Doha, Qatar – 4 April 2021: HEC Paris, ranked #1 by the Financial Times European Business Schools Rankings 2020, welcomed its International Executive MBA (EMBA) Class of 2022 at its Doha campus in Tornado Tower on Thursday, April 1. The implementation of innovative technology allowed a hybrid classroom format, designed to facilitate and enhance the learning experience in accordance with the Covid-19 regulations set by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).

The incoming cohort of 45 individuals is one of the strongest groups HEC Paris has seen in 10 years. It includes participants from diverse professional backgrounds across a wide range of sectors, who have selected to join the International Executive MBA because of the personal development and career acceleration it offers. The new participants hold top positions in some of the most esteemed companies in Qatar, across a wide range of sectors such as energy, education, technology, aviation, health, finance, construction, and banking.

The International EMBA has been specially designed for participants who are looking to enhance their managerial and leadership skills. Throughout the program participants are pushed to challenge their idea of business, develop the leadership skills necessary to be innovative, and connect with their peers to learn how to adapt to the ever-changing economic environment. 

The orientation session was opened by Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris in Qatar. Welcoming the new cohort, Dr. Martin de Holan said: “Learning is always a form of change, and a great learning journey lies ahead of you. The International EMBA program at HEC Paris in Qatar has been delivering impact and excellence for over a decade. This program will help each of you enhance and fine-tune your analytical and strategic decision-making skills. You will leave the program better equipped to undertake future leadership initiatives with confidence, and to more effectively tackle the global challenges of the current times.”

Ranked #3 in the world by the Financial Times in 2020, HEC Paris’ International Executive MBA is a practical and intense program that focuses on the development of managerial and leadership skills. During the course of the program, participants identify critical levers for sustainable business growth and develop the global vision that leaders need to drive corporate success.  

“Sometimes people ask, as a businessman, what’s your best investment? My EMBA is my best investment. Doing my EMBA with HEC Paris was a life-changing experience for me. Having the ability to learn from the best, and to interact with people with similar backgrounds, was really an inspiring experience”, shared Nishad Azeem, CEO, Coastal Qatar, International Executive MBA 2013.

Commenting on her enrolment, Noor Hassan Al Saleh, National Talent Development Senior Manager at Qatar Airways, and one of the participants of the upcoming EMBA program, said “The International Executive MBA will enable me to develop my core competencies. More importantly, the program will train me to adapt to the changing market situation.”

 The participants at HEC Paris benefit from a world-class faculty and a diverse cohort of senior participants, who bring a wealth of practical business experience from a wide spectrum of industries. Each classroom provides a multicultural environment where participants from different backgrounds, countries and walks of life can share best and next practices.

 After enrolling and completing HEC Paris’ degree programs, graduates become part of the institution’s prestigious alumni network worldwide, which has been ranked number one by The Economist. With more than 60,000 alumni in 150 countries, the institution provides an ideal platform for networking, which is essential for exploring international opportunities, switching industries, or further expanding one's skills.

Since joining Qatar Foundation in 2010, HEC Paris is proud to have graduated more than 817 participants from its degree programs in Qatar. For more information about HEC Paris in Qatar programs contact: qatar-admissions@hec.fr

Quotes from Participants:

Francisco Miguel Sousa · Managing Director at Talabat Qatar said: “HEC Paris is highly recognized for its MBA, and we are lucky to have such a reputable University in Qatar. When I decided to run my Executive MBA, HEC Paris was without doubt my first choice. I pursue my studies while I’m comfortable knowing that I empowered my team so that they lead every aspect of the project with all stakeholders. Talabat Qatar has a dream team and they are the ones driving Talabat. As an example, while I was today EMBA introduction session, Talabat was launching several projects, including an amazing program of Chefs in Qatar with Qatar National Tourism and Qatar Airways to bring the best of chefs of Qatar to every home.

Priyank Shukla, Commercial Manager, Greenfields (Contec Global Group, UK) said: “HEC Paris is one of the most prestigious Business schools in the world. Its brand value, rich heritage, and hugely connected alumni network that HEC Paris equips you with is incomparable and definitely makes one a cut above the rest. I genuinely believe Qatar has a lot of potential, and it gives numerous opportunities. Executive MBA offered by HEC Paris in Qatar will add value to my business acumen, thereby enabling me to leverage my goal to become a better leader. My company has been extending all due support in my endeavour to pursue this world-class course.”

“Covid-19 has taught us many lessons and brought about a paradigm shift in how business works, I am quick to adapt to changing roles and responsibilities vis a vis dynamic trend. I take pride in working hard and burning the midnight oil to go the extra mile. I am sure that this journey with HEC Paris will be a roller coaster filled with rewarding and challenging experiences.I am super excited, and I'm going to put my best foot forward to get the best out of the education without compromising on the work and the trust reposed in me by my company.” He added.

Rafika Moumen, HR Director for the middle east region in Alstom and winner of the Women scholarship oh HEC Paris in Qatar said: “I have decided to take the next step in my career journey and EMBA was the obvious answer to get there rapidly. Indeed, I believe that the insights we will get in this program are unique, and HEC Paris was definitely my first choice. I feel absolutely grateful for such an opportunity and I would like to thank all for the amazing job”.