Jari Kukkonen, Head of EBS Executive Education, Estonian Business School
Estonian Business School has delivered its Executive MBA programme for over two decades. Roughly 300 business leaders have graduated our flagship programme in 19 cohorts since its inception in 2002.
Among the business and government leaders who have graduated the programme are: Kaja Kallas, Aivo Adamson, Raivo Vare, Andres Vainola, Peeter Koppel, Viljar Arakas, Tarmo Noop, Toomas Luhaäär, Erik Sakkov, Ivo Suursoo, Mati Pops and Igor Mölder.
Our faculty has included top lecturers and experts from Estonia and abroad like Kristjan Kalda, Meelis Kitsing, Aavo Kokk, Alar Kolk, Peeter Koppel, Marju Lauristin, Raul Parusk, Aleksander Pulver, Marko Rillo, Anu Ruul, Risto Vahimets, Richard Zinoecker. We have enjoyed contributions from our wide network of partners, who have shared their knowledge, insight and experience – they include Allan Martinson, Tõnu Mertsina, Madis Müller, Indrek Neivelt, Monika Tamla, Margus Uudam and many more.
During the programme, the study tours have been organised to educational institutions and interestingly managed organisations in Paris, Berlin and Vienna.
Our EMBA program has proven to be a catalyst for significant professional transformations. Although specific statistics are not meticulously tracked, numerous instances highlight the profound benefits our alumni have experienced.
Several graduates have successfully transitioned from salaried positions to entrepreneurship, leveraging their accumulated expertise as valuable services. The program instills confidence in participants, empowering them to communicate their visions assertively to stakeholders. This data-driven presentation approach has facilitated greater operational freedom and influence within their organisations.
The final thesis component offers a unique opportunity for in-depth focus on specific topical business challenges. This level of concentrated, topic-specific research is often unattainable in regular work schedules, providing critical insights and strategic solutions.
Equally important is the network of peers that continues to thrive long after graduation. Our alumni groups, regardless of the years since their completion, frequently convene to discuss and tackle real-world issues, fostering an environment of honesty and practical problem-solving.
While the societal impact of the Executive MBA program might be challenging to quantify through individual case studies, its presence is undeniable. Enhanced management practices contribute to healthier work environments, which, in turn, positively affect family life and overall societal well-being. Improved leadership invariably leads to broader societal benefits, emphasising the far-reaching influence of our program.
In 2024 we decided that it was about time to update the programme and start collaboration with the Estonian Academy of Arts. The reason for this upgrade was to make the programme relevant during the changing circumstances of the contemporary economy and society. The resulting collaboration is now called “Executive Academy in Leading and Designing Transition” and the details of the programme are here: https://ebsexecutiveprogrammes.com/
