Financial Times Executive Education Custom 2023 Ranking

The executive education program market is on a trajectory for significant growth and should more than double in value to $133,794.3 million by 2033. This growth is driven by the increasing emphasis on continuous professional development and the need for executives to adapt to changing work environments and new business models.

The  FT Executive Education Custom 2023 ranking uncovers education institutions’ ability to craft bespoke programs for corporate clients. Here are the top ten schools for custom education programs according to the Financial Times:

  1. Duke Corporate Education
  2. INSEAD
  3. HEC Paris
  4. IESE Business School
  5. ESMT Berlin
  6. University of Michigan: Ross
  7. IMD — International Institute for Management Development
  8. London Business School
  9. SDA Bocconi School of Management
  10. ESSEC Business School

What is The Financial Times Executive Education Open Ranking?

The 24th edition FT Executive Education Custom 2023 rankings spotlight the top 75 business schools with customized programs for corporate clients. Business schools and their corporate customers provide the data for the ranking

To be considered, each school must have had at least 15 clients in the past year and a minimum revenue of $1 million. The school must also have international accreditation by Equis or AACSB. Finally, at least five clients must participate in the FT survey for a school. 

This year, 912 clients completed the survey, achieving a 58% response rate. This high participation rate enhances the credibility and representativeness of the collected data.

This ranking categorizes programs as strategic, general, and functional. Strategic programs receive the most weight due to their significant impact on organizational direction. The seniority of decision-makers, the size of client organizations, and the range of schools they have engaged with for customized courses are also factored in. 

Corporate clients assess programs on a 10-point scale across various indicators, ranging from program preparation to potential future application. With 80% of the overall ranking weight attributed to it, the significance of client satisfaction and the quality of their experience in assessing program effectiveness is emphasized. 

Additionally, the ranking assesses information from the schools, including their work with international clients, growth in overseas programs, collaborations, and faculty diversity. 

This comprehensive methodology ensures that the ranking reflects the current terrain of executive education and anticipates future trends and innovations. 

Now we understand the methodology, let’s look at the changes in this year’s top ten.

Significant Shifts in FT Executive Education Rankings: 2022 vs 2023

Although European schools dominate the rankings, the top spot was claimed by the American  Duke Corporate Education, which ascended from second place in 2022. 

This year France continued to have strong representation, with three schools in the top ten. INSEAD and HEC Paris took second and third place. While ESSEC Business School came tenth, highlighting its improved offerings and client satisfaction. 

Unfortunately, EDHEC Business School dropped out of the top 10 this year. The shift signifies a competitive landscape where even top-tier institutions face challenges maintaining their lead.

Choosing Custom Corporate Programs

Like other business school rankings, The FT Executive Education Custom 2023 Rankings provide a roadmap for choosing the right institution.  Yet, the competition is intense among corporate offerings. Schools must continually improve their programs and meet or exceed client expectations to remain competitive. 

The evolving landscape of executive education underscores the imperative for business schools to innovate and tailor their programs to meet the dynamic needs of global executives and organizations. Client assessments constitute 80% of the total ranking weight, underlining a client-centric approach. 

For professionals and companies looking to invest in executive education, these rankings offer valuable insights into which institutions are leading in delivering impactful, customized learning experiences.

Remember, investing in executive education is an investment in your people and your organization’s future. Make an informed choice today!

Do you want to learn more about using program or university rankings to determine a suitable program? Read our guide to business masters rankings.