A world-class education for experienced professionals
The Global Executive MBA complements the long-established Cambridge Executive MBA, offering a distinct structure that caters to the diverse needs of experienced professionals. While the Cambridge Executive MBA is centred around residential weekends in Cambridge, the Global Executive MBA features a more flexible format, combining 4 week-long teaching blocks in Cambridge with 2 weeks of face-to-face learning in international locations. To provide a truly global perspective, the programme also includes live online sessions featuring international speakers and panel discussions with global leaders.
This innovative structure allows students to immerse themselves in Cambridge’s renowned academic environment while gaining valuable exposure to global business practices. Additionally, it fosters a strong sense of community among the cohort, enabling students to build meaningful connections and collaborate effectively with peers from diverse backgrounds.
A diverse and accomplished first cohort
The inaugural cohort of the Global Executive MBA comprised 46 students from 22 countries, with an average of 14 years of work experience and an average age of 38 years. The class included professionals from a wide range of industries, including consulting, the public sector, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, technology and energy. 39% of the cohort were women, reflecting Cambridge Judge’s commitment to fostering gender diversity in executive education.
Students
Average age**
Women in the class
Nationalities represented
Years’ average experience
Professor Simon Taylor, the first Director of the Global Executive MBA Programme, reflected on the programme’s origins and its remarkable first cohort:
The original idea that became the Global Executive MBA started with a conversation in a bar in Beijing in 2015. After many years, and after some considerable evolution of the concept, I was finally in the room with the first cohort of Global Executive MBA students in Cambridge, in January 2024. My first impression was, this is the most varied, experienced and just interesting group of students I've ever had the privilege to teach. And, eighteen months later, with the completion of their course, I am even more of that view.
The emphasis on diversity and experience brought a wealth of perspectives to the classroom, enriching discussions and fostering a collaborative learning environment. As Julio Patino, member of the Global Executive MBA 2024 cohort, observed:
“My fondest memory of the programme is the deep connection and sharing with the entire cohort. It was inspiring to be surrounded by amazing people with enviable dreams, which continues to motivate me to work hard toward my own personal and professional goals.”
Leadership and legacy
With the Global Executive MBA preparing to welcome its third cohort, the reins have been passed to Associate Professor Kamiar Mohaddes. In his role as the new Director of the Global Executive MBA, Kamiar is dedicated to advancing the strong foundation established by Simon Taylor, with a focus on innovation and global impact:
I am delighted to take on the role of Director of the Global Executive MBA Programme and am deeply grateful to Simon Taylor for his exceptional leadership and commitment, which have established a solid foundation for the ongoing success of our programme. I hope to build on this legacy, fostering innovation and growth to further empower our talented and diverse students and alumni and to strengthen our global impact.
Looking ahead
The Global Executive MBA has already had a profound impact. It has provided students with the tools to navigate an increasingly interconnected and complex global business environment, while also fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. Julio Patino comments:
The Global Executive MBA programme immediately increased my professional visibility. I was contacted by several companies shortly after starting the programme. Although I couldn't pursue those roles due to my new personal responsibility – I had recently become a father – my boss encouraged me to be more selective about my next career steps. I'm currently with an amazing mining company that provides great support for my career progression. The programme gave me powerful new tools and a much stronger sense of professional security. Now, instead of seeing problems, I see opportunities to demonstrate my full capability.
The success of the inaugural cohort sets a promising precedent for the future of the Global Executive MBA. With its unique blend of academic excellence, global exposure and flexible learning, the programme is poised to continue attracting top talent from around the world, shaping the next generation of global business leaders.
Executive MBA programmes
The Cambridge Executive MBA and Global Executive MBA are 20-month programmes for senior executives who want to apply their knowledge and skills as they learn.
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