narayandas

Edsel Bryant Ford Professor of Business Administration. Senior Associate Dean, External Relations and Harvard Business Publishing. Member of the Marketing Unit.

Read Full Bio

V. Kasturi Rangan

Malcolm P. McNair Professor of Marketing; cochair of the HBS Social Enterprise Initiative. Member of the Marketing Unit. He is the author of Transforming Your Go-to-Market Strategy: Three Disciplines of Channel Management. Cochair of "Managing Sales Teams and Distribution Channels."

Read Full Bio

Stefan H. Thomke

William Barclay Harding Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty chair of "Leading Product Innovation."

Read Full Bio

Gunnar Trumbull

Philip Caldwell Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Business, Government and the International Economy Unit.

Read Full Bio

Michael L. Tushman

Baker Foundation Professor, Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit; faculty chair of the "Advanced Management Program" and faculty cochair of "Leading Change and Organizational Renewal."

Read Full Bio

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More Admissions Information

Program content, dates, fees, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

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Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Director: Ms. Carla Tishler

Email: ctishler@hbs.edu

Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

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