On January 17, 2026, the 9th batch of SDA Bocconi’s International Executive Master in Business (IEMB) program celebrated their convocation with immense pride and enthusiasm. This remarkable cohort of seasoned professionals successfully completed 15 months of rigorous academic work, representing diverse industries and bringing with them rich corporate experience.
The IEMB program, equivalent to an Executive MBA, has consistently been a cornerstone of SDA Bocconi’s program portfolio at its Asia Center. With SDA Bocconi ranked 6th in Europe by the Financial Times Business School Rankings 2024 and 4th worldwide for Global MBA Rankings 2025, the institution continues to set benchmarks in executive education globally.
Now in its 10th year, the IEMB program continues to attract exceptionally accomplished professionals who represent the best of India’s corporate leadership. This year’s cohort exemplifies the calibre we have come to expect—with an average of 16 years of professional experience, the participants include C-suite executives and senior leaders from organisations such as Accenture, Axis Bank, Reserve Bank of India, Microsoft, Credit Suisse, Reliance Industries, Mastercard, Tata Chemicals, Ernst & Young, HDFC Life, Samsung, among others. Their diverse industry perspectives and strategic insights significantly enriched the learning experience, setting a benchmark for executive education.
Distinguished Faculty and Leadership
The ceremony was graced by distinguished faculty and leadership from SDA Bocconi Asia Center, including Prof. Veronica Vecchi, Academic Director of IEMB and Professor of Practice of Business Government Relations; Alessandro Giuliani, Managing Director of SDA Bocconi Asia Center; and Prof. Shibani Belwalkar, Program Director of IEMB and Professor of Human Resource Management, who shared insights on the transformative journey the students undertook.
The evening featured a heartfelt address by the IEMB class representative, Seshadri Viswanathan, Chief New Business Development Officer at Stesalit Systems Ltd, capturing the essence of the program's impact on the cohort's professional and personal growth.
Recognizing Academic Excellence
At the IEMB Convocation, the institution proudly recognized the Class of 2026 rank holders who exemplified academic excellence throughout their journey:
1st Rank – Rachit Gupta, Business Development and Portfolio Leader, TCS
2nd Rank – Pankaj Nagpal, Vice President, Macquarie Group
3rd Rank – Kaustav Dutta, Consulting Manager, AVEVA
These exceptional achievers demonstrated outstanding commitment to academic rigor while balancing demanding professional responsibilities, embodying the spirit of executive education excellence that SDA Bocconi champions.
A Transformative Educational Experience
The IEMB program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends global expertise with local relevance. With 105 credits under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) recognized by European laws, the program provides world-class education through SDA Bocconi’s distinguished faculty of 400+ professors and adjunct faculty members from around the globe.
A highlight of the IEMB experience is the compulsory international immersion at SDA Bocconi’s Milan campus, which includes highly interactive lectures, business role plays and simulations, company visits, guest speakers, and cultural activities that provide unparalleled global exposure.
Joining a Global Alumni Network
This momentous occasion marked the culmination of 15 months of dedication, hard work, and transformation. The IEMB Class of 2026 now joins SDA Bocconi’s prestigious global network of over 140,000 alumni worldwide, spanning 280+ partner schools and holding positions of influence across industries and geographies.
With SDA Bocconi consistently ranked among the top business schools in Europe and globally, these graduates carry with them not just a degree, but the prestige, network, and capabilities to drive meaningful change in their organizations and industries.
About SDA Bocconi Asia Center
SDA Bocconi Asia Center is a pan-Asian hub in Mumbai that has been delivering Executive Education and Postgraduate Programs designed by SDA Bocconi School of Management, Italy, since 2012. The center serves as a bridge between European academic excellence and Asian business realities, offering programs that combine global curriculum standards with relevant
local practices.