IIT
Bombay and Washington University in St. Louis launched the 11th cohort of their
Joint Degree Executive MBA Program at the IIT Bombay campus on 14 January 2026.
The launch brought together global academic leaders, senior industry experts
and distinguished faculty to welcome the new cohort and mark the beginning of
another year of internationally benchmarked executive education.

The
launch ceremony began with an address by Mr. Gopal Shukla, CEO of the
IITB–WashU Joint EMBA Program, who extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries,
faculty members, students and guests. In his opening remarks, he acknowledged
the significance of the 11th cohort and set the tone for an engaging and
purposeful academic journey ahead.

The
inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Aspi Patel, Chief Technology
Officer at Aditya Birla Group, who addressed the participants, emphasising the
importance of lifelong learning, strategic thinking and global leadership in
today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

The
ceremony also witnessed addresses by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT
Bombay, senior faculty members from IIT Bombay and representatives from
Washington University in St. Louis, including Prof. Mike Mazzeo, Dean of Olin
Business School and Prof. Markus Baer, Vice Dean of Executive Education and
Professor of Organisational Behaviour.

In
their welcome remarks, dignitaries highlighted the legacy of the joint program,
its academic rigour and its continued contribution to shaping senior leadership
talent across industries. They encouraged the cohort to embrace the demanding
nature of the curriculum and leverage the program’s unique cross-border
academic exposure. Faculty members also familiarised the participants with the
IIT Bombay campus environment and the enriching academic culture that the
institute is known for.

Prof.
Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay quoted “In a world defined by rapid
technological shifts and uncertainty, leaders must be prepared to adapt with
clarity and purpose. This program equips them to do exactly that, and we are
proud to continue this journey with Batch 11.”

Speaking
on the occasion, Mr. Patel urged participants to fully engage with the learning
experience, stating that executive leaders must continuously adapt, innovate
and build strong interdisciplinary perspectives to create long-term value.

“The
IIT Bombay–WashU EMBA brings together two world-class institutions to deliver
an experience that is both globally relevant and deeply applied. We are proud
to support executives who will lead transformation across industries.” Prof.
Mike Mazzeo, Dean of Olin Business School

“We’re
not just creating managers, we’re creating agile leaders who can navigate
uncertainty and drive transformation. Ranked among the world’s to EMBA
programs, our next leap is to enter the global top five.” Said Prof. Dinesh
Sharma.

The
11th cohort represents a diverse mix of industries and leadership backgrounds,
reflecting the program’s growing relevance for organisations seeking globally
competent leadership. With an average professional experience of 17 years, the
cohort includes senior executives, entrepreneurs, functional leaders and
specialists from sectors spanning technology, manufacturing, finance,
consulting, energy, healthcare, consumer businesses and more.

The
program jointly delivered by IIT Bombay’s Shailesh J. Mehta School of
Management and Washington University’s Olin Business School is designed to
provide participants with global faculty engagement, international immersion
and exposure to best-in-class management practices.

Dignitaries
concluded the session by encouraging participants to approach the next 18
months with purpose and focus, noting that the program brings together the best
of both institutions, internationally respected faculty and a rigorous
curriculum that prepares leaders for global impact.

The
launch ceremony concluded with a group photograph of the cohort and the
dignitaries, formally marking the commencement of the Executive MBA Program,
Batch 11.

For
more details, visit: https://iitb-wustl.org/