BMI Executive Institute and Louvain School of Management (Université catholique de Louvain) have officially welcomed the International Executive MBA Class of 2027 in Brussels, marking the start of an intensive 15-month learning journey for a new group of experienced executives.
The opening sessions set the tone for the programme: professional maturity, international diversity, and a clear commitment to development – both personal and organisational. As with every BMI EMBA intake, the cohort itself is a central part of the learning experience, bringing different industries, markets, and leadership realities into every classroom discussion.
Our participant profile reflects a highly experienced and diverse group. Meet the new Brussels EMBA class in numbers:
- 9 industries and 10 nationalities represented
- Average age: 42
- 11+ years of management experience on average
- 81% in senior and top management roles
The journey began with an introduction session, where participants met their peers and gained a clear view of the programme structure and what to expect in the months ahead. They were welcomed by Jurga Bendikaitė-Ursavaş, Director General of BMI Executive Institute, and Karilė Klug, Programme Director at BMI Executive Institute.
Reflecting on the significance of this new beginning, Jurga Bendikaitė-Ursavaş noted:
“We are proud to welcome a new group of experienced professionals to the International Executive MBA in Brussels. Each cohort brings its own perspective, energy, and ambition, and we are pleased to see this journey begin with such a strong and diverse group of leaders. We believe in the power of education to shape leadership and drive positive change in organisations and communities, and we look forward to supporting their growth throughout the months ahead.”
The opening also included contributions from Prof. Dominique Rouziès, Academic Dean at BMI Executive Institute and Professor at HEC Paris, and James Thewissen, Professor of Finance at the Université catholique de Louvain and Vice-Dean of Communication and Corporate Relations at Louvain School of Management.
A special highlight was the alumni and participant dialogue on balancing demanding professional roles with EMBA studies, navigating challenges, and making the most of the network and international learning experience. We thank Diana Gal, Leen Vander Kuylen, Yannick Rongvaux and Matilde Masciulli for sharing their perspectives.
The first academic session, Leadership: Starting from Yourself, was led by Prof. Aad JCM van Vliet, Founder and Principal of Avvartes. The module focused on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, decision-making under pressure, trust, resilience, and coaching through better questions and reflection, setting a strong foundation for the journey ahead.
The Brussels cohort now continues with Executive Presence, the Economic, Monetary and Geopolitical Environment, and Finance, building leadership capability, judgement, and broader business perspective alongside full-time executive roles.
We are proud to welcome the International Executive MBA Class of 2027 in Brussels and look forward to supporting their progress as they learn, challenge, and grow together over the months ahead.