News from the Executive Education at the University of St.Gallen
Our executive education programmes set international standards and focus on excellence, innovation and international networking. Here you will find an overview of news, interesting facts and pioneering developments in executive education at the University of St.Gallen. Discover our new executive education programmes, find out more about our outstanding lecturers and keep up to date with the latest trends.
313 Million Swiss Francs: HSG Strengthens the Canton of St.Gallen Like Never Before
313 Million Swiss Francs: HSG Strengthens the Canton of St.Gallen Like Never Before
In 2023, the University of St.Gallen (HSG) contributed around 313 million Swiss francs to the canton’s added value, more than ever before. This confirms its role as a key economic, social and innovative driver in the region. Local businesses, the hotel industry and the catering sector are particularly benefiting.
The impact is also evident on the job market: 20% of St. Gallen students choose the HSG. Programmes such as the Joint Medical Master’s and the School of Computer Science ensure a supply of skilled workers. The regional benefits are clear: there are over 5,500 HSG alumni in the canton of St. Gallen. With continuing education revenues of CHF 55.8 million, the high demand for the 200 programmes on offer is reflected. Around 1,000 participants came from the canton.
The HSG is an innovation platform. It supports start-ups. It also organises the START Summit, Europe’s largest student start-up conference. And it promotes knowledge transfer through more than 150 spin-offs and projects.
In addition, the university is strongly committed to society and education with formats such as the St. Gallen Symposium in Town, the Children’s University and Open SQUARE.
Through its international appeal and regional roots, the HSG strengthens the canton of St. Gallen as an attractive place to study, work and live.
Swissness in Transition: Why Swiss Consensus Democracy Needs Bold Reforms Now
Switzerland is internationally regarded as a model of economic success and political stability, but faces challenges like other liberal democracies.
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HSG among the top 3 start-up universities in the DACH region
HSG among the top 3 start-up universities in the DACH region
The University of St. Gallen (HSG) ranks third in the latest ranking of the most entrepreneurial universities in the German-speaking region. With 845 start-ups founded between 2014 and 2024, the HSG ranks behind the Technical University of Munich (1,116 start-ups) and ETH Zurich (1,022 start-ups).
The German-language study was conducted by TUM, ETH Zurich and the University of Innsbruck and submitted to WirtschaftsWoche prior to publication. It analysed extensive data sources such as start-up databases, websites and LinkedIn profiles to measure the entrepreneurial impact of universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Relative to the number of students, the HSG also performs well with 81 start-ups per 1,000 students (6th place). Start-up activities are concentrated in particular in sectors such as health, energy, transport, fintech and marketing.
With programmes such as the HSG Best Founders Programme and the new summer camp Let’s Startup! for young women, the HSG provides targeted impetus for promoting entrepreneurial talent. The university thus continues to position itself as a key player in the European start-up ecosystem.
These new programmes have been developed in line with the HSG’s long tradition of promoting entrepreneurship, which is also strongly reflected in its executive education programmes.
Swissness: The Unique Struggles of Family Planning in Switzerland
Like most of Europe, Switzerland is facing falling birth rates and looming skills shortage.
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Top Positions in the Global Financial Times Ranking 2025: #14 Open & #16 Custom
Top Positions in the Global Financial Times Ranking 2025: #14 Open & #16 Custom
The University of St.Gallen impressively confirms its top international ranking. In the renowned ‘Financial Times Executive Education Ranking 2025’, Open Programmes are ranked 14th and Custom Programmes 16th worldwide. These are the best rankings in the history of the HSG.
These successes are an expression of many years of consistent commitment to quality, innovative strength and international excellence. The excellent ratings from participants and corporate clients not only reflect the high level of satisfaction and the sustained learning success. They also show that we succeed in conveying evidence-based content with concrete practical benefits in an efficient and effective manner.
Special thanks go to all those who have contributed to this outstanding success.
You can find all ranking results in detail here.
Swissness and the Untapped Potential of Women in the Workforce
However, one key factor for success remains untapped: the potential of highly qualified women in Switzerland.
