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Group of business professionals in discussion during a sustainability-focused executive education program at IMD - IMD Business School Group of business professionals in discussion during a sustainability-focused executive education program at IMD - IMD Business School Group of business professionals in discussion during a sustainability-focused executive education program at IMD - IMD Business School
NEW degree program
Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation

Become the go-to expert in driving sustainable change

NEW degree program

Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation

Become the go-to expert in driving sustainable change

Start date

Multiple

Duration

Flexible

From 18-48 months

Location

Lausanne, online

and international locations

Part-time

Earn your degree while you work

You don’t need convincing that sustainability matters.

Sustainable business transformation is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s becoming central to how companies create value, stay competitive, and meet rising stakeholder expectations. But turning sustainability ambition into impact takes more than good intentions. It requires strategic thinking, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to navigate increasing complexity, from compliance and regulation to innovation and systems change.

The real challenge? Leading the shift from responsibility to competitive advantage.

Plenty of organizations have good intentions. But few have the talent needed to embed sustainability at the heart of business strategy and lead transformation across functions, teams, and markets.

The answer? A flexible degree for professionals ready to lead sustainable business transformation.

The Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation helps you go further — faster. You’ll gain the tools, confidence, and credibility to make sustainability part of how business gets done. You’ll deepen your expertise in sustainability strategy, systems thinking, and ESG integration, while building the strategic skills to lead enterprise-wide change.

This degree is for you if you want to:

Build recognized expertise in sustainable business strategy and innovation.
Develop the confidence and skills to lead change at scale.
Position yourself as the go-to authority for sustainable transformation in your organization and beyond.

You’ll graduate with the knowledge, network, and credibility to shape business in a way that’s profitable, responsible, and built for the long term.

What you can expect

What sets IMD apart is the way we combine deep expertise, practical application, and a powerful learning ecosystem

Master deep expertise and strategic leadership

Build mastery in your field and the strategic skills to drive change across your organization.

Take charge of your career

Accelerate your career growth, step into senior roles, or shift into new industries with a degree that proves what you’ve mastered.

Expand your opportunities

Connect with executives, faculty, and experts from across industries. Expand your circle and your opportunities.

Turn knowledge into impact

Apply what you learn right away. Use your Capstone to tackle a challenge that matters and deliver measurable impact.

Stand out as a transformative leader

Show you’ve got the skills, credibility, and experience to lead meaningful change in today’s fast-moving world.

 - IMD Business School
The world in your classroom

Join a global network of sustainability-focused professionals who are ready to lead meaningful change in their industries and organizations. Because of the flexible format, you’ll interact with different peers across each module, gaining fresh perspectives and building connections across sectors, roles, and regions.

  • Industries: Energy, Consumer Goods, Finance, Manufacturing, NGOs, Healthcare, Consulting, Mobility, and more
  • Geographies: Participants from across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas and Africa
  • Backgrounds: Sustainability managers, business leaders with sustainability mandates, and purpose-driven professionals looking to combine environmental and social impact with strategic influence
20+

nationalities

10-20

average years of work experience

35-45

average age

60-100

Executives per module

What does the Sustainable Business Transformation learning journey look like?

You’ll follow a flexible, modular journey that adapts to your goals, interests, and schedule without compromising on depth or impact.

You don’t need to put your career on hold to earn a world-class degree. The Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation is built for real professionals with real commitments. The average degree completion is 24 months.

Your learning journey includes:

  • Five core sustainability programs: Go deep into the realities of sustainable business today, from circularity and impact measurement to strategy and change, and learn how to put them into practice.
  • Three business transformation programs: Strengthen the transversal skills needed to lead enterprise-wide change.
  • Electives tailored to your goals: Choose from IMD’s portfolio of executive programs or courses from global partner schools and focus on the topics that matter most to you.
  • A Capstone Project or Thesis: Apply your learning in a way that’s directly relevant to your career. Solve a real business challenge or explore a new domain in depth. You’ll work with IMD faculty and expert mentors to create a tangible outcome that proves what you’ve mastered and opens new doors.

Your learning stays relevant, applied, and completely yours.

3. Choose your electives

Shape your learning around what matters most to you.
The elective module gives you the freedom to explore topics that align with your goals, interests, and career needs. Choose from IMD’s executive program portfolio, dive into new ideas through the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM), or broaden your horizons with a Global Immersion Week.

You can build depth in your area of focus or stretch into new territory. Whether you want to strengthen your strategy skills, dive deeper into innovation, or explore global business trends firsthand, your electives are designed to keep your learning relevant, personalized, and practical. Here’s a sample of possible electives.

 - IMD Business School
4. Capstone project or Thesis
Showcase what you’ve mastered. Open new doors.

