What is IMD Business School?

IMD (International Institute for Management Development) is an independent, non-profit business school based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Founded in 1946, IMD is ranked #1 in the world for custom executive education programs (Financial Times, 2025) and consistently ranks among the world's top business schools. IMD offers 80+ executive education programs, MBA, EMBA, and Masters degrees, as well as custom corporate learning solutions for organizations worldwide.

Where is IMD Business School located?

IMD Business School is located at Chemin de Bellerive 23, Lausanne, Switzerland (Canton Vaud). The campus is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. IMD also has a presence in Singapore and Shenzen (China) and offers programs globally.

What programs does IMD offer?

IMD offers a comprehensive range of programs including: degree programs (MBA, Executive MBA, MSc in Sustainable Management & Technology, Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation, Executive Master in AI & Digital Business Transformation); 80+ open-enrollment executive education programs across leadership, strategy, digital transformation, sustainability, finance, innovation, and more; online and Sprint programs; executive certificates and diplomas; and custom corporate programs designed for organizations.

How is IMD Business School ranked?

IMD Business School is ranked #1 in the world for custom executive education programs by the Financial Times in 2025. IMD consistently appears in the top tier of global business school rankings across executive education, MBA, and EMBA categories.

Is IMD Business School accredited?

Yes, IMD Business School holds triple accreditation — the gold standard in business education — from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. This places IMD among a small elite of business schools worldwide that have achieved all three major international accreditations.

What is the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking?

The IMD World Competitiveness Ranking is an annual report published by IMD's World Competitiveness Center that evaluates and ranks the competitiveness of 69 global economies. It is one of the most widely cited economic competitiveness benchmarks in the world, used by governments, businesses, and researchers to understand the economic performance and business environment of countries.

How large is the IMD alumni network?

IMD has a global alumni network of more than 145,000 executives who have participated in IMD programs across the school's history. The IMD Alumni Association connects this network through clubs, events, and communities organized by geography, program, and industry.

What is the difference between IMD's MBA and EMBA programs?

IMD's MBA is a full-time, one-year degree program designed for professionals typically with 3–10 years of experience who want to accelerate their careers or make a significant career transition. The Executive MBA (EMBA) is designed for senior professionals and executives with significant work experience who wish to continue working while earning their degree. Both programs are based in Lausanne, Switzerland and are known for their intensive, practice-oriented approach.

Does IMD offer online programs?

Yes, IMD offers a range of online programs including online executive education programs, Sprint programs (short, focused online courses in areas like Generative AI, Digital Transformation, and Resilient Leadership), and online executive certificates in Leadership, Strategy, and Digital Acceleration. These programs allow executives to develop skills flexibly without leaving their roles.

I by IMD is IMD's thought leadership platform, providing first-person business intelligence, research, articles, podcasts, and insights from IMD faculty, researchers, and industry leaders. It covers topics including leadership, strategy, digital transformation, sustainability, geopolitics, and innovation.

IMD Business School for Management and Leadership Courses

Participants in a board diploma program engage in a session focused on board effectiveness and governance best practices. - IMD Business School

Board & Governance
Programs

Succeed as a modern board member

Explore board programs

IMD World Competitiveness Summit - IMD Business School

Competitiveness and
prosperity

Summit report showcases key highlights from the 2026 event

Access report

Group of business professionals in discussion during a sustainability-focused executive education program at IMD - IMD Business School

Executive Master in
Sustainable Business Transformation

Become the go-to expert in driving sustainable change

Discover the Executive Master

UK tops 2026
Sustainable Trade
Index

Explore the results of the 2026 Hinrich-IMD Sustainable Trade Index

Learn more

▶

Educating executives and business leaders by challenging what is and inspiring what could be, we develop leaders and organizations that contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable and inclusive world. IMD is a place where entrepreneurial spirit and world-renowned researchers meet industry-leading businesses and start-ups.

Discover IMD

Start your journey with IMD

Executive Education »

Degree Programs »

Custom Programs & Solutions »

Executive Certificates & Diplomas »

Explore All 80+ Programs »

Alumni Stories · General Management – Leadership

Sonia Studer reflects on why culture is her true lever of impact, and how IMD’s Program for Executive Development reshaped her views on power, purpose, and potential.

Tina Hill and Cyril Bouquet IMD Book Club - IMD Business School

Book Club webinar
15 October 2026
12:30 CEST

Join author Linda Hill and IMD’s Cyril Bouquet to explore how leaders can unlock collective intelligence

See our events

Connect with faculty, industry experts and alumni through our wide range of activities, both online and on campus.

News & Knowledge Hub

Discover all the latest news from IMD

14 Oct 2026

IMD launches the Hoffmann Risk and Resilience Initiative

07 Oct 2026

IMD faculty among The Case Centre’s Top 50 bestselling case authors

05 Oct 2026

NEW: Issue 24 I by IMD magazine <br>Self-disrupt or lose the race - IMD Business School

NEW: Issue 24 I by IMD magazine
Self-disrupt or lose the race

10 Sep 2026

NEW REPORT:<br>
How ecosystems are reshaping executive decision-making

- IMD Business School

NEW REPORT:
How ecosystems are reshaping executive decision-making

01 Sep 2026 · by

IMD faculty welcomes Hana Milanov as Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy

03 Aug 2026

Qiyu Xu: What the end of the postwar order means for business

25 Jun 2026

Judit Polgár’s story shows how mindset, discipline, and persistence turn a pawn into a queen

24 Jun 2026

Fabiola Gianotti: What leadership looks like when purpose, passion, patience, and global collaboration replace hierarchy and control

23 Jun 2026

OWP 2026: From the J Curve to the L Curve: Can we avoid an ‘AI-tocracy’?

22 Jun 2026

Strong institutions are economies’ greatest buffer against economic shocks, IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026 finds

18 Jun 2026

IMD recognized among the world’s top business schools for executive education in FT rankings

18 May 2026

In Issue 22 of I by IMD, explore the critical leadership challenge of AI transformation

14 May 2026

Smart City Index 2026: Transparency and public trust are key to urban success

31 Mar 2026

Annual Report: From innovative programs to ground-breaking research, explore what IMD did to accelerate our impact in 2025

27 Mar 2026

Stay in touch

Register for our newsletter and receive communications about the latest IMD news, thought leadership, and program updates.

Your country

Your state

Honeypot