EY Academy and Hult Ashridge Launch Research-Led Leadership Programme for GCC Women Executives
EY Academy has partnered with Hult Ashridge Executive Education to introduce Strategic Leadership for Women Executives, a specialized executive leadership programme designed to empower senior women leaders across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The new programme combines global executive education expertise with region-specific research to help women executives strengthen their strategic influence, leadership presence, decision-making capabilities, and executive confidence. It is tailored for women in leadership positions across sectors including finance, professional services, government, and industry.
The initiative comes as GCC countries continue to prioritize workforce transformation and increase women's participation in senior leadership positions, recognizing the role of diverse leadership in driving organizational performance and sustainable economic growth.
Programme Designed Around GCC Leadership Realities
Unlike conventional leadership courses, the programme has been specifically developed based on research conducted by Hult Ashridge Executive Education among women leaders across the GCC. The curriculum reflects the unique cultural, economic, and organizational dynamics of the region, ensuring a learning experience that is both internationally relevant and locally applicable.
The programme will officially launch in the United Kingdom in November 2026, featuring a five-day immersive leadership experience at the Hult Ashridge Executive Education campus. Participants will also benefit from:
- Leadership diagnostics
- One-to-one executive coaching
- Action-learning projects
- Personalized leadership development plans
- Practical business impact initiatives
These components are designed to help participants translate leadership insights into measurable organizational outcomes.
Supporting the GCC's Leadership Transformation Agenda
According to EY Academy, the programme aligns with the region's broader efforts to develop future-ready leadership talent and create sustainable pathways for women to advance into executive roles.
Fazeela Gopalani, Partner at EY and Leader of EY Academy in the MENA region, said the GCC is emerging as one of the world's most dynamic leadership ecosystems.
She noted that the programme stands out because it was not merely adapted for the region but designed specifically around the experiences and aspirations of GCC women leaders. Gopalani added that developing women leaders has become a business necessity as organizations continue investing in talent transformation and long-term organizational success.
Combining Global Expertise with Regional Insights
Adam Portlock, President of Hult Ashridge Executive Education, emphasized that research conducted with women leaders across the Gulf highlighted the importance of leadership programmes rooted in local realities rather than relying solely on global frameworks.
He noted that the collaboration with EY Academy has enabled the creation of a learning experience specifically designed around the leadership challenges, cultural context, and organizational transformations shaping the GCC region.
The programme targets mid- to senior-level women executives, providing a blend of executive coaching, immersive learning experiences, leadership assessments, and action-based business projects aimed at preparing participants for greater strategic and organizational impact.
As GCC governments and businesses continue advancing diversity, inclusion, and talent development agendas, the initiative is expected to contribute to strengthening the pipeline of women leaders capable of driving innovation, transformation, and long-term economic growth across the region.