Your final Capstone is your chance to bring everything together and put your learning to work in a meaningful way. You’ll choose between a hands-on project or a research-based thesis, depending on your goals.

If you’re facing a real business challenge, this is your opportunity to tackle it with support from IMD faculty and expert mentors. You’ll create a practical solution, test your thinking, and deliver results your organization can use.

Or, if you want to explore a new area in depth, your thesis lets you dive into research that advances your knowledge and your career.

Either way, your Capstone is a proof point of your expertise. A way to demonstrate your credibility. And a powerful asset to help you take the next step with confidence.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for the Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation you should already hold an undergraduate degree (e.g. Bachelor), have a minimum of 8 years work experience, and be proficient in English.
Ideal applicants will demonstrate consistent career progression, a growth mindset, and a passion for the digital world. Does that sound like you? Let’s connect!

 - IMD Business School

Admission process

Start anytime and learn at your own pace. Complete your degree in approximately 24 months, beginning with the Digital modules offered 2-4 times per year.

Create your account

Set up your profile to start the process

Submit your online application

Complete and submit the required documents

Assessment and interview

Showcase your experience and motivation

Admission committee review

Assessing your skills and fit for the program

Final decision

Secure your spot and plan your next steps

You don’t need to put your career on hold to earn a world-class degree. The Executive Sustainable Business Transformation is built for real professionals with real commitments. With multiple programs to start with, the choice of when to start is yours. The average degree completion is 24 months.

View your start date options

Sustainability Programs


Start dates (online)


On campus dates


Online dates

Leading Sustainable Business Transformation

3-5 Mar

7-10 Apr

7 Mar – 6 Apr

3-5 Sep

6-9 Oct

8 Sep – 5 Oct

5-7 Nov

8-11 Dec

10 Nov – Dec 7

Managing and Measuring Sustainability Impact

19-26 Mar 

31 Mar – 2 Apr 

7-16 Apr 

10-23 Jun

16-18 Jun

23 Jun – 4 Jul

27-30 Oct

3-5 Nov

10-24 Nov

Creating Value in the Circular Economy

1-8 Apr

28-30 Apr

6-20 May

4-11 Nov

19-21 Nov

25 Nov – 9 Dec

Leadership Skills for Sustainable Change

7-25 Apr

30 Apr – 2 May

5-23 May

27 Oct – 7 Nov

17-19 Nov

24 Nov – 8 Dec

Integrating Sustainability into Strategy

7-27 Mar

2-4 Apr

30 Apr – 23 May

16-31 Oct

5-7 Nov

4 Dec – 7 Jan

We know this is a significant investment. That’s why we’ve made the payment process as flexible as possible. You can pay in three instalments, helping you manage your budget while you continue working.

If your company is sponsoring you, or you’re self-funding, we’re here to support you. Whether you need a detailed invoice, a payment plan, or guidance on making your case for employer support, we’ve got you. Just reach out, we’re happy to help.

Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about the Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation? Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

Who is this program for?

This program is designed for experienced professionals who want to become recognized authorities in sustainable business. You may already be working in sustainability, ESG, operations, or strategy or you may be looking to pivot into a more sustainability-focused role. It’s a great fit if you want to combine deep sustainability expertise with the leadership skills to drive transformation across your organization.

Do I need a background in sustainability?

Not necessarily. Many participants come from business, strategy, operations, or adjacent fields and want to deepen their sustainability expertise. If you’re driven by impact and want to lead meaningful change, this degree will give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to do so.

How long does the program take?

The degree can be completed in an average of 24 months, depending on your schedule. However you can take between 18 months to 5 years. It’s fully modular and flexible, so you can shape the pace to fit your personal and professional commitments.

Can I start at any time?

Yes, you don’t need to wait for a specific cohort. There are multiple start dates throughout the year for the different modules, which means you can begin your learning journey when it works best for you.

Is this degree recognized?

Yes. IMD is triple-accredited (AACSB, EFMD EQUIS, and AMBA), and this Executive Master is part of a globally respected portfolio of programs.

What kind of support will I get?

You’ll have access to world-class faculty, a diverse peer network, tailored career support, and practical guidance throughout your journey, including workshops, coaching, and tutorials.

Still have questions?

Choosing the right degree program is an important decision, and we’re here to help. Whether you need more details about the curriculum, admission process, or how this program fits your career goals, our program advisor is ready to assist you. Reach out for personalized guidance and get the answers you need to take the next step with confidence.
Get in touch via:
[email protected] or [email protected]

+41 21 618 07 00
Or book your online consultation

Your program advisors Viktor Lolev and Diego Goehring - IMD Business School
Meet with Viktor Lolev or Diego Goehring – your dedicated program advisors