SP Jain School of Global Management has partnered with the International Women Board of Directors (IWBD) to launch a new executive education initiative aimed at preparing professionals for boardroom and C-suite roles. The Global Board Readiness Programme was announced on December 24, 2025.
The five-week programme is a 30-hour executive development course designed for mid- to senior-level professionals. It focuses on addressing the ongoing gender gap in corporate boardrooms by equipping women leaders with governance knowledge, strategic decision-making skills and access to senior industry networks.
The programme is being positioned as a practical pathway to board-level opportunities. Alongside academic instruction, participants will receive exposure to executive search professionals involved in board appointments across international markets.
Speaking about the initiative, Ebru Tuygun, IWBD Chairwoman and CEO of GVGL Global Marketing Management, said: “This program bridges the critical gap between executive experience and board readiness. We’re not just teaching governance—we’re creating pathways to actual board placements through our partnerships with firms like Wilton and Bain.”
The faculty includes senior business leaders from across the region. Amel Chadli, President of Schneider Electric’s Gulf Cluster and a member of Forbes Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2025, will lead sessions on negotiation and influence. Banu Karakullukcu, CEO of Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages, will focus on complex problem-solving and decision-making at board level.
Additional sessions will be delivered by Faranak Farahmand Pour, Global Strategic Director at Google, on artificial intelligence in boardrooms; George Abraham, HR Director MENA at Deloitte, on talent strategies; and Raya Abu Gulal, CEO of RAG Legal, on the legal responsibilities of board members.
SP Jain faculty members are also contributing to the curriculum. Dr. Christopher Abraham, Professor and CEO at SP Jain Dubai, will address leadership and crisis management, while Dr. Vincent Hooper, Professor of Finance, will cover financial governance fundamentals.
A key element of the programme is its direct engagement with executive search firms. Sami Zouehid, Managing Partner for Wilton & Bain in the Middle East, will lead sessions on board CV preparation and interview processes, drawing on more than 16 years of regional experience.
The programme leverages SP Jain’s campuses in Dubai, London, Singapore, Sydney and Mumbai, offering participants a global governance perspective. It is priced at $10,900 per participant, with group and bulk discounts available.
Highlighting the relevance of the initiative, Dr. Christopher Abraham said: “Companies increasingly recognize that diverse boards make better decisions. This program ensures qualified leaders are prepared to contribute meaningfully from day one.”
