ISB Executive Education & Emeritus Launch Chief Digital & AI Officer Programme for Senior Leaders

The Indian School of Business (ISB) Executive Education, in collaboration with Emeritus, has announced the launch of its Chief Digital and AI Officer (CDAIO) programme. Designed for seasoned professionals, this 30-week programme equips executives with the skills required to lead enterprise-level digital initiatives and integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into business strategies effectively.

The programme is structured to help leaders develop and execute digital strategies that align with organisational goals, leveraging AI to drive both innovation and sustainable growth. By focusing on strategic implementation, participants will be able to spearhead digital transformation initiatives across their organisations.

Programme Objectives: Driving Transformation and Innovation

The CDAIO programme is specifically designed to help professionals:

• Promote cross-functional collaboration: Enabling teams to work together effectively on transformation initiatives.
• Enhance stakeholder alignment: Ensuring that leadership, employees, and key decision-makers are aligned on digital priorities.
• Adopt AI through effective change management: Smooth AI integration requires careful planning, training, and communication, which the programme emphasizes.
• Develop AI governance frameworks: Safeguarding digital assets, maintaining ethical standards, and advising on cybersecurity measures.
• Transform business processes strategically: Participants learn to implement AI technologies in ways that enhance efficiency, decision-making, and competitive advantage.

Sunill Sood, Executive Director of ISB Executive Education, highlighted the programme’s relevance:
"In today’s digital era, leadership extends beyond traditional boundaries. Our CDAIO Programme is designed to equip leaders with the skills to harness AI and digital technologies effectively, ensuring they can drive innovation while maintaining robust governance."

Programme Structure and Learning Experience

The CDAIO programme is delivered as a blended learning experience, combining multiple learning formats to ensure engagement and practical application:

• Online modules: Self-paced learning covering AI fundamentals, digital strategy, and leadership frameworks.
• Live sessions and masterclasses: Interactive sessions with global experts on emerging trends and best practices.
• Dedicated office hours: Personalized guidance to clarify concepts and solve real-world business challenges.

The programme is set to commence on December 30, 2025, and runs for 30 weeks, making it suitable for working executives who wish to balance professional responsibilities with advanced learning.

Eligibility and Investment

The programme is targeted at senior professionals with substantial work experience, requiring a minimum of 10 years of professional experience. Graduates or diploma holders across disciplines are eligible, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities.

The programme fee is ₹6,31,000 plus GST, reflecting the comprehensive curriculum and high-value engagement with industry experts. Participants can expect to gain advanced insights into digital transformation, AI leadership, and organisational change management.

Skills and Competencies Developed

Participants in the CDAIO programme will graduate with capabilities that extend beyond technical knowledge, focusing on strategic, operational, and ethical leadership:

1. Digital Strategy Formulation: Aligning digital initiatives with corporate objectives to achieve measurable outcomes.
2. AI Integration: Leveraging AI to optimize business processes, enhance decision-making, and foster innovation.
3. Change Leadership: Guiding organisations through cultural and operational changes necessary for AI adoption.
4. Governance and Ethics: Establishing frameworks for AI ethics, cybersecurity, and digital risk management.
5. Continuous Learning Culture: Promoting organisational readiness to adapt to evolving technologies and market dynamics.

This holistic skill set ensures that graduates of the programme can lead complex digital transformations confidently, driving both short-term results and long-term growth.

Global Recognition of ISB

ISB’s commitment to executive education and leadership development has been recognized globally. In LinkedIn’s third annual list of ‘Top MBA Programs 2025’, ISB climbed to 5th place globally, showcasing its reputation for supporting long-term career growth.

Other Indian business schools that made the list include:

• IIM-Calcutta: 16th place (new entrant)
• IIM-Bangalore: 20th place (new entrant)
• IIM-Ahmedabad: 17th place (improved from previous year)
• IIM Lucknow: 21st place
• IIM Indore: 36th place
• IIFT: 50th place

This recognition underscores ISB’s global relevance and leadership in business education, making the CDAIO programme a prestigious addition to its executive education portfolio.

Why CDAIO is Critical for Today’s Leaders

The business landscape is rapidly evolving, with AI, machine learning, and digital technologies redefining traditional operational models. For senior leaders, the ability to strategically implement these technologies is critical for remaining competitive.

The CDAIO programme addresses these challenges by:

• Equipping leaders to make data-driven decisions
• Enabling organisations to innovate processes and business models
• Ensuring ethical and secure AI adoption
• Preparing executives to foster collaborative, cross-functional teams capable of driving digital initiatives

By focusing on both leadership and technical insights, the programme ensures participants are not just managers of technology, but strategic drivers of organisational transformation.

Networking and Professional Growth

In addition to skills development, participants gain access to a robust professional network. Engaging with peers from diverse industries, attending masterclasses, and interacting with global faculty provide opportunities for:

• Knowledge exchange and peer learning
• Exposure to industry best practices in AI and digital strategy
• Building long-term professional relationships that support career advancement

This networking aspect adds significant value, allowing leaders to translate learning into actionable insights within their own organisations.

Conclusion: Preparing Leaders for the AI-Driven Future

The ISB Chief Digital and AI Officer programme, in partnership with Emeritus, represents a strategic investment in leadership development for the digital age. With a comprehensive curriculum, blended learning format, and global insights, it prepares seasoned professionals to drive innovation, lead AI adoption, and transform organisational processes.

As AI continues to reshape industries, programmes like CDAIO ensure that leaders are not just keeping pace but setting the agenda for digital transformation. For executives looking to elevate their leadership capabilities, this programme offers a unique opportunity to bridge strategy, technology, and governance in one intensive learning experience.

With its global recognition and emphasis on applied learning, ISB Executive Education continues to cement its position as a leader in shaping the next generation of digital leaders, making this programme a crucial stepping stone for seasoned professionals aiming to thrive in a technology-driven business landscape.