INSEAD Board Initiative (IN-BOARD)
Empowering INSEAD Alumni to navigate boardrooms with confidence
IN-BOARD is an executive board education program designed for INSEAD alumni who intend to take up a board role or have already done so. Participants learn about best practices in board management from INSEAD faculty and experienced Swiss board professionals and business leaders.
Fontainebleau session
The program kicks off with an intensive weekend session at Fontainebleau in November or December. Over two and a half days, Prof. Erik van de Loo and Prof. Jaap Winter introduce alumni from across Europe to key topics such as board dynamics, board effectiveness, and leadership.
Zurich modules
Between January and June, the 12 Swiss participants convene in Zurich for 5 half-day modules on legal, strategy, HR, accounting, and startups, led by professionals from leading Swiss companies, startup investors, and experienced board members. The afternoon sessions are followed by a lively dinner with the experts.
What makes IN-BOARD unique?
Designed by alumni for alumni.
Unlike other comparable training programs, IN-BOARD is exclusive to INSEAD alumni. That creates strong bonds between participants and encourages open and constructive communication.
Global mindset, local expertise.
The kick-off weekend in Fontainebleau provides a strong grounding on international best practices, while the 5 workshops in Zurich are tailored to the needs of Swiss boards.
Swiss knowledge partners.
The Swiss modules are organized in partnership with leading companies such as Baker McKenzie, McKinsey & Company, Egon Zehnder, and PwC.
Opportunity to connect.
Each module is followed by a dinner. Around the table, participants and trainers continue the discussion while discovering Zurich’s vibrant culinary scene.
The INSEAD network effect
Participants gain access to an active, international IN-BOARD alumni community to tap into for support in finding their first – or next – board position.
INSEAD IN-BOARD Certificate
Develop the knowledge, insight and global mindset to be a great board member
Cost: CHF 6,800, including 5 dinners in Zurich
Maximum participants: 12 Swiss INSEAD alumni per intake
Registration for the November 2025–June 2026 intake: August/September 2025
For more information, contact Matthias Frieden,
Head of IN-BOARD Switzerland,
matthias.frieden@gmail.com
Programme dates
Kick-off weekend on campus
Board Dynamics & Coaching (INSEAD) – 27–30 November 2025 | Fontainebleau
Legal (Baker McKenzie) – 29 January 2026 | Zurich
Strategy (McKinsey & Company) – 5 March 2026 | Zurich
People (Egon Zehnder) – 9 April 2026 | Zurich
Reporting & Audit (PwC) – 7 May 2026 | Zurich
Startups (startup board members and investors) – 11 June 2026 | Zurich
Each Swiss module takes place on a Thursday from 14:00 to 18:00, followed by a networking dinner
INSEAD Faculty
Erik van de Loo
Affiliate Professor of Organisational Behaviour,
INSEAD
Jaap Winter
Visiting Professor of Corporate Governance,
INSEAD
Program partners
