A core group of business schools have accelerated the careers of the chief executives at companies including Walmart, Chevron and JPMorgan.
The percentage of chief executive officers with MBA degrees has been steadily rising at the world’s largest publically traded companies.The Fortune 500, which ranks companies by total revenue, boasts chief executives who studied at business schools like Harvard, Chicago Booth and Wharton, based on data from 2014. Apple, AT&T and General Motors are all led by MBAs.
For business schools, alumni are key to promoting their postgraduate programs. Alumni provide an indication of what students can eventually achieve in their careers.
An MBA is seen as a route to senior management positions. As JD Clarke, an executive director of recruitment and admissions at Ivey Business School, says: “We view the MBA program as a transformational experience for ambitious leaders who want to… Accelerate their career success.”
The appointment of INSEAD MBA Tidjane Thiam to Swiss investment bank Credit Suisse last month was another win for global business schools. American schools dominate the ranks of MBA chief executives.
The fluctuating fortunes of companies means the percentage of CEOs at the helm of Fortune 500 firms, and other rankings based on market capitalization, will shift. But a core group of schools have accelerated the careers of the chiefs at companies including Walmart, Chevron and JPMorgan.
Apple
The death of Steve Jobs created a void that was difficult to fill. But the world’s most valuable company installed an MBA from the one of the world’s top business schools to take over from the creative genius. Tim Cook received his diploma from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business in 1998. He took the helm at Apple in 2011.
Since then the MBA has steered the tech group on a record-smashing journey. Apple in January reported the largest net income of any public company in history in the three months to December – producing a tasty $18 billion in profit. Apple’s latest innovations include the Watch, while the company is widely reported to be developing an electric car in a push into the automotive market.
Chevron Corporation
John S Watson has presided over a tumultuous time at the US energy major as the price of Crude oil plunged by about 50% in recent months. The oil group expects to see a slowdown in its production growth as it cuts investment in response.
He graduated from the MBA at Chicago Booth in 1980. He joined Chevron in 1996 and rose to the chief executive’s role in 2010. Previously he served as vice chairman of the board from 2009 to 2010 and was responsible for business development, mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning, among other areas.
He will need all of his MBA skillset as the oil market buckles in for a bumpy ride. A wave of corporate takeovers are slated to potentially reshape the sector, as oil majors struggle to adapt to the new normal of low prices.
General Motors
The first female chief executive of the world’s third largest automaker by sales, Mary Barra is a great case study for business schools’ efforts to promote corporate diversity. She has risen through the ranks at the US-based company after joining in 1980 as a university co-op student. An MBA at Stanford GSB in California allowed her to move into a senior position within GM’s operations engineering services upon graduation, in 1990.
Mary took the reins of GM, known for its Cadillac and Chevrolet brands, last year. The General Motors chief has presided over the tail end of a remarkable turnaround at the American carmaker, following its government-managed bankruptcy in 2009. She has sought to invest in developing luxury lines, and made an ambitious push into the electric vehicles market at this year’s Detroit auto show.
JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon earned an MBA at Harvard Business School within the same class as Jeff Immelt, the General Electric chief executive. Since becoming chief of the world’s third-largest bank by market cap in 2005, the JPMorgan executive has survived one of the worst global financial crises.
He was president and COO of the bank following JPMorgan’s merger with Bank One in 2004. At Bank One he was chief executive and chairman. Before joining Bank One, he held a wide range of executive roles at financial services groups including Citi and American Express.
Although lauded for its resilience during the crisis, like many universal banks JPMorgan has faced the twin hurdles of onerous regulation and falling activity – and political and public distrust.
Verizon Communications
Before joining the US telecoms market leader, Lowell C McAdam studied engineering at Cornell University, spent time in the US Navy, and graduated from the MBA program at University of San Diego. Be became its chief executive in 2011 and its chairman a year later.
Lowell is considered one of the architects of today’s global wireless industry. Under his leadership as CEO, Verizon took over complete ownership of Verizon Wireless by purchasing Vodafone’s stake in the company, positioning the group for a new phase of wireless growth. But a price war started by Sprint, the number three US wireless operator, is hurting profitability and prompting more customers to switch networks.
Future leaders propelled by business school
Myriad public companies in general are led by MBA holders. Future leaders have been propelled to board seats by business schools, particularly those in the US.
The Kellogg School of Management and Wharton in January both had six FT500 CEOs each – including Alex Gorsky of Wharton at drugs giant Johnson & Johnson, and Kellogg MBA Bill McDermott, who headed SAP, the German software company.
California’s Berkeley: Haas had two CEOs in the FT500 – including Joseph Jimenez of Swiss drugs giant Novartis – and Vanderbilt University: Owen counts David Farr, CEO of Emerson Electric, as an alumnus.
In Europe EMLYON business school counts Schneider Electric CEO Jean-Pascal Tricoire among its alumni, and drugs giant AstraZeneca is headed by HEC Paris MBA Pascal Soriot. Also Spain’s Gas Natural is led by Rafael Villaseca Marco, an MBA of Barcelona-based IESE Business School.
For the UK, Coca-Cola’s chief executive is Muhtar Kent, a graduate of Cass Business School; Cranfield School of Management graduated Antony Jenkins, CEO of Barclays.
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
Unlocking My Potential at City University London
My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.
Rather interesting
The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.
Urban campus life
At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities
