Harvard Business School Professor to Lead Executive Leadership Program in Colombo

EMBRAX Multiversity will host a three-day Harvard-style executive education programme featuring Harvard Business School Professor Elie Ofek, focusing on AI, innovation and marketing leadership for Sri Lankan business leaders in September.

A rare opportunity for Sri Lankan executives to engage with Harvard Business School faculty will take place in Colombo this September. EMBRAX Multiversity, a venture of Academics Group, is hosting Professor Elie Ofek, Malcolm P. McNair Professor of Marketing and Innovation at Harvard Business School, for a three-day immersive leadership programme from 15–17 September 2026 at ITC Ratnadipa. The programme aims to equip business leaders with strategic frameworks and practical insights to navigate an increasingly AI-driven economy.

The initiative reflects growing recognition that artificial intelligence adoption presents a leadership challenge rather than merely a technological one. According to global research cited by the organisers, while AI adoption is accelerating worldwide, many organisations struggle with leadership capability and translating technology into measurable business value. The programme addresses this gap by focusing on how leaders can rethink business models, foster innovation and make strategic decisions in an AI-powered environment.

Unlike traditional seminars, the programme employs the Harvard Case Method, an interactive discussion-based approach where participants analyse real business challenges, debate strategic alternatives and develop decision-making capabilities collaboratively. Topics covered include AI and business strategy, customer-centric growth, pricing and value creation, and leading organisational transformation. The programme is designed for senior executives including CEOs, managing directors, business owners, functional heads and identified future leaders.

Kandeban Balendran, President and CEO of EMBRAX Multiversity, stated that the initiative seeks to make world-class executive education accessible locally rather than requiring executives to travel overseas. The programme targets Sri Lankan organisations competing increasingly with global and AI-enabled businesses, positioning leadership development as essential rather than optional for remaining competitive in a rapidly transforming market.