SP Jain and IWBD Launch Global Board Readiness Programme for Future Leaders

SP Jain School of Global Management has partnered with the International Women Board of Directors (IWBD) to launch the Global Board Readiness Programme, a focused executive initiative aimed at preparing experienced professionals for C-suite and board-level roles.

The five-week, 30-hour programme is designed for mid- to senior-level leaders, with a strong emphasis on addressing the gender gap in corporate boardrooms. It combines governance fundamentals, strategic decision-making, leadership development and direct exposure to executive search professionals - bridging the gap between executive experience and boardroom readiness.

“This programme is not just about learning governance frameworks,” said Ebru Tuygun, Chairwoman of IWBD and CEO of GVGL Global Marketing Management. “It’s about creating real pathways to board placements through strong industry partnerships and access to executive headhunters.”

Industry leaders and global faculty

Participants will learn from an accomplished group of regional and global business leaders. Sessions include negotiation and influence led by Amel Chadli, President of Schneider Electric’s Gulf Cluster and a Forbes Middle East Power Businesswoman, as well as board-level decision-making insights from Banu Karakullukcu, CEO of Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages.

The faculty also features experts from leading global organisations. Faranak Farahmand Pour of Google will cover artificial intelligence applications in boardrooms, while George Abraham from Deloitte will focus on talent strategy. Legal governance responsibilities will be addressed by Raya Abu Gulal, CEO of RAG Legal.

Academic depth is provided by SP Jain’s senior faculty, including Dr Christopher Abraham, CEO of SP Jain Dubai, who will guide sessions on leadership and crisis management, and Dr Vincent Hooper, Professor of Finance, who will strengthen participants’ financial acumen for board roles.

Practical focus on board placement

What sets the programme apart is its practical, placement-oriented approach. Participants receive direct interaction with executive search professionals who actively recruit for board positions across global markets.

Sami Zouehid, Managing Partner at Wilton & Bain Middle East, will conduct dedicated sessions on building board-ready CVs and mastering board interviews, offering insider insights into what nomination committees look for in new directors.

Leveraging SP Jain’s global footprint across Dubai, London, Singapore, Sydney and Mumbai, the programme exposes participants to cross-border governance practices and cultural perspectives. This global outlook is increasingly critical as organisations expand internationally and strengthen leadership pipelines - a key reason why business setup in dubai continues to attract global executives and institutions.

Priced at $10,900, the programme is targeted at professionals seeking board positions, general management roles or C-suite opportunities. Group and corporate enrolment options are also available.

Dr Christopher Abraham highlighted the programme’s relevance, noting that organisations with diverse boards consistently demonstrate stronger governance and decision-making. “This initiative ensures leaders are prepared to contribute meaningfully from day one,” he said.