IMD Business School

Strategic Finance

IMD Business School

Finance

About Programme

Making sound capital allocation choices has become increasingly complex. Geopolitical instability, rapid technological acceleration, and the growing financial consequences of climate change are reshaping industries and redefining how advantage is built and sustained. Financial data is abundant, yet insight alone is not enough. Interpreting structural shifts and translating them into clear strategic direction requires broader perspective, economic depth, and seasoned judgment.

These macro forces are not distant trends; they directly shape valuation, investment priorities, governance, and long-term performance. They call for finance leaders who extend their role beyond functional excellence and actively shape enterprise direction.

Strategic Finance places classical finance foundations into this evolving context. Over five immersive days, you will revisit the core foundations of finance (such as value creation, corporate governance, private markets, strategic thinking, and financial performance) and examine how each is reshaped by structural disruption, sharpening your approach to capital allocation, risk oversight, and enterprise value.

Through applied frameworks, simulations, and dialogue with faculty and practitioners, you will strengthen your ability to connect structural shifts to executive and board-level decisions, positioning finance as a central driver of resilient, long-term value creation.

Sharpen your strategic finance perspective

Deepen your ability to connect global disruption – from AI to climate and geopolitical risk – to capital allocation and long-term value creation.

Expand your strategic finance toolbox

Apply proven financial frameworks and tools to assess trade-offs, navigate disruption, and support high-stakes decisions in uncertain environments.

Strengthen judgment through immersive learning

Engage in live simulations, role-play exercises, and applied discussions that reflect real board-level and C-suite financial decisions

Learn from real challenges and leading practitioners

Explore current strategic and financial dilemmas alongside expert faculty and guest experts who bring today’s most pressing strategic and financial issues into the classroom.

Programme Content

Kick-off

Live virtual, one 1-hour session

Meet your Program Director, Karl Schmedders, and your fellow participants.
Discuss the learning journey and what you can expect to gain from the program.
Dive into your preparatory work to maximize your on-campus learning experience.
Dive in

On campus, 5 days

Dive deep into the themes defining the future of strategic finance, examining the structural shifts that matter most to senior finance leaders today

Economics of AI
Driving financial performance
Climate-financial risks
The rise (and fall?) of private markets
Heuristics in decision-making
Value creation in private equity
Strategic thinking
Nonmarket strategy
Corporate governance
Financial fallout from national rivalries
Prospects for global financial stability

You will also draw on the collective experience of a diverse cohort of senior finance leaders spanning industries and geographies.

Note: the content of the sessions might vary depending on the cohort.

Testimonials

"The sessions were really dynamic, full of content, with experts delivering a nice balance between the theoretical part and business cases. It’s a very good opportunity to step back, think about what you know and exchange with people just like you."

Thomas de Gouville

Vice-President Finance & Controlling

"Theoretical concepts were very clearly explained and immediately rooted in real-life examples, which helped anchor the learning better in my mind."

Marta Gili

Safe Demo SA, Switzerland

"In this program, you’re pushed to think about different strategies and look a bit further than what you normally do. You have access to seasoned professionals, CFOs and people from different industries – from different countries and roles – and really grow your network."

Corneliu Crisan

Global FP&A, Consumer Fragrances

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Jacqueline Lak

Firmenich, Switzerland

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Finance Director, Continental Europe, Cereal Partners Worldwide, Switzerland

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Senior Credit Officer

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Crédit Suisse, Switzerland

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Contact us for the further details

Speak with an Advisor

  1. Pedagogy (case method, experiential learning, coaching, simulations)
  2. Target Audience
  3. Programme Objective
  4. Contact Person Details
  5. Programme Benefits

Prashansa Uttam

Programme Advisor

+91 9403890085[email protected]Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm IST

IMD Business School

Executive Education Office

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https://www.imd.org
Lausanne, Switzerland

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Strategic Finance | IMD Business School