IIM Kozhikode and Emeritus Launch ‘Chief Product Officer (CPO) Programme’ to Advance Strategic Product Leadership in India

Includes Two Online Certificate Courses from Kellogg Executive Education

The comprehensive 12-month first-of-its-kind programme emphasises on a strategic growth mindset, empowering product leaders to lead and transform their organisations’ product vision

Mumbai, May 05, 2025: As technological disruption transforms industries, product leadership has become the critical differentiator. The strategic vision and deep product expertise of Chief Product Officers (CPOs) are essential to drive success in an ever-evolving business landscape. Acknowledging the growing demand for advanced skills in product leadership, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), ranked 3rd by the Ministry of Education’s NIRF 2024, in collaboration with Emeritus, has launched the first-of-its-kind Chief Product Officer (CPO) Programme.

According to the CPO Insights Report (2023 and 2024), over 30% of Fortune 1000 companies had a Chief Product Officer in 2023, up from 15% last year. This is expected to reach 70% by 2027 or earlier which is significant growth, bearing in mind that ten years ago, this role hardly existed outside the technology industry. Furthermore, over 70% of CPOs manage a P&L, achieving this milestone three years sooner than predicted. Additionally, 20% of CPO Award winners are promoted to President within a year, highlighting a clear path from product leadership to top executive roles. These data underscore the necessity of investing in targeted product leadership training to remain competitive in changing business environment.

With over 100 aspiring product leaders enrolling in the first three cohorts, the programme proved to be a game changer for aspiring CPOs. Reflecting on the insightful journey, one of the learners shared his insight on the programme. He said, “The most valuable aspect of the Chief Product Officer (CPO) programme was its focus on executive-level thinking and product leadership. It offered deep insights into building and scaling high-performing teams, aligning product strategy with the company’s vision, and mastering the financial aspects of product investments. It also enhanced my ability to collaborate effectively with other executives. As a Product Manager, participating in a programme like this was incredibly impactful. It sharpened my strategic thinking, strengthened my ability to influence senior stakeholders, and increased my effectiveness in leading cross-functional teams. Additionally, it prepared me for future leadership roles by broadening my understanding of product-market fit and the overall impact my product had on the organisation. It was an excellent way to set clearer priorities, advocate for my product, and shape its long-term direction”.

Programme Highlights:

Curriculum: The programme offers live online sessions led by IIMK faculty, masterclasses from practicing CPOs, and a three-day campus immersion at IIM Kozhikode. It includes business simulations, a capstone project, and real-world insights into topics such as product innovation, product leadership, design thinking, automation, growth strategy and more.

Online Certificate Courses: Participants will complete two online certificate courses from Kellogg Executive Education: ‘AI Strategies for Business Transformation’ and ‘Data Strategy for AI Platforms’.

Who Should Enrol: This programme is designed for senior leaders with over 8 years of experience, including aspiring and current CPOs/product leaders, as well as entrepreneurs and executives. It provides the skills needed to develop strategic thinking, customer empathy, effective communication and leadership abilities.

Key Takeaways:

Enhanced Strategic Thinking: Foster a strategic growth mindset and conceptualise innovative product strategies.

Growth and Innovation: Cultivate a culture of innovation and drive product growth through continuous innovation.

Leadership Development: Enhance leadership skills, influence stakeholders, and drive organisational change for product success.

Global Perspective: Learn from renowned Kellogg faculty and network with CPO-calibre leaders throughout the immersive learning journey and gain the global edge.

Statement from Leader:

Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, said, “As the landscape of product leadership evolves, the Chief Product Officer must become a visionary architect of innovation. Our Chief Product Officer Programme is specifically designed to equip these leaders with the strategic mindset and practical skills needed to not only anticipate market trends but to redefine product excellence and foster meaningful connections with their customers.”

Programme Details:

Start Date: 28 June 2025

Fee: INR 6,09,000 + GST

Certification: Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate from IIM Kozhikode and gain Executive Alumni Status. Additionally, each online course completed with a minimum grade of 80% will earn a verified digital certificate from Kellogg Executive Education.

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