London Business School Expands Executive Education to Riyadh, Boosting Vision 2030

London Business School (LBS) has announced its first ever executive education programmes to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, fresh off the back of being crowned number one in the Financial Times' global rankings for Open Executive Education programmes in 2025. This latest move aligns with the Kingdom's efforts to diversify its economy, push forward innovation and strengthen leadership skills, fitting neatly into Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plans.

The three newly unveiled programmes are all set to launch in the 2025-2026 academic year, delivered in-person at LBS's newly established Riyadh office. With these courses, LBS is further cementing its regional footprint, a growth extending beyond its well-known Dubai campus. After opening up shop in Riyadh earlier this year in April, the school is swiftly making good on its promise to boost leadership and skill devlopment in the region.

Speaking about the school's top-ranking achievement, Helen Kerkentzes, who serves as Associate Dean of Executive Education and General Manager in Riyadh, expressed pride in how their programmes are making a real difference. "We’re delighted to be recognised by our clients and participants for the impact we've had globally," she noted. "This accomplishment truly reflects the high quality of our team and participants. Launching our open programmes in Riyadh only deepens our resolve to support and work closely alongside leaders in Saudi Arabia and beyond."

Professor Florin Vasvari, Executive Dean for Executive Education in the Middle East and General Manager of the Riyadh office, seconded this sentiment, stressing how the new programmes reflect an evolving relationship with Saudi Arabia. He said, "Launching these courses in Riyadh is a natural progression in our long-standing partnership with the Kingdom and the Gulf region. We’re honoured to support Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 by equipping its leaders with the skills needed in today’s rapidly shifting world."

In the latest FT rankings for 2025, LBS nabbed the top spot globally for its open programmes, improving from second place last year—a testament both to participant quality and the practical applicability of course content. Meanwhile, its customised programmes weren't far behind, jumping five places to second spot and taking the number one position for delivering new skills and learning. Impressively, LBS stands alone as the only institution listed within the top three of both the open and custom FT Executive Education rankings this year.

With campuses already thriving in Dubai, New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and its flagship UK location in London, LBS continues scaling its reach. Today, the school has over 53,000 alumni scattered across more than 157 countries, connected by business experience and a substantial global network. Its diverse faculty of 259 experts—from marketing and finance to management science and strategy—are drawn from some 30 countries.

Arageek readers who follow education know well that London's institutions have historically been stepping-stones for international leaders aiming to make their mark. By extending its programmes further into the Gulf, LBS looks set to help nurture a new generation of regional decision-makers who can calmly navigate our complex, ever-changing world. I imagine it won't be too long before we hear stories from Riyadh programme alumni doing big things back home here in the UK or elsewhere abroad.

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