Letter from the Chief Executive Education Officer

Dear friends of Michigan Ross and the Ross Executive Education community,

2026 is at our doorstep, and as we prepare to transition into a new year, I am reminded once again that change, both expected and unforeseen, remains one of the few constants in our world. The events of 2025 have demonstrated this vividly. Global markets shifted at unprecedented speed, technological breakthroughs accelerated the pace at which organizations must adapt, and communities across the world continued to grapple with complex challenges that touch us all, whether directly or through the people we lead and serve.

This year, leaders across industries navigated uncertainty with remarkable resilience. In boardrooms and classrooms alike, we saw a renewed commitment to leading not only with strategic clarity but with humanity. The leaders who emerged strongest were those who used complexity as an opportunity to rethink assumptions, embrace innovation, and anchor decision-making in empathy, transparency, and purpose. These are the qualities that continue to define the Ross community, and your engagement this year has underscored just how critical they are to building a better world through business.

At Michigan Ross Executive Education, 2025 has also been a year of meaningful transition and renewed ambition. We continued to co-create learning experiences with clients that address real and pressing business challenges, ranging from responsible AI integration to global workforce transformation. We expanded our coaching and personalized learning offerings to support leaders at every stage of their development. We also moved our team into a temporary space as part of the upcoming renovation of our Executive Learning and Conference Center, a step that reflects our commitment to elevating the experiences we provide for our participants in the years ahead.

Perhaps most excitingly, 2026 will mark an exciting milestone for Michigan Ross with the opening of our Los Angeles campus. This expansion will allow us to deepen our national and global impact, broaden industry partnerships, and leverage the industries and business activity in the region to continue creating dynamic and enriching executive education learning experiences. It reflects both the momentum of our work and our commitment to meeting leaders where they are geographically, professionally, and personally.

I am proud to present the Michigan Ross Executive Education 2025 Year in Review. This report reflects the dedication, expertise, and impact of our faculty, staff, partners, and participants. The work highlighted here represents only a fraction of what we accomplished together this year, but it captures the heart of our mission and the strength of our community.

As the world continues to evolve, we remain steadfast in partnering with you to develop leaders who can navigate uncertainty with confidence, build organizations that thrive, and elevate the human side of business. Your trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to meaningful leadership inspire us every day.

On behalf of the Michigan Ross Executive Education team, I wish you a healthy, successful, and purpose-filled start to 2026.
 

Sincerely,
 

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Nicholas Hamilton-Archer

Chief Executive Education Officer
University of Michigan - Ross School of Business

2025 Executive Education Year in Review: A Year of Building a Better World Through Business
 

2025 by the Numbers
 

Ideas That Moved Business Forward

Global leaders faced two defining challenges in 2025: navigating continuous uncertainty and understanding the growing impact of AI on people and performance. Through timely insights and practical guidance, Michigan Ross Executive Education helped leaders respond to the forces shaping business with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Below is a look at the themes and insights that defined our year, informed by close collaboration with faculty and industry experts.
 

Leading Through Uncertainty

In 2025, leaders confronted persistent volatility—from economic shifts to heightened geopolitical uncertainty—requiring a renewed focus on strengthening teams and building resilience.

• Thriving in Uncertainty: 8 Research-Backed Strategies for Stability

• 3 Essential Strategies for Leading Through Uncertainty

• How Leaders Can Strengthen Teams When Morale Is Low

• The Evolving Role of Board Leadership in an Era of Disruption: Q&A with Professor Mike Barger

• How to Lead Beyond Authority in Turbulent Times

• What Business Leaders Can Learn From an Economist’s View of Uncertainty
   

University of Michigan Economics and Public Policy Professor Justin Wolfers and Bloomberg correspondent Stacey Vanek Smith have a conversation about what small business leaders should do during economic uncertainty.
 

Preparing for an AI-Driven Workplace

As AI adoption accelerated across industries in 2025, organizations faced growing questions about skills, collaboration, and the human side of change—placing leadership at the center of this transformation.

• Bridging Leadership Gaps in the Age of AI and Data

• Why Human-AI Collaboration Starts With Leadership

• From Resistance to Readiness: 3 Areas to Rethink the Human-AI Relationship in the Workplace
   

The Executive Edge Newsletter: Curated Insights on Trends Impacting Business

Since its launch in late 2024, The Executive Edge has offered a quarterly view of the issues capturing the attention of global business leaders. In 2025, coverage spanned return-to-office dynamics, economic trends, and regenerative approaches to business. Each edition features curated news items paired with faculty insights to help leaders make sense of a rapidly shifting landscape.