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Leadership in times of change: The IEMBA at the University of St. Gallen as a response to global complexity
Leadership in times of change: The IEMBA at the University of St. Gallen as a response to global complexity
The current cover story of the European Business Review is entitled ‘Leading Through Uncertainty: How the University of St. Gallen’s IEMBA Shapes Leaders for a Complex World’ and addresses one of the most pressing issues in modern leadership. How can one lead effectively in an environment characterised by uncertainty, dynamism and global interconnectedness? The focus is on the International Executive MBA (IEMBA) programme at the University of St. Gallen – The Swiss Business School. The programme is aimed at experienced executives who want to deepen their strategic thinking, gain international perspectives and further develop their personal impact. Through a combination of cutting-edge academic research, global practical experience and continuous reflection, the IEMBA lays the foundation for responsible leadership in complex contexts.
The 18-month part-time programme combines sound academic content with international practical experience and intensive personal development. Modules on four continents, peer learning among equals, and strategic and personal reflection are central components of the curriculum.
Prof. Dr. Reto Hofstetter, Academic Director of the programme, emphasises: ‘We help participants develop integrative thinking so that they can recognise connections, understand interdependencies, and lead beyond the boundaries of their role.’
For participant Nawar Belshalat, the IEMBA meant a rethink of her leadership practice: moving away from reactive behaviour towards conscious presence. Alumna Agnes Lonska emphasises how the programme helped her internalise strategic thinking at the organisational level and redefine her leadership role.
Conclusion: The IEMBA at the University of St. Gallen is not a traditional EMBA, but rather a profound transformation process for executives who want to shape the future responsibly and effectively in a complex world.
The Executive School of the University of St.Gallen in the Spotlight of the AMBA & BGA Documentary Series
The Executive School of the University of St.Gallen in the Spotlight of the AMBA & BGA Documentary Series
The Executive School of the University of St.Gallen is kicking off the new AMBA (Association of MBAs) & BGA (Business Graduates Association) documentary series ‘Leading the Future of Business Education’. In collaboration with BlackRook Media, an impressive portrait has been created that focuses on the core values that shape our identity as the Swiss Business School: Swissness, strong networks, responsible management and leadership in a complex world.
The documentary series highlights the role of leading business schools in the further development of global leadership culture. The first episode is dedicated to St.Gallen – a university that combines evidence-based research with practical teaching, thus creating an excellent foundation for responsible leaders.
In the first episode, four personalities provide personal insights and impressively demonstrate how the values of the HSG are lived out in their everyday professional and social lives:
• Prof. Dr Karolin Frankenberger, Dean of the Executive School & Professor of Strategic Management
• Sameer Ismail, IEMBA alumnus, Director of Investor Relations, LynxCap Investments AG
• Prarena Malav, MBA HSG alumna, Global IT/IS, Accelleron Switzerland
• Gaëlle Andreatta, EMBA X alumna, Co-Founder & CTO, Apheros”
“St. Gallen is a place where lifelong bonds are formed – networks that not only support the business world, but also life itself,” says Nathalie Naveda, Head of Global Marketing & Rankings, Executive School.
We will be publishing further episodes of this special St. Gallen documentary series in the coming weeks and months. Discover inspiring perspectives on leadership, innovation and executive education – and join us on this cinematic journey through what makes modern leadership tick.
For more information about this launch, click here.
Focus on fertility benefits: Gudrun Sander calls for more than social freezing (NZZ article in German)
Focus on fertility benefits: Gudrun Sander calls for more than social freezing (NZZ article in German)
More and more companies in Switzerland are covering the costs of fertility treatment for their employees. This clearly shows that reproductive health is increasingly becoming part of company support programmes. Gudrun Sander, professor at the HSG and long-standing lecturer at the Executive School, emphasises in the NZZ: ‘Such programmes should not only include social freezing, but also provide comprehensive information about fertility.’ She warns against suggesting false security through mere freezing offers and instead calls for more flexible career paths that enable a genuine work-life balance. Her research shows that only 5 percent of part-time employees working less than 80 percent of full-time hours are promoted – a clear call to action for companies.
Click here for the LinkedIn Post.
