As digital transformation reshapes global business landscapes, the role of Chief Operating Officers is undergoing a significant evolution. These leaders are increasingly becoming strategic partners responsible for driving enterprise-wide efficiency and sustainable growth. In response to this changing leadership demand, the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow has announced an innovative executive education programme designed specifically for aspiring and current COOs.
The Growing Strategic Importance of COOs
Recent research highlights the expanding responsibilities of modern COOs. According to PwC's COO Insights 2025 report, an impressive 86% of COOs are actively increasing their technology investments to stay competitive. The same study reveals that 68% of operational leaders identify balancing cost optimization with growth initiatives as their primary challenge.
This data underscores the critical need for specialized education that equips COOs with both strategic vision and practical execution capabilities. The transformation from traditional operations management to strategic partnership requires new skills and perspectives that many current leaders need to develop.
IIM Lucknow's Comprehensive COO Programme
The Chief Operating Officer Programme, developed in collaboration with global executive education leader Emeritus, represents a significant step toward addressing this leadership gap. This 10-month live online programme is specifically designed for senior professionals, business heads, and aspiring COOs who want to enhance their operational leadership capabilities.
Programme Director Dr. Suresh K. Jakhar, who serves as Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at IIM Lucknow, emphasized the programme's strategic focus. "To gain a competitive advantage today, leaders must go beyond operational efficiency and think strategically," he stated. "This programme equips participants with cross-functional insights, financial acumen, and leadership capabilities to drive value chain innovation and sustainable growth."
Programme Structure and Key Features
The comprehensive curriculum combines academic excellence with real-world application through multiple learning formats:
Programme Duration and Format: The 10-month programme features live online sessions complemented by a three-day campus immersion experience at IIM Lucknow's campus. This blended approach allows working professionals to balance their career commitments while gaining invaluable insights.
Core Curriculum Components: Participants will engage with critical operational leadership topics including Operations Strategy for Business Excellence, Business Finance for COOs, Strategic Leadership, Supply Chain and Operational Excellence, Corporate Communication and Crisis Management, and Dynamic Pricing in Supply Chain.
Practical Learning Methodology: The programme emphasizes hands-on learning through case-based discussions, peer learning sessions, and realistic business simulations. Participants will analyze real-world business cases from global industry leaders including Amazon, Walmart, and Zara.
Capstone Project: A faculty-guided Capstone Project enables participants to directly apply their learning to actual operational challenges, ensuring immediate relevance to their professional contexts.
Programme Outcomes and Benefits
Upon successful completion, participants will be equipped to:
Develop strategic expertise in managing both digital and engineering operations effectively. Lead cross-functional teams to foster innovation while maintaining operational efficiency. Strengthen financial and analytical capabilities to support data-driven decision-making processes. Apply design thinking principles, change management strategies, and proven leadership frameworks to drive organizational transformation. Deliver long-term business value through operational excellence and organizational agility.
Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President and Head of India & APAC at Emeritus, highlighted the programme's relevance in today's business environment. "In today's dynamic business environment, operational leaders are the true drivers of transformation," he noted. "The Chief Operating Officer Programme empowers professionals to integrate strategy with execution, harness digital and analytical tools, and lead innovation with measurable impact while earning an IIM Lucknow credential."
Admission Details and Certification
The programme welcomes applications from experienced professionals meeting specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must hold a Graduate/Diploma (10+2+3) or Postgraduate qualification with a minimum of 10 years of work experience.
Programme Schedule: The course commences on December 30, 2025, with a programme fee of INR 5,95,000 + GST. The learning format primarily consists of live online sessions conducted by IIM Lucknow's esteemed faculty members.
Participants who successfully complete the programme while maintaining a minimum attendance of 75 percent will receive a certificate of completion from IIM Lucknow. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to gain IIM Lucknow Executive Alumni status, providing ongoing access to the institute's network and resources.
IIM Lucknow's reputation as a premier management institution adds significant value to this programme. Ranked 5th among India's top management institutes according to NIRF 2025, the institute holds global accreditation from both AMBA and AACSB. This dual accreditation places IIM Lucknow among an elite group of business schools worldwide, as only approximately 5% of institutions achieve AACSB accreditation.
The collaboration with Emeritus brings additional expertise in executive education delivery. Emeritus partners with leading global institutions including IIM Calcutta Executive Education, ISB Executive Education, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, and other prestigious organizations to deliver high-quality educational experiences.
This programme arrives at a crucial time when Indian businesses are accelerating their digital transformation journeys and seeking operational leaders who can drive sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