• The Executive Edge (Q4 2024): Leadership Development in Uncertainty, US Election Economic Impact, and Emotional Intelligence

• The Executive Edge (Q1 2025): Workplace Flexibility and RTO, Employee Morale, and Skills-Based Hiring

• The Executive Edge (Q2 2025): AI as a Teammate, Strategic Planning Amid Uncertainty, and Skills in Demand

• The Executive Edge (Q3 2025): Workplace Culture, Regenerative Thinking, and Engaging Culture as a Brand Strategy

• Q4 2025 Coming in January 2026
   

Additional Focused Insights

Beyond 2025’s dominant themes, Michigan Ross Executive Education explored broader leadership areas, including influence and sustainability, providing leaders with perspectives on topics shaping today’s workplace.

• Influencing Without Authority: The Currency of Collaboration

• Driving Sustainable Transformation and Innovation for Long-Term Success

Leadership in Action

In 2025, Michigan Ross Executive Education deepened its collaborations with global organizations across regions and industries. These efforts build on long-standing relationships while establishing new collaborations, reflecting a deep understanding of local context, culture, and business priorities. Delivered through custom solutions, open enrollment programs, and speaking engagements, the focus remained on developing leaders who drive progress, strengthen organizations, and create lasting impact. Below are a few highlights from our global impact throughout the year.
 

Making an Impact in India
 

Larsen & Toubro | The partnership with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) marked its 12th year in 2025. The program, delivered in Lonavala, supports leadership development within one of India’s most influential organizations, with a focus on strategic value creation, financial acumen, and adaptive leadership to drive effective change.
 

Tata Group | In 2025, Michigan Ross Executive Education delivered the 49th and 50th cohorts of the Tata Group Executive Leadership Seminar (TGELS) in Pune—a significant milestone for the longest-running executive education program at Michigan Ross. Reaching the 50th cohort reflects the depth of the relationship and the program’s ongoing relevance as it supports leaders across the Tata Group. Recent cohorts addressed leadership mindset, business strategy, sustainability, customer centricity, AI and business model innovation, manufacturing excellence with digital and AI, strategic HR, and leadership assessment and coaching. The team is grateful for this enduring partnership and looks forward to building on its impact in the years ahead.
 

TVS Motor Company | Launched in 2024 and designed as a three-year engagement, the Global Program for Management Development with TVS Motor Company continued with its second cohort in 2025. Participants had 2-week-long modules in Bangalore, along with a service immersion with the Srinivasan Services Trust, and a 6-month journey of action learning projects coached by a diverse group of Michigan faculty. 

Making an Impact in Saudi Arabia
 

NEOM | NEOM is the cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, serving as both the guiding principles and physical manifestation of the country's sustainable transformation. NEOM's partnership with Michigan Ross Executive Education continued in 2025 through the High Potential (HiPo) Program. This multi-year learning journey, which began in 2023, develops high-potential talent, enabling participants to create organizational agility for rapid innovation and accelerate the execution of the NEOM strategy.
 

Making an Impact in the USA
 

Adient | Adient is a leading supplier in the automotive supply chain, creating superior results through state-of-the-art seating products. Adient's reputation as a global leader in automotive seating has been built through their portfolio of innovative products, global footprint, and customer-oriented engagement with their OEM partners. Adient has worked with Michigan Ross Executive Education since 2020, developing senior talent. In 2025, Adient ran the second cohort of their newest program, the Adient Leadership & Performance Skills (ALPS). Featuring live virtual learning combined with action-based learning projects, this program expanded the reach of leadership development to a broader set of leaders across the company, complementing the Accelerate program for senior leaders. Since the inception of both programs, leaders have grown to perform better in their roles, advance in leadership responsibilities, and deliver tangible results through the action-based learning project outcomes.
 

Bilkent University | In May 2025, as part of the partnership program with Bilkent University, a private university based in Ankara, Türkiye, participants completed the Global Competitive Strategy Program at the Michigan Ross. The program strengthened strategic thinking through a global lens, with focused exploration of negotiation strategies, organizational change, competitive dynamics, strategic data analytics, and innovation management—equipping participants with practical tools to navigate complex and competitive business environments.
 

Cochlear | Cochlear, a leading medical device organization, partnered with Michigan Ross Executive Education for a dynamic, multi-tier leadership experience designed for leaders and directors. The programs strengthened influence, alignment, and execution through level-specific learning that built on prior strategic work. During the in-person Director program, participants dove into empowered accountability—sharpening decision-making, clarifying priorities, and learning how to influence without formal authority. Directors practiced turning strategy into clear choices using practical tools, such as RACIs, and explored real-world influence dynamics across teams. The experience sparked strong cross-functional alignment and a shared focus on what matters most, signaling the organization’s readiness to continue building leadership capacity and driving growth. 
 

Diageo | 2025 marked the successful completion of the inaugural year of the Academy of Beverage Leadership—a collaboration with Diageo, Deloitte, and Michigan Ross Executive Education—seeing hundreds of participants through a rigorous, consumer-centric curriculum designed to cultivate the beverage alcohol industry’s next generation of leaders. Diageo’s North American executive leadership came to recognize and celebrate the participants at the final capstone in June. 
 

