Step into broader leadership in a world of increasing complexity
The Executive Transition Program (ETP) at ESMT Berlin supports senior leaders stepping into general management, where broader responsibility demands not just new skills, but a shift in perspective.
Leadership today is shaped by geopolitical shifts, technological acceleration, and rising societal expectations. Operational excellence remains essential, but it is no longer enough. Success depends on sound judgment, the ability to make decisions under uncertainty, and balancing short-term demands with long-term impact.
ETP prepares you to lead in this environment with clarity, strengthening your decision-making, expanding your cross-functional understanding, and increasing your impact in complex, evolving organizations.
Key facts
What sets this program apart
- Focused on the transition into general management, combining leadership development with cross-functional business understanding
- Structured three-module journey with intermodular sessions, peer coaching and consulting
- International faculty from top-ranked business schools
- Direct application to real leadership and organizational challenges
- Access to a strong international executive network through the exclusive ETP Salon
Who is this program for?
The program is designed for senior leaders preparing for or stepping into general management.
Typical participants:
- Lead a business unit, regional subsidiary, or a major product, market, or strategic initiative
- Work in global or large regional organizations
- Have substantial leadership experience, often as “leaders of leaders”
- Hold cross-functional responsibility with P&L or budget accountability
- Are transitioning into broader strategic roles or have recently taken on such responsibilities
Benefits
- Develop and strengthen a grounded and credible leadership approach
- Build the skills and confidence to manage complex, cross-functional decisions on a global scale
- Prepare to respond to shifting market conditions, technological change, and organizational complexity
- Strengthen your ability to lead with advanced skills and a broader network
Topics
- Advanced general management competencies
- Business functions and their interdependence in the larger ecosystem
- Individual transformation and transition management
- Leadership presence and self-leadership mastery
Downloads
Executive Transition Program
Request a consultation
This required consultation is your opportunity to share your goals and explore whether the Executive Transition Program is the right fit.
Next dates
Transitioning to general management: Participant perspectives
ETP not only builds confidence in making complex business decisions but also shapes well-rounded leaders committed to sustainable growth and impact.
Academic rigor, peer exchange, and deep self-reflection make ETP highly relevant in practice.
The Executive Transition Program stood out because it focused on who you are as a leader, not just what you know.
The combination of academic rigor, peer consulting, and deep self-reflection is unique. Compared to other programs, ETP felt highly relevant, practical, and immediately applicable to real leadership situations.
ESMT offered more than top-tier faculty – it gave me space to grow as a leader and as a human, in both mindset and business acumen.
I came for strategy and skills – but left with a new perspectives on how to lead authentically, courageously and with confidence.
Ellen Herb
Gianluca Carnabuci
Nora Grasselli
Harald Hungenberg
Konstantin Korotov
Dr. Urs Müller
Olaf Plötner
Bianca Schmitz
Hanna Setterberg
Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Management
Having completed the Executive Transition Program, you will receive the ESMT Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Management, a prestigious recognition of your professional development.
Financing
The program fee for the Executive Transition Program is €28,500.
ESMT Berlin offers a number of application awards and scholarships for early applicants and eligible participants:
- Women’s scholarships (limited number) for applications submitted by June 30, 2026
- 15% Early Application Award for applications submitted by July 30, 2026
- 10% Early Application Award for applications submitted by September 1, 2026
- 25% reduction for ESMT Berlin alumni
Please note that these offers cannot be combined.
Looking for more information, a consultation, or support with your application?
Contact our program advisor Laura Kiehne.
- Book a consultation
- Phone: +49 30 21231 1490
- Email: bd@esmt.org
