Why Leaders Are Pursuing Executive MBAs

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, leaders are increasingly seeking further education to stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a competitive edge.

Executive MBAs (EMBAs) have become a popular choice among seasoned professionals who aim to enhance their strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and global perspective. 

An EMBA offers a unique blend of advanced business knowledge, practical skills, and networking opportunities, making it a valuable investment for those in key decision-making roles. As businesses face complex challenges like digital transformation, sustainability demands, and geopolitical shifts, an EMBA equips leaders with the tools to navigate these issues effectively and drive their organisations towards success.

The Copenhagen Business School – Executive MBA 

The CBS Executive MBA (EMBA) programme, offered by Copenhagen Business School, is specifically designed for experienced professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the business world and enhance their leadership skills. This part-time programme allows participants to continue full-time employment while studying, enabling them to apply new knowledge directly to their current roles. The CBS EMBA stands out for several reasons, making it a top choice for business executives globally.

Accreditation and Global Recognition
One of the key differentiators of the CBS EMBA is its "Triple Crown" accreditation, a prestigious status held by only 1% of business schools worldwide. This accreditation comes from three major entities: AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), AMBA (Association of MBAs), and EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System). Lone Ryevad Boysen, CBS Executive MBA Admissions Manager, emphasises the importance of these accreditations: "This is important for a potential future employer or if you, as a consultant, need to document the value of your education worldwide."

The programme is also recognised in various global rankings. Notably, it is ranked 43rd in the Financial Times Global EMBA ranking and 4th in the world for "Work Experience," reflecting the high calibre of its participants and the quality of its education.

Tailored to Experienced Professionals
The CBS EMBA programme is tailored for managers and senior executives with management work experience. Participants typically have an average of 16 years of professional experience, which enriches classroom discussions and peer learning. The programme's small class sizes foster a collaborative learning environment through challenging case studies, debates, experiential learning, and international modules.

Mikkel Draebye, the Innovation Course Professor, highlights the programme's international modules: “Through all the international modules, there is the cultural importance that business leaders of Scandinavia recognise; it’s healthy to go out and talk to professionals that have a totally different life philosophy and social context. There is so much learning associated with this.”

Participants have praised the programme's impact on their careers.

Amanda Cremon Lundblad, VP Global Partners at StrongPoint, shares, “I am very impressed by the overall high level of the professors at CBS and the practical approach to day-to-day challenges in any organisation. I can honestly say that already one year into the programme, the EMBA has positively influenced both my leadership and the way I strategically approach challenges on a higher level in the organisation.”

Louise Vang Edwards, Director, Head of Department at CREADIS, adds, "I'm honestly surprised at how much the EMBA has influenced me in just the first 10 months. First of all, there are all the tangible benefits: the amazing people I’ve gotten to know, the knowledge I’ve gained, and the memorable experiences (especially on the trips abroad!). But beyond this, I’ve noticed a change in how I’m thinking and approaching my daily activities, where the courses have improved my capacity for strategic and holistic thinking."

Diverse and Practical Curriculum
The CBS EMBA curriculum is designed to stay current with industry needs, incorporating subjects like digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability. The programme also adapts to global events, as seen with the recent addition of Supply Chain Management in response to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Classes are typically held in four-day blocks each month, with participants expected to spend about 7-10 hours per week preparing. The programme offers two completion paths: a continuous two-year programme or a modular approach over five years, providing flexibility for busy professionals.

Jesper Daugaard Faurby, Managing Director at Atradius Denmark, reflects on his experience: "EMBA gave me the tools to develop into the leader I wanted to become: I know how to develop my company and how to lead teams to achieve ambitious goals. I have also built a strong network that I actively use when collaborating on difficult business issues."

In the CBS Executive MBA Corporate Finance course, participants, whether they are finance experts or newcomers to the field, gain essential tools, analytical techniques, and practical knowledge to make informed financial decisions. The course is designed to be equally valuable for those with extensive experience in finance, as well as for those seeking to enhance their understanding of financial concepts and practices.

Ulf Nielsson, Associate Professor at Copenhagen Business School, teaches Corporate Finance to CBS Executive MBA participants. “Corporate  Finance involves some mathematics and technicalities, but our focus is on practical application. Even if you're not in the finance department of your organisation, understanding finance decisions, inputs, and gaining a finance vocabulary can significantly benefit your career and the organisation.”

The programme’s practical approach ensures that learning is directly applicable to participants' professional roles. Jeppe La Cour, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Roenne and EMBA Graduate Class of 2023, notes, "Summing it all up, the biggest gain was the ability to see the big picture and understand the business more clearly. Of specific courses, I can point to accounting and adaptive leadership that have aided me in this journey at the Port of Roenne, but it is the sum of overall development that you go through during the EMBA education that makes the difference from just taking short courses ad hoc. I now have an extra gear to elevate myself and piece everything together.”

High-Level Faculty and Teaching Methods
The CBS EMBA programme boasts a blend of experienced professors and diverse teaching methods. Faculty members are selected for their academic expertise and practical experience, ensuring that participants receive a well-rounded education. Mercedes Delgado, Professor of Entrepreneurship Concentration, states, "We are a great team to be connected with because we are applying what we teach in the classroom in real life."

This hands-on approach is complemented by guest lecturers and in-field managers who bring real-world insights to the classroom. The programme's focus on practical application ensures that participants can immediately implement their learning in their professional roles.

International Dimension and Networking
A distinctive feature of the CBS EMBA is its strong international dimension. The programme includes modules that take place in four different countries: Digitalisation in Silicon Valley/Shanghai, Marketing in Chicago and Innovation in Mumbai. This exposure to diverse business environments and practices enriches participants' global perspectives and enhances their ability to operate in international markets.

"The EMBA network's value lies in its direct access to professionals beyond one's own business, which has already proven beneficial in addressing work-related challenges," says Claus Bo Svendsen, MD, PhD, CEO of Forward Pharma.


The international modules not only provide valuable insights into different business cultures, but also facilitate unique learning experiences. Participants gain first-hand knowledge of how businesses operate in various regions, broadening their understanding and adaptability.

Strong Network and Career Impact
One of the most significant benefits of the CBS EMBA is the strong network it fosters among participants and alumni. The programme's diverse cohort includes professionals from various industries and nationalities, providing a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. This network extends beyond the classroom, offering ongoing support and collaboration opportunities throughout one's career.

Marie Carlsson, Head of Mergers and Acquisitions at SVEVIA, emphasises the network's value: “From the very beginning, the EMBA class of 2022/24 created a great atmosphere, long-lasting friendships, strong networks, and learnings to bring back to business life - this will sustain for a long time to follow.”

According to the recent Global FT EMBA results, CBS EMBA graduates enjoy an impressive 52% average salary increase three years after graduation, and overall, they rated their programme satisfaction at an impressive 9.55 out of 10.

Discover more about the CBS EMBA programme here: https://efteruddannelse.cbs.dk/en/mba/programmes/executive-mba

For further information, please visit:

www.cbs.dk