From Strategy to Sustainability: IIM Kozhikode Launches CXO Programme with the S.T.A.R. Leadership Framework

PNN
Kozhikode (Kerala) [India], August 18: As businesses undergo significant transformations driven by geopolitical and economic shifts, it has become essential for leaders to pivot and broaden their expertise across domains. Addressing these needs, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, in collaboration with TimesPro, has announced admissions for the third batch of the Strategic Management Programme for CXOs. This initiative is designed to equip senior professionals with the ability to manage and lead complex business challenges confidently, leveraging data-driven and informed decision-making capabilities.
The Strategic Management Programme for CXOs is a 10-month blended learning journey designed for current and aspiring C-suite leaders and entrepreneurs. It builds strategic acumen and leadership agility to navigate complex, evolving business environments. Anchored by the S.T.A.R. framework--Strategic thinking, Technology adoption, an All-rounder perspective, and Responsible leadership--it equips learners to align with organisational goals. The curriculum includes contemporary modules such as business analytics, AI & Data Science for Leadership, cybersecurity, digital transformation and crisis management, fostering future-ready, tech-enabled leadership. The programme enhances decision-making, innovation, and resilience essential for driving sustainable growth in today's dynamic corporate world.

The previous batches have attracted enthusiastic participation from senior professionals holding designations such as Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, Director Generals, Managers and Heads. Over 70 per cent of past learners possessed more than 15 years of professional experience and represented diverse industries, including automotive, IT & ITES, healthcare and BFSI, among others.
The growing demand for strategic competencies among C-suite leaders is underscored by recent global insights. A study by HCLTech and MIT Technology Review Insights indicated that while 87% of business executives regard modern skills such as artificial intelligence as critical, 85% admitted they are underprepared to adopt these technologies--citing challenges such as adoption barriers, lack of expertise and operational risks. Gartner's Reinvent Your Talent Strategy report highlighted that 81% of executives ranked skills and growing talent shortages as a top concern. This highlights the urgent need for senior executive upskilling to enable strategic pivots and foster sustainable organisational growth.
Speaking at the announcement, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director IIM Kozhikode said, "With shifting global dynamics, there is a pressing need for leaders across organisations to pivot and integrate contemporary strategies into their operations. The Strategic Management Programme for CXOs delves into business complexities while building the capabilities required to foster business acumen, drive strategic pivots through data and technology, and lead organisational transformation towards sustainable growth."

Sridhar Nagarajachar, Business Head, TimesPro said, "The Strategic Management Programme for CXOs presents a distinctive opportunity for CXOs to sharpen their strategic acumen and build capabilities required to navigate today's complex business environment. Guided by the S.T.A.R. framework--Strategy, Technology, All-round capabilities and Responsible management--it not only responds to the evolving needs of organisations but also enables leaders to steer transformation with vision and responsibility."
The programme's pedagogy will be highly interactive, featuring live lectures, simulations, case studies, in-class exercises and capstone simulations. Sessions will be delivered through TimesPro's state-of-the-art Interactive Learning (IL) platform in Direct-to-Device (D2D) mode. Additionally, learners will benefit from an exclusive three-day campus immersion at IIM Kozhikode, designed to deepen learning, build meaningful connections and inspire fresh perspectives.
Professionals with a minimum of 10 years of work experience and a minimum of bachelor's degree are eligible to apply. Selection will be based on corporate nominations and retail applications, evaluated based on individual credentials. Learners will also be awarded the prestigious IIM Kozhikode alumni status on the successful completion of the programme.
About Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (www.iimk.ac.in)
The fifth IIM to be established by Govt. of India in 1996, IIMK started its academic journey in 1997 with its flagship Postgraduate Program (PGP). The Institute is on a high growth trajectory today, offering widest range of academic programs in the field of management education. These include Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD), Executive PG Programmes, Management Development Programmes and Faculty Development Programs. IIMK set up a Satellite campus at Infopark, Kochi, in 2013 dedicated to Executive Education. IIMK also has the unique distinction of launching a PhD (Practice Track) programme for working professionals, besides bringing in new dynamic courses like a one-year Post Graduate programme in Business Leadership (2019) MBA in Finance and MBA in Liberal Studies & Management (2020). The institute is also home to IIMK LIVE a first-of-its-kind startup incubation programme, the Indian Business Museum and six other Centres of Excellences encompassing diverse areas. IIMK is ranked 3rd as per NIRF India Rankings 2024: Management. The institute also made its global debut for its flagship MBA and EMBA programme in the 2020/21 QS World University Rankings. In 2023, IIM Kozhikode also broke into Top-100 in Financial Times Ranking for Masters in Management (MBA) and gained 9 spots in 2024 to reach global #68. The Institute also attained global rank #70 in the FT Open Enrollment Programme for 2024. The Institute is globally accredited by EQUIS (EFMD) and AMBA (UK).
About TimesPro:
TimesPro, established in 2013, is a leading Higher EdTech platform dedicated to empowering the career growth of aspiring learners by equipping them with skills to rise in a competitive world. TimesPro's H.EdTech programmes are created to meet the rapidly changing industry requirements and have been blended with technology to make them accessible & affordable.
TimesPro offers a variety of created and curated learning programmes across a range of categories, industries, and age groups. They include employment-oriented early career programmes across BFSI, e-Commerce, and technology sectors; executive education for working professionals in collaboration with premier educational institutions like IIMs and IITs; and organisational learning and development interventions at the corporate level. TimesPro also collaborates with India's leading organisations across varied sectors to provide upskilling and reskilling solutions to boost employability and create a robust workforce. TimesPro is a Higher EdTech initiative by The Times Group.
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