#United States #Pittsburgh #Kearney #Carnegie Mellon #AI Executive Program

Kearney and Carnegie Mellon University Launch AI Executive Education Program

In March 2025, Kearney, a global management consulting firm, in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), made a significant stride in business education by launching a groundbreaking AI Executive Education Program. This three-day immersive program, held at CMU's Tepper School of Business, is designed for senior business leaders to gain vital insights and practical skills for implementing AI transformations in their organizations.

Rationale Behind the Initiative

With the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence from a technological novelty to a fundamental driver of competitive advantage, the partnership between Kearney and CMU aims to address a pressing need in executive education. According to Ben Smith, Chair of Digital Analytics at Kearney, the program fills a crucial gap by marrying academic rigor with practical business applications. Leaders today face the challenge of converting AI potential into tangible value, and this program offers the strategic framework needed to facilitate that transformation.

Curriculum Highlights

The program's curriculum is highlighted by contributions from distinguished CMU faculty members:

• - Sean Ammirati, Professor of Entrepreneurship
• - Roni Rosenfeld, Professor of Machine Learning and Computer Science
• - Alex John London, KL Gates Professor of Ethics and Computational Technologies

The program includes three primary focuses:

1. Strategic AI Leadership: Participants will develop frameworks for evaluating AI opportunities across different business areas while managing organizational change.
2. Disruptive Value Innovation: The curriculum will provide practical methodologies for implementing AI initiatives that yield measurable business impact.
3. Responsible Transformation: Emphasizing human-centric approaches, the program will equip leaders with systems for accountability in sustainable AI adoption.

A Unique Educational Experience

The AI Executive Program is designed to be highly interactive, featuring hands-on workshops, site visits to AI labs showcasing robotics innovations, and in-depth discussions with industry pioneers. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience allows executives to move beyond mere speculation, empowering them to devise concrete strategies for leveraging AI capabilities.

Participants will engage with the innovative AI Value Catalyst framework, which assists in making strategic AI implementation decisions and in capturing value effectively. The aim is to bridge the gap between technology and business leadership, preparing executives to navigate the complexities of AI integration effectively.

Rotating Locations and Future Sessions

The program will occur across various locations, rotating between Pittsburgh and Dubai, to provide diverse perspectives and insights into global business practices concerning AI. The inaugural session at CMU will take place from March 10–13, 2025, followed by the second session in Dubai from May 11–14, 2025.

Institutional Collaboration

Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, Dean of the Tepper School of Business, reiterated the partnership's vision, stating that together with Kearney, the goal is to empower executives with both technical fluency and strategic insight necessary for leading AI-driven transformations. Such a holistic approach ensures that leaders are well-prepared to reshape traditional business models and accelerate innovation cycles using AI technologies.

Conclusion

As businesses continue to evolve in an age dominated by AI, programs such as the one launched by Kearney and CMU are crucial for equipping leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge. By fostering a deeper understanding of AI's potential and its practical applications, this initiative aims to support leaders in driving their companies towards an innovative and successful future.

For those interested in learning more or enrolling in the program, further information can be found on Kearney and Carnegie Mellon University's official websites.