Mumbai. Regarded as the commercial and financial capital of India, it is home to India’s largest stock markets, the central office of the Reserve Bank of India, the head office of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, numerous corporations and media outlets, and, as of January 2012, Wharton Executive Education’s Accelerated Development Program.

Wharton’s presence in India is not new—Wharton Executive Education has strong ties to India and has provided customized programs for Indian organizations. The Global Engagement Series occurred there in 2011, and numerous Indian business leaders have attended sessions in Philadelphia or are Wharton alumni.
But the launch of an Accelerated Development