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Developing effective directors in a global context
The International Directors Programme is our flagship course in corporate governance and is a unique educational experience that aims to develop effective directors for the global business scene.
The International Directors Programme is our flagship corporate governance course. It provides a unique educational experience, nurturing and training board of directors to be impactful business stewards.
Set within an international context that is unique in director education, this programme offers practical and tested frameworks and tools to sharpen judgment and corporate decision-making skills. It also augments the oversight abilities of directors seeking to boost their existing competencies or to be better prepared for new board mandates. In three focused modules, you will master strategies for the following fundamental areas: board effectiveness and dynamics; board decision-making and oversight; and director effectiveness and development.
Key learning concepts in the programme curriculum
The International Directors Programme is a comprehensive journey designed to equip directors and C-suite leaders with essential knowledge and skills for effective board membership. This course consists of three modules.
Within each module, participants will focus on three fundamental questions such as setting strategic direction, defining operational boundaries, and optimising boardroom processes. Through interactive sessions, including board simulations and group coaching techniques, participants hone their abilities, identify strengths, and uncover areas for growth.
Coming in 2025/2026!
We are excited to announce that we are bringing our International Directors Programme to the Middle East in 2025. It will held across INSEAD’s global locations with Module 1 (3 to 7 November 2025) in Abu Dhabi and Module 2 (23 to 27 March 2026) in Fontainebleau.
This new initiative expands the global reach of our International Directors programme, that has already established itself as one of the world’s leading governance certifications. We welcome experienced directors, in the region and beyond. True to the INSEAD spirit, we will provide a global perspective to director education and training, whilst also focusing on specific topics around governance in the Middle East.
Participants who successfully complete the programme can apply for the INSEAD Certificate in Corporate Governance – a recognised global credential in the field of governance excellence.
Our Participant Profile
The International Directors Programme is designed for chairs and non-executive directors of listed and private corporations, government agencies and organisations, and non-profits. It is also aimed at CEOs, COOs, CFOs and other C-suite executives, as well as family members and controlling shareholders of boards of family companies.
Participants must have a minimum of one year of experience sitting on a board so that they can fully benefit from and contribute to a programme that involves role-play, simulations and exchanges with other participants.
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How you benefit
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Board operations:
Understand the broader context in which boards operate and the responsibilities that come with a board mandate.
Knowledge and board leadership competencies:
Gain an overview of the knowledge and leadership competencies expected from directors in today’s environment
Director-specific skills:
Develop the specialised skills that contribute to the creation of an effectively performing board culture
Ability to challenge executives:
Enhance your ability to challenge executives through positive exchanges focused on the key strategic issues that underpin corporate performance
Programme Directors
Professor of Finance
Professor of Decision Sciences
Visiting Professor of Strategy; Co-Director of the International Directors Programme
Professor of Strategy
Professor of Decision Sciences
IN Focus
Claire Braund
Co-founder and executive director of Women on Boards
“If you want to stay at the cutting edge of global governance, elevate yourself above the pack and give yourself that next big lift, then I think the INSEAD International Directors’ Programme is absolutely the way to go.”
Dr. Thomas Wiegelmann
Managing Director at Schroder Real Estate
I was amazed at the pace and the breadth of learning from the get-go. We covered so much content in a really comprehensive way. I’d expected INSEAD to deliver quality, but it was actually quite surprising how much learning the programme delivered – the calibre of my peers, and the exceptional expertise of the faculty was impressive. Learning from this collective experience was just wonderful.
Rena Chai
Executive Director, Family Business Network Asia
It starts with having a purpose and knowing your values.
Huey Tyng Ooi
Independent Director, AIG Asia Pacific; Independent Director, Maxis Berhad; Board member, Food from the Heart; Board of governors, Raffles Institution.
I’m able to more effectively bring across my views… Understanding the difference between the board and management role has helped me ask the right questions at the strategic level, and not go into execution. I know when to stop and not to meddle with management. I believe all of this has given me a lot more competency in the boardroom.
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Programme partners
Founding partners: PWC, Institut Luxembourgeois des Administrateurs, Russell Reynolds, Singapore Institute of Directors
A global network and expertise in governance
INSEAD Certificate
in Corporate Governance
Following the completion of the International Directors Programme and certification review process, participants receive the INSEAD Certificate in Corporate Governance. The certification is designed to be a global credential for board members operating internationally – the first of its kind offered by an academic institution. In addition, certificate holders can become a part of the INSEAD alumni community.
INSEAD Advanced Certificate
in Corporate Governance
The INSEAD Advanced Certificate in Corporate Governance is designed for holders of the INSEAD Certificate in Corporate Governance who wish to further pursue their development across core competencies that are key to effective directorship. It provides participants with a personal development plan at board level over multiple years (up to a maximum of five years) that is both stimulating and engaging.
INSEAD Corporate
Governance Centre
The INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre was launched in 2010 and undertakes cutting-edge research and teaching tailored to the needs of boards and international directors. It aims to establish new programmes and events that foster a global dialogue on the challenges of corporate governance and leadership in an international context.
Date and Fees
Investing for a lifelong learning journey at INSEAD
Discount and Financing
3 modules
to complete the programme30% Off
For INSEAD alumni CommunityCertificate in Corporate Governance
on completion of the programmeRelated Programmes
Aspiring Directors Programme
Leading from the Chair
Corporate Strategy for Board Members
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