FT Executive Education Rankings 2025: Top 8 business schools to watch out for

As companies worldwide grapple with economic instability, AI-driven disruption, climate challenges, and geopolitical uncertainty, the role of executive education has grown from a boardroom perk to a critical strategic resource.

The Financial Times Executive Education Custom Rankings 2025 reflect this evolution, ranking business schools that specialize in delivering tailor-made learning experiences to top executives. This year’s rankings reveal not just academic excellence, but how adaptable and forward-looking institutions are in meeting the unique, evolving needs of organisations across sectors.The top eight schools in the 2025 list are transforming leadership education through localised insights, cross-border collaboration, and bold pedagogical innovation.

International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Switzerland

FT Rank: #1Once again topping the FT’s global rankings, IMD reinforces its reputation for impact-driven executive education. Located in Lausanne, the Swiss school is known for its sharp focus on leadership agility, business transformation, and global competitiveness.

Flagship Courses Offered

IMD works closely with global corporations to create tailor-made programs that address real-time strategic challenges. With simulations, live business projects, and one-on-one coaching, it prepares leaders to navigate the complexity and ambiguity that define modern business environments.

London Business School (LBS), United Kingdom

FT Rank: #2LBS maintains its strong global standing, strategically located in one of the world’s financial capitals. The school’s executive education programs focus on innovation, decision-making, and leading through complexity—especially in dynamic sectors such as fintech, consulting, and private equity.

Flagship Courses Offered

With its modular format and a highly international student body, LBS provides executives with cutting-edge insights, peer learning, and access to industry thought leaders, helping them lead transformational change in their organisations.

SDA Bocconi School of Management, Italy

FT Rank: #3Based in Milan, SDA Bocconi has become a European leader in executive education by blending Italian design thinking with strategic business insights. The school emphasises creativity, sustainability, and human-centric leadership across all its offerings.

Flagship Courses Offered

With a curriculum that aligns business success with social responsibility, SDA Bocconi is particularly attractive to leaders navigating both profit and purpose in the post-pandemic world.

European School of Management and Technology (ESMT), Germany

FT Rank: #4ESMT Berlin is the highest-ranked German institution, rapidly rising in the FT rankings due to its focus on innovation, data-driven strategy, and leadership in turbulent times. Founded by major German corporations, it brings practical, industry-aligned insights to its executive education offerings.

Flagship Courses Offered

With close corporate collaboration and a research-driven approach, ESMT prepares executives to lead responsibly and with resilience through periods of transformation.

INSEAD, France/Singapore/UAE

FT Rank: #5INSEAD, often dubbed “The Business School for the World,” leverages its campuses in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to offer truly global executive education. Its clients include multinational corporations and public-sector organisations seeking to manage innovation, digital disruption, and cross-cultural complexity.

Flagship Courses Offered

INSEAD’s multicultural faculty and global network make it a go-to destination for firms operating across borders and navigating multiple regulatory, cultural, and market environments.

HEC Paris, France

FT Rank: #6A mainstay in the European business education scene, HEC Paris combines academic excellence with real-world relevance. Its executive education division partners with large corporations to offer leadership training geared toward transformation and inclusive growth.

Flagship Courses Offered

Located just outside Paris, HEC draws on its strong connections with the French business ecosystem and global partners to provide top-tier learning in sustainability, innovation, and diversity.

IESE Business School, Spain

FT Rank: #7IESE’s global footprint and values-based approach continue to make it a preferred choice for senior leaders. With a strong ethical foundation and presence in five cities worldwide, IESE trains executives to lead with integrity in a rapidly evolving world.

Flagship Courses Offered

IESE’s emphasis on long-term thinking, social responsibility, and personal leadership development distinguishes it from many competitors in the field.

Fundação Dom Cabral (FDC), Brazil

FT Rank: #8FDC continues to represent Latin America in global executive education rankings with distinction. Based in Brazil, it focuses on delivering high-impact programs that balance global trends with local needs, particularly for emerging markets.

Flagship Courses Offered

FDC’s collaborative approach, emphasis on public-private synergy, and growing international partnerships enable it to shape leaders capable of driving change in volatile economic and social environments.