Circular Lab at the University of St.Gallen receives HSG Impact Award 2025
Circular Lab at the University of St.Gallen receives HSG Impact Award 2025
The Circular Lab at the University of St.Gallen has been honoured at this year’s HSG Impact Awards 2025 for its pioneering research with social benefits in the field of circular economy. This platform exemplifies the contribution of scientific excellence to the development of concrete solutions for a sustainable economy.
The interdisciplinary team was initiated by Prof. Dr. Karolin Frankenberger (Dean of the Executive School), Dr. Fabian Takacs and Anna Sophia Burch (IfB-HSG) as well as Prof. Dr. Simon Mayer and Prof. Dr. Andrei Ciortea (ICS-HSG). Its goal is to actively shape the transition to an effective circular economy. In collaboration with companies and universities from the DACH region, new circular business models, technologies and ecosystems are being developed.
Particularly worth knowing: Fabian Takacs and Karolin Frankenberger continuously integrate their research findings into the Executive School’s continuing education programmes, particularly into the HSG’s Executive MBA programme. This allows executives to benefit directly from the latest scientific advances and insights in the field of circular economy.
In August 2025, Hanser Verlag will publish the book “Circular Economy Navigator”. It is a practical guide for anyone interested in the circular economy and offers a wealth of scientifically sound information and application examples.
The Circular Lab, which is supported with funding of around four million Swiss francs, is the largest CE project at the University of St.Gallen (HSG) to date. The presentation of the HSG Impact Award 2025 emphasises the importance and pioneering quality of this commitment.
EFMD Gold Award: HSG Wins International Prize for Leadership and Organisational Development
EFMD Gold Award: HSG Wins International Prize for Leadership and Organisational Development
The Executive School of the University of St.Gallen has been awarded the Gold Award in the Organisational Development category at the EFMD Excellence in Practice Awards 2025 for its cooperation with Axpo – the highest international recognition in the field of leadership and organisational development.
The award was given for the transformation project carried out in collaboration with the energy company Axpo Group. This initiative understands cultural change not as mechanical change communication, but as an integrated process of change:
- Multi-stage organisational feedback process supported by in-depth qualitative interviews at top management level, quantitative surveys and data collection.
- Strategic sparring formats at executive board level to realign leadership identity.
- Management conference as an orchestrated leadership experience – with a real orchestra to generate collective resonance with the new Axpo values.
- Scaled learning architecture for over 1,200 managers, curated in line with the newly developed Axpo values and always driven by action and experiential learning.
The case exemplifies a new standard in leadership and organisational development. This is moving away from didactic teaching towards immersive experiences, from isolated individual measures to collectively effective interventions – and from top-down implementation to systematically co-designed organisational and strategy implementation work.
Winning the Gold Award underscores the leading position of the Executive School’s Custom Team in the field of responsible transformational management development.
Further information: Case study & award
Image (from top left to bottom right): Henriette Wendt, Chief Operating Officer (Axpo); Martine Graziano, Head Culture, Leadership & Learning (Axpo); Philip Janssen, Chief People Officer (Axpo); Christian Sauerbrey, Director of Custom Programmes (ES-HSG); Kiyan Nouchirvani, Director Executive School (ES-HSG)
Healthcare Management Retreat 2025: Inspiration for Leadership in Times of Change
Healthcare Management Retreat 2025: Inspiration for Leadership in Times of Change
Healthcare is undergoing radical change: economic pressure, structural reforms and staff shortages are placing particular demands on managers in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
With the Healthcare Management Retreat 2025, the HBM Business School at the University of St.Gallen offers an exclusive continuing education programme for executives in the healthcare sector. The aim is to combine current challenges with proven solutions and to link personal reflection with the exchange of experiences among colleagues.
The first day of the event will highlight strategic areas of action and issues relating to financial management. The focus will be on specific case studies, such as HOCH Health Ostschweiz and the University Hospital Bonn, which demonstrate how medical excellence and economic stability can be reconciled.
The second day will focus on leadership, leadership culture and innovation. New leadership models, approaches to retaining skilled workers and the role of technological developments such as artificial intelligence in healthcare practice will be discussed.
The retreat will be held in German on 12 and 13 September 2025 at the Holzweid Continuing Education Centre of the University of St. Gallen. The number of participants is limited to 15.
