#1
in Open Executive Education in the Benelux
3,543
Alumni
4.6/5
for Learning Impact
Over the course of one year, this programme prepares experienced managers to become more effective and confident business leaders in their organisations.
It’s a unique opportunity to sharpen your leadership skills, develop a holistic approach to management and deepen your strategic insights.
Detailed programme
The programme will give you insights, tools and frameworks that will empower you to become a more effective and knowledgeable business leader. Throughout the programme, you can immediately apply your learnings in an in-company project - creating immediate value for you and your organisation.
You can tailor your learning trajectory by selecting one or more electives (maximum 6 days): either you opt to dive deep into a topic from the core programme or you choose a new one. We gladly assist you in making the right choice.
Winning with strategy
- Learn strategic concepts and how to apply them
- Develop your strategic thinking and reflect on your organisation’s strategic choices
- Discover how to respond to competitive marketplaces with strategic innovation
(Self-)leadership
- Explore the dynamics of leadership, teamwork and culture – and reflect on your role in building a high-performance team
- Discover your leadership style through a 360° feedback tool , and create a personal development plan
- Learn how to use your full potential
Business mastery
- Learn in depth about finance and change management
- Discover the potential of cross-functional thinking – and how to increase your impact on your organisation
- Put your knowledge and team spirit into action
Electives
Personalise your learning journey by selecting up to six days from our short-term programmes : either dive into a new topic or deepen (one of) the topics of the core programme. Depending on the topic(s) you choose, you can do your electives before, during or after the core programme. You have two years to complete your programme.
In-company project
Apply your new learnings to an in-company project – responding to a business or strategic challenge for your own organisation.
- Apply your learning to a project from your own organisation
- Use your fellow participants and our expert faculty as a sounding board
- Create ROI for your organisation
Why this programme
- Make a bigger impact in your organisation
- Strengthen your leadership capabilities and business acumen
- Learn to align cross-functional management domains
- After graduating from this programme, you are entitled to join our alumni network. Visit the Vlerick Alumni website for more information
Who should attend
- Experienced managers (at least 10 years of working experience and 4 years in a management role) who:
- aspire to a more senior management role
- are looking to understand key linkages across disciplines
- seek to maximise their leadership potential
- want to develop their strategic leadership capabilities
Practical info
To apply for this programme, you need to complete four steps:
1. Check your eligibility: Check if you meet the admissions criteria for the programme you want to apply for.
2. Submit your application: Fill out the application form and upload it together with your cv or LinkedIn profile.
3. Take part in an interview: When we receive your application, we’ll get in touch to set up an interview. This will take about an hour and will cover:
- Your professional experience and current challenges
- Your career ambitions
- Why you want to take the programme
- Which electives are right for you (if the programme includes electives)
4. Confirm your registration: If you pass the interview, we’ll send you a registration form. You’ll have two weeks to complete and submit the form to confirm your programme place.
Fees and financing
Boost your impact – and your budget
Did you know you may be eligible for:
- Group discount: Register three participants from the same company at the same time and get 15% off
- Alumni discount: Vlerick alumni get a 10% discount on the programme fee for all open programmes, including conferences. The discount does not apply to additional exams or assessments, such as micro-credentials, or to our Take the Lead programmes. Learn more about our open programmes.
Check all our benefits and make the most of your investment.
Success stories
Cindy Willems
Leading Lady at Fierce Management
Vlerick’s Executive Development Programme provided the academic foundation I needed to advance my career. The inspiring professors and practical insights transformed my approach to business. Within 10 months, the investment paid off. It was a life-changing experience, and I’d return in a heartbeat for an MBA!
Tinneke Denayer
Rare Blood Disorder Leader at Sanofi Genzyme
Every module delivered new business insights and enhanced motivation to make things happen. Our group was diverse, with people from different sectors of industry and government, as well as entrepreneurs. A dynamic and tight group of great people − and even now we are still in contact. This programme was a building block for the rest of my career.
Faculty
Kurt Verweire
Professor of Strategy
Kurt Verweire is a specialist in helping companies to develop and implement winning business strategies.
Steve Muylle
Professor of Digital Strategy and Marketing
Steve Muylle creates business impact with actionable insight about digital technology.
Wouter De Maeseneire
Professor of Corporate Finance
Wouter De Maeseneire is passionate about explaining financial management principles by linking finance to business models and strategies.
Katleen De Stobbeleir
Professor of Leadership
Katleen De Stobbeleir is inspired by leaders who stand up and speak – and she is passionate about those who have the courage to sit and listen.
Carine Peeters
Professor of Strategy
Carine Peeters is a firm believer in boosting company performance through people.
Bram Doolaege
Founding Partner at Streetwize
Bram Doolaege combines teaching leadership and change with social entrepreneurship.
Get in touch!
Sien Garré
Customer Acquisition and Retention Manager
Will I become an alumnus when I complete this programme?
Yes, when you complete this programme, you’ll become a Vlerick alumnus.
Do I need to apply or can I register directly?
You need to submit an application form. To do this, go to the Apply Now button on the web page. When we receive your application, the programme manager will get in touch to schedule an intake interview. We’ll want to hear about why you want to take the programme and discuss whether it’s the right fit for you.
Is the Executive Development Programme the right fit for my level of experience?
This programme is designed for experienced managers, ideally with at least 10 years’ professional experience and four years in a management position. We welcome participants who want to move up, broaden their business perspective – or prepare for a future role as general manager or CEO. When you apply, we’ll schedule an intake conversation with you, so you can make sure the programme is the right fit for you.
How customisable is the learning journey?
The Executive Development Programme combines a structured leadership journey with opportunities to tailor part of the experience to your individual development goals. Alongside core modules, you can select up to six days of electives from Vlerick's Executive Education portfolio. This allows you to deepen your expertise in topics that are relevant to your role, organisation and career ambitions.
The learning journey is highly practical and centred on personal development. You'll take part in a 360° feedback assessment, gaining valuable insights. And you’ll work on a real business challenge for your in-company project, so you can immediately apply what you learn in your own organisation.
This combination of core modules, electives, personalised coaching, peer learning and workplace application gives you a highly relevant experience that’s tailored to your individual leadership journey.
Does the Executive Development Programme offer networking opportunities?
The Executive Development Programme brings together experienced managers and business leaders from a wide variety of industries and specialisms. Throughout the programme, you'll learn alongside peers who are all facing similar leadership and business challenges. Through in-class modules, evening activities, learning groups, sounding board sessions and your in-company project, you’ll have opportunities to exchange experiences and challenge perspectives. And you’ll build a valuable professional network that often extends far beyond the programme itself.
What is the overall time investment for this programme?
All our executive programmes are designed with busy professionals in mind – and can all be combined with a full-time role. The calendar is a good indicator of the time investment you’ll need to make. With the exception of Strategy & Leadership Essentials (before Module one), little preparation is needed for in-class modules. And because you have dedicated project work days, any additional work should be manageable too.