Emeritus | In partnership with global EdTech leader Emeritus, Michigan Ross Executive Education expanded its portfolio this year with the successful launch of two new hybrid open enrollment programs: the Chief Data and AI Officer Program and the Board Director Program. Together, these offerings are designed to support senior leaders and board-level decision-makers as they navigate data- and AI-driven transformations, strengthen governance and oversight, and build the strategic perspective needed to lead organizations through increasing complexity and change. 
 

General Motors | General Motors held its Board Meeting and a special dealer event at the Michigan Ross Ann Arbor central campus, highlighted by a stadium showcase featuring classic and concept cars. This occasion marked the first visit by Sharon F. Matusik, Edward J. Frey Dean of Business, to the renowned field, joined by General Motors CEO and Ross Board member, Mary Barra.
 

New State Street Campus | As the Executive Learning and Conference Center undergoes renovation, Michigan Ross Executive Education welcomed participants to the newly opened State Street Campus. Program cohorts enjoyed the modern, thoughtfully designed space, which supported focused learning, collaboration, and connection throughout the year. Longtime partner Lexmark (now Xerox) was the first organization to experience the campus in 2025, setting the tone for a successful transition.
 

OneMagnify | OneMagnify is the growth partner for transformational B2B brands. The organization unifies strategy, data, digital experience, and execution in one integrated platform—so insight becomes action, and every dollar ties to outcomes. By simplifying complexity, aligning teams, and delivering results that hold up under scrutiny, OneMagnify delivers Insight to Impact in every project. The company partnered with Michigan Ross Executive Education and the University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation on a multifaceted strategic leadership program combining in-person, online, and peer coaching elements. The program was designed to empower each leader to grow their influence, expand their impact, and lead with greater clarity and confidence in times of change.
 

Stellantis | In 2025, the continued partnership with Stellantis brought another large cohort of high-performing leaders to Ann Arbor for an intensive week of professional development. The experience was highlighted by a formal networking event—a participant favorite—where attendees enjoyed connecting with top leadership within the organization.

Toyoda Gosei | Toyoda Gosei (TG) is a world-leading Tier 1 automotive supplier working with most of the major OEM brands around the world. Toyoda Gosei's Executive Development Program (EDP) equips a select group of very senior leaders at TG with cutting-edge mindsets and skill sets for enterprise leadership. Featuring research-based content on leadership, strategy, and talent development, the program leverages a combination of live face-to-face interaction, virtual sessions, coaching, and action-based learning. Toyoda Gosei's partnership with Michigan Ross Executive Education since 2016 has enabled the company to grow as an agile innovator in a highly competitive market segment.
 

Warwick Business School | In May 2025, Warwick Business School, based in Coventry, England, and Michigan Ross, delivered a joint immersive program, Strategic Business Innovation with Cloud and AI. Challenging participants to rethink strategy and value creation in an AI-driven world, the experience explored co-intelligence, co-creation, and human-centered innovation. The program highlighted how AI can serve as a strategic enabler—strengthening relationships, unlocking new capabilities, and supporting enterprise-wide transformation.

 

Engagements Beyond the Classroom

Throughout 2025, Michigan Ross Executive Education continued to bring the University of Michigan community and business leaders together in-person to exchange ideas, explore emerging business issues, and build meaningful connections. Across a range of gatherings and speaking engagements, these moments created spaces for shared learning and relationship-building beyond office walls.

Below is a snapshot of the events that took place across various locations and settings in 2025.
 

San Diego, CA - Chief Learning Officer (CLO) Exchange | Michigan Ross Executive Education began a year of events at the CLO Exchange in San Diego, connecting with senior learning and development leaders to hear firsthand what’s shaping their priorities and challenges. Together with Ross alumni Jerry Won and Jen Hollingsworth, the team led an interactive masterclass on Embracing Storytelling as a Leadership Superpower, exploring how authentic storytelling helps leaders connect more deeply, build influence, and drive meaningful organizational impact. Participants enjoyed crafting and practicing sharing their own stories with peers during the session.
 

Los Angeles, CA - Alumni & Friends Dinner | With the Michigan Ross Los Angeles campus set to open in 2026, the Executive Education team brought together a small group of Ross alumni in the area for an early look at the new space, located at The Grand LA. After touring the campus, guests gathered over dinner to share ideas and discuss how the LA campus can become a hub for innovative, high-impact executive education experiences. 

Dallas, TX - Faculty Chat | One of the largest-attended Michigan Ross Executive Education faculty chats to date took place in Dallas, bringing together alumni and members of the local business community for an evening of learning and connection. Client partner Diageo supported the event by sharing their event space and contributing to the conversation, with Ross Professor Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks and Diageo executive Becky MacGregor leading a discussion on the leadership mindset and skills needed to navigate change and drive meaningful impact in the years ahead.
 