Further information (in German) can be found here.
HSG Remains at the Top: International Executive MBA Once Again Ranked No. 1 in Switzerland
HSG Remains at the Top: International Executive MBA Once Again Ranked No. 1 in Switzerland
The University of St.Gallen has once again confirmed its leading position in the field of executive education: In the latest QS Executive MBA Ranking 2025, the HSG’s International Executive MBA (IEMBA) has once again taken first place among Swiss programmes. The renowned continuing education programme thus maintains its leading role in the national comparison.
The programme’s success is also evident internationally: the HSG-IEMBA ranks 35th worldwide and thus remains among the top 40 programmes. In Europe, the University of St.Gallen ranks an impressive 16th. This consistently strong ranking testifies to the high quality, international orientation and exceptional impact of the programme.
Prof Dr Karolin Frankenberger Receives the ‘Teaching Award’ from the SHSG at the University of St.Gallen
Prof Dr Karolin Frankenberger Receives the ‘Teaching Award’ from the SHSG at the University of St.Gallen
It is with great pleasure and pride that we congratulate Prof Dr Karolin Frankenberger, Dean of the Executive School at the University of St.Gallen, on receiving the prestigious ‘Teaching Award’ from the Student Union of the University of St.Gallen (SHSG). This honour recognises her exceptional commitment to teaching and her inspiring influence on students in executive education.
Karolin Frankenberger combines academic excellence with practical teaching and pedagogical sensitivity. As chair and director of the Institute for Business Administration, she brings extensive scientific and economic experience to her teaching. Experience at McKinsey & Company and research stays at Harvard Business School and the University of Connecticut School of Business enrich her perspective.
Her research focuses on business models, innovation, digital transformation and sustainability. Her book The Business Model Navigator has been translated into several languages and is considered an international standard work. With clarity, relevance and passion, she conveys complex content, encourages critical thinking and motivates people to actively shape change.
We warmly congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and her induction into the University of St. Gallen’s ‘Hall of Teaching Fame’.
What makes the St.Gallen Symposium So Valuable
What makes the St.Gallen Symposium So Valuable
Global power shifts, geopolitical uncertainties and new economic alliances. This year’s St. Gallen Symposium focused on the theme of ‘Shifting Global Power’ and brought together international guests and young talents at the University of St.Gallen.
But what really makes this format so special?
Nathalie Naveda and our Dean Prof. Dr. Karolin Frankenberger from the Executive School were there and report on an event that is much more than just a stage for well-known personalities. The true value of the symposium lies in the open, respectful exchange between generations. Young people meet experienced decision-makers and ask them precisely those questions that are often not asked elsewhere.
This creates a dialogue that goes beyond traditional conference formats. This is made possible by a unique concept: the organisation is in the hands of HSG students. This creates closeness, dynamism and credibility.
We share more personal impressions and pictures in our latest LinkedIn post.
International Management Literature Expanded: Prof. Dr. Frankenberger Publishes New Edition of Bestseller on Business Models
International Management Literature Expanded: Prof. Dr. Frankenberger Publishes New Edition of Bestseller on Business Models
A major success for the international visibility of the University of St.Gallen (HSG): Our Dean, Prof Dr Karolin Frankenberger, has published the third edition of the international bestseller The Business Model Navigator together with Prof Dr Oliver Gassmann.
This work is one of the world’s most influential books on business model innovation. Based on an analysis of over 250 companies, the authors identify 55 recurring patterns: from ‘freemium’ to ‘razor & blade’. The central message: innovation does not always have to be technological; often, it is enough to rethink business models and combine them intelligently.
The new edition is being published at a time of fundamental change, when companies are having to realign their strategies in the face of digitalisation, sustainability and global dynamics. The fact that The fact that Prof Dr Frankenberger wrote this key work of international management literature underscores the academic excellence of the University of St.Gallen – the Swiss Business School.
