IMD: Shaping Future Leaders
Discover the International Institute for Management Development, a nexus of global business education, innovation, and impactful leadership development.
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About IMD
Academic Institute
The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) is a distinguished, independent academic institution headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. It operates with strategic hubs in Singapore, Shenzhen, China, and Cape Town, fostering a global perspective in management education.
Mission & Focus
IMD is renowned for its commitment to developing leaders and policy-makers capable of navigating complex global challenges. Its core mission revolves around delivering impactful executive education, fostering innovation, and driving real-world business impact through its rigorous academic programs and advisory services.
Global Recognition
Consistently ranked among the world's elite business schools, IMD is celebrated for its high-quality MBA, Executive MBA, and executive education programs. Its focus on practical application and real-time relevance ensures graduates are prepared for the dynamic demands of the global marketplace.
History & Evolution
Genesis and Merger
IMD was established in January 1990 through the strategic merger of two independent management education centers: the International Management Institute (IMI) in Geneva, founded in 1946 by Alcan, and the Institut pour l'Etude des Methodes de Direction de l'Entreprise (IMEDE) in Lausanne, established in 1957 by Nestlรฉ. This unique industrial heritage distinguishes IMD from many university-affiliated business schools.
Global Expansion
Over the years, IMD has expanded its reach beyond its Lausanne campus. Strategic hubs have been established in key global centers such as Singapore, Shenzhen, China, and Cape Town. This international presence allows IMD to deliver its programs and engage with a diverse global network of leaders and organizations.
Academic Accreditation
IMD operates as a Swiss university institute, holding accreditation from the Swiss Accreditation Council. This formal recognition underscores its commitment to academic rigor and quality standards in higher education, ensuring its programs meet stringent international benchmarks.
Executive Education
Custom Programs
IMD excels in co-designing and delivering bespoke executive education programs tailored to the specific needs of organizations. In 2024, IMD delivered over 370 custom programs to nearly 200 clients, including award-winning initiatives with Securitas and Bayer. The Financial Times recognized IMD as #1 globally for custom programs in its 2025 rankings.
Open & Online Programs
IMD offers a comprehensive portfolio of over 80 open enrollment programs, complemented by more than 20 online offerings. In 2024, these programs engaged over 5,000 participants in open sessions and 2,260 in online formats. Participants consistently report high levels of practical applicability, with satisfaction rates between 98-99%.
I by IMD Publication
Launched in 2021, "I by IMD" is IMD's quarterly management magazine and digital knowledge hub. It features articles, podcasts, and interviews from leading academics, industry experts, and policymakers, focusing on contemporary business and leadership challenges. The hub reached 785,000 active users by the end of 2024.
Degree Programs
MBA Program
IMD's flagship one-year MBA program is globally recognized for its intensive, AI-rich curriculum. It has been ranked #1 in Europe by Bloomberg Businessweek and was named the 2024 MBA Program of the Year by Poets&Quants, highlighting its innovative approach and impact on career development.
Executive MBA (EMBA)
The EMBA program offers a flexible, modular structure designed for experienced professionals. It includes global immersions in China, Japan, and Singapore. IMD announced a significant revamp of its EMBA offering in 2024 to better address the evolving needs of executives in today's business landscape.
Specialized Masters
In April 2025, IMD introduced two new specialized Executive Master's degrees, marking its first new degree offerings in 25 years. These programs, delivered in partnership with EPFL and UNIL, focus on contemporary challenges: the Executive Master in AI & Digital Business Transformation and the Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation.
Global Rankings
Executive Education Excellence
IMD has consistently achieved top global rankings for its executive education programs. It was ranked #1 worldwide for open programs by the Financial Times for multiple years (2012-2020) and maintained the #9 position in the 2025 rankings. For custom programs, IMD secured the #1 spot in the 2025 Financial Times rankings, demonstrating its leadership in both categories.
MBA & Business School Recognition
The IMD MBA program has garnered significant recognition, including being ranked #1 in Europe by Bloomberg Businessweek and named Program of the Year by Poets&Quants. Forbes has also featured IMD among the best international business schools. These accolades reflect IMD's sustained commitment to delivering high-impact business education.
Notable Alumni
Global Impact
IMD boasts an extensive global alumni network exceeding 125,000 individuals across 140 countries and over 80 industries. These alumni hold influential positions in leading corporations, governments, and non-profit organizations worldwide.
Distinguished Faculty
Expertise and Diversity
IMD's faculty comprises over 50 full-time members representing 21 different nationalities. This diverse group brings a wealth of academic expertise and practical business experience, contributing to IMD's reputation for cutting-edge research and insightful teaching.
Strategic Partnerships
Collaborative Network
IMD maintains strong partnerships with leading academic institutions and organizations globally. These collaborations enhance its educational offerings, research capabilities, and global reach, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for learning and innovation.
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References
References
- IMD appoints David Bach as its next President, imd.org, April 2024
- https://www.imd.org/ibyimd/
- https://www.inpublishing.co.uk/articles/i-by-imd-launches-digital-archive-22143
- https://www.zinio.com/ch/publications/i-by-imd/40560
- https://box.media-carrier.de/magazines?b=77745&l=en
- https://www.imd.org/reports/annual-report/2024/research-and-thought-leadership/
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional business strategy consultation, educational guidance, or career counseling. Always refer to the official IMD resources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.