Austin, TX - CLO Exchange  | The Executive Education team continued engagement with the CLO Exchanges in Austin, where Ross Professor Monica Worline led a masterclass on the human side of AI adoption. The interactive session focused on helping leaders move from fear to fluency by reframing AI as a collaborative partner and building leadership capabilities that support trust, agility, and adoption. The session invited participants to imagine what an AI coworker could look like within their own organization—from the role it would play to the types of things it might have on a physical desk. 

Chicago, IL - CLO Exchange | At the third and final CLO Exchange of the year, Ross Professor Chris Rider and JP Elliott, Founder of Future of HR, led a keynote session in Chicago on Meeting the Equity Challenge. The session explored how CLOs can equip leaders to navigate differing viewpoints, foster cohesion, and design learning initiatives that support shared goals and lasting change.
 

Chicago, IL - Faculty Chat  | While in the Windy City for the CLO Exchange, the Executive Education team took the opportunity to reconnect with Chicago’s large and active Ross alumni base, along with friends of the Michigan community, for a lively evening at the Chicago Winery. The gathering featured a session led by Ross Professor Monica Worline, who brought themes from her CLO Exchange Austin masterclass on the human side of AI to a broader audience, sparking thoughtful conversation and connection among the group. 
 

Singapore - NOVA SG 2025 | NOVA by Smobler is a global, invitation-only forum that convenes leaders across technology, finance, culture, and academia to explore the future of money, identity, and learning. In 2025, the Executive Education team participated for the first time as a supporting partner, with Chief Executive Education Officer Nicholas Hamilton-Archer joining Smobler Founder and CEO Loretta Chen for a fireside chat on the transformation of higher education in a borderless world, sharing perspectives on how executive education must evolve to serve global learners amid rapid technological change.
 

London, UK - Thinkers50 Summit & Awards Ceremony | At the Thinkers50 Summit and Awards Gala in London, Michigan Ross Executive Education joined global thought leaders to celebrate ideas shaping the future of management. The team was proud to support the Breakthrough Idea Award, dedicated to the legacy of Ross Professor C.K. Prahalad, with Associate Dean Gretchen Spreitzer and C.K.’s daughter, Deepa Prahalad, presenting the award in recognition of innovation and purpose-driven leadership.

 

Looking Ahead to 2026

As 2026 approaches, Michigan Ross Executive Education will continue to build on the ideas, relationships, and momentum of the past year. Our focus remains on evolving programs, expanding global engagement, and creating spaces where leaders can learn, connect, and respond to what’s next.
 

New Ross Los Angeles Campus Opening in 2026

Opening in 2026, the new Michigan Ross Los Angeles campus will serve as a West Coast hub for executive learning, engagement, and convening. Located in The Grand LA’s Grand Avenue Arts Corridor, the 20,000-square-foot space is designed to support executive education programs, executive MBA programs, client engagements, and in-person events through modern classrooms, collaboration areas, and flexible gathering spaces. Building on long-standing relationships in Southern California, the campus will create new opportunities to connect with organizations, alumni, and leaders at the intersection of business, innovation, and culture.
 

The Michigan Ross Executive Education team looks forward to sharing more details about programs and events happening on the LA campus soon.
 

New Programs

Strategic Foresight & Resilient Leadership (Saudi Arabia and India) | Launching in January 2026, Michigan Ross Executive Education, in collaboration with XED, will offer a new one-day executive education program in Riyadh, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Designed for leaders navigating volatility and disruption, the program explores the intersection of risk, foresight, and culture, equipping participants to ground decision-making in purpose, strengthen resilience, and turn uncertainty into long-term opportunity.
 

Advanced Strategic Leadership: Harnessing the Power of Foresight (Ann Arbor, MI) | Designed for mid- to senior-level leaders, this new program will equip participants to anticipate disruption and turn uncertainty into strategic advantage. The experience will offer practical foresight-driven frameworks to strengthen long-term strategic thinking, drive organizational resilience, and lead with confidence amid ongoing change.
 

Focus Areas in 2026

• Advanced Strategic Leadership

• Resilient Leadership

• The Human Side of AI

• Leading Through Uncertainty
   

Where We’re Headed in 2026

• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Mumbai, India

• New Delhi, India

• San Diego, California

• Austin, Texas

• Tokyo, Japan

• Madrid, Spain

• Los Angeles, California

• Chicago, Illinois

• And more...we would love to meet you where you are!
   

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The work reflected throughout this year would not be possible without the trust and collaboration of our global executive education community. Together, we advance our mission of building a better world through business by developing leaders and organizations equipped to create positive, lasting impact. We look forward to continuing this work with the people and partners who make it possible.

Go Blue!