Aiming Higher: For More Women in Medical Leadership Positions (Tagesanzeiger interview in German)
Aiming Higher: For More Women in Medical Leadership Positions (Tagesanzeiger interview in German)
Despite the fact that more women than men are now graduating with medical degrees, their proportion drops dramatically with each subsequent career level. This is precisely where the programme Aiming Higher – Career Development for Female Assistant Doctors at the University of St.Gallen comes in. It was developed in 2022 under the direction of Prof. Dr. Gudrun Sander in collaboration with hospitals and medical associations and aims to specifically prepare female doctors for leadership roles and retain them in medicine in the long term.
The focus is on empowerment, mentoring and visibility. Programme director Vera Wemmie explains in an interview with the Tagesanzeiger that structural, cultural and personal barriers continue to hinder the advancement of many female doctors. Inflexible working time models, a lack of visible role models and male-dominated networks are just some of the factors that can lead to a career setback.
Aiming Higher offers practical training on topics such as self-management, presentation skills, negotiation techniques and interprofessional collaboration. Many participants find the personal exchange with experienced female doctors in leadership positions particularly valuable, as they serve as role models and provide concrete insights into their career paths.
The programme also offers clear advantages for hospitals. They position themselves as attractive employers and send a visible signal for equality and better employee retention. After all, a diverse healthcare system not only means equal opportunities, but also ensures the quality of medical care.
Details about the German-language programme Aiming Higher – Career Development for Female Assistant Doctors can be found here.
2024 Annual Report of the Executive School Now Available
2024 Annual Report of the Executive School Now Available
We are pleased to present the new annual report of the Executive School of the University of St.Gallen. The year 2024 was marked by outstanding successes: The HSG ranked 9th in the Financial Times European Business School Ranking – as the best public business university in continental Europe.
Highlights such as the addition of new international modules, the launch of innovative programmes (e.g. the St. Gallen Board Certificate) and social initiatives such as ‘Offers for Migrants’ underscore our commitment to achieving impact through excellence and social value.
Discover exciting insights into our projects, statistics and outlook for 2025 – including our planned collaboration with Columbia Business School.
Link to the 2024 annual report
HSG Becomes First Business School Partner of Nordic Business Forum 2025
HSG Becomes First Business School Partner of Nordic Business Forum 2025
The University of St.Gallen (HSG) is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Nordic Business Forum 2025 (NBF). The HSG will be the first international business school to have its own stand at this high-profile event – a significant step towards strengthening our presence in the Nordic countries. This sends a strong signal – not only about the HSG’s international orientation, but also about its commitment to being present where the future is being negotiated. The NBF is much more than a conference: it is one of Europe’s leading business platforms. With more than 7,000 participants from over 40 countries and top speakers such as Simon Sinek, Rick Rubin and Angela Ahrendts, it offers a unique space for exchange, visions and new partnerships.
A strategic step into a dynamic market
The Nordic countries are a clear priority growth market for HSG – particularly in the areas of executive education and brand outreach. By participating in the NBF, we are able to reach decision-makers, leaders and innovation leaders directly – precisely the target groups we want to engage with.
‘Moving Forward’ – a motto that captures the spirit of the times
The motto of NBF 2025 – ‘Moving Forward’ – is a call for change. In times of uncertainty, foresight, innovative strength and cultural strength are needed. These are precisely the themes that shape the work of the HSG. We share the conviction that progress can only be achieved if it is reflective, courageous and people-centred.
Monthly Coffee Break @ Executive School – with Charm, Chocolate and Exciting Insights
Monthly Coffee Break @ Executive School – with Charm, Chocolate and Exciting Insights
This time, the Executive School’s monthly Coffee Break was organised by the Dean’s Office – with a lovingly designed Easter edition. The lounge on the sixth floor of the Washington House was transformed into a spring-like oasis full of Swiss Easter traditions: chocolate eggs, Easter cakes and regional delicacies provided culinary highlights.
In addition to the culinary delights, there were also important content-related impulses: our Dean, Prof Dr Karolin Frankenberger, opened the session, followed by Annelies Van Herck and Nathalie Naveda. The latter – accompanied by fine Finnish chocolate – pointed to a new, promising partnership, which we will reveal more about soon. Once again it was clear that personal interaction in a relaxed atmosphere unites teams and brings the diversity of the Executive School to life.
