IIM Visakhapatnam Inaugurates One-Year PG Diploma in Management for Executives
The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIMV) inaugurated the first batch of its Post Graduate Diploma in Management for Executives (PGDMEx), a unique one-year programme designed to address the evolving needs of today’s dynamic business environment. The programme offers a balanced approach to management education by integrating theoretical frameworks with practical applications through a blended learning format.
The inaugural batch comprises 77 participants from diverse professional backgrounds and includes a three-day campus immersion component aimed at fostering peer learning and institutional engagement.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Dr. Pudi Hariprasad, IRAS, Principal Financial Advisor, South Coast Railway, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the participants, he spoke on the importance of managing oneself and highlighted various dimensions of leadership, system effectiveness, transformation, and people management. Drawing from his vast professional experience, he encouraged participants to use technology responsibly, challenge the status quo for improved outcomes, and work towards contributing to Amrit Kaal and the vision of Viksit Bharat. He also emphasized that emotional intelligence and self-awareness are essential for sustaining effective leadership and expressed hope that the programme would set a benchmark in executive education.
Shri Manvender Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Accredian, addressed the participants and encouraged them to adopt strategic thinking by changing perspectives and identifying blind spots. He stressed the importance of translating ideas into opportunities with confidence and developing a broader strategic lens in professional decision-making.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. M. Chandrasekhar, Director, IIM Visakhapatnam, reflected on the growing importance of judgment and decision-making in the age of Artificial Intelligence. He remarked that while AI may provide answers, the true value of management education lies in developing the ability to exercise sound judgment, which is where programmes like PGDMEx become increasingly relevant. He also highlighted the remarkable growth journey of IIM Visakhapatnam, from starting with 100 MBA students in 2016 to currently hosting over 1,600 students across 132 programmes in 2025-26.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome by Prof. Prashant Premkumar Nair, Admissions Chair, who introduced the cohort profile. The inaugural batch has an average age of 34 years and an average work experience of over 13 years, with women participants constituting 21% of the cohort.
Prof. Amit Shankar, Programme Chair, addressed the participants on the “4 Ps” of process, patience, persistence, and peer networks, while also emphasizing the importance of building strong network assets throughout the programme.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Prashant Premkumar Nair, who expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the participants, their families, faculty members, and staff, for their support and contribution towards the successful launch of the programme.
The event also reflected IIM Visakhapatnam’s commitment to delivering globally benchmarked management education as a BGA-accredited institution with a five-year accreditation term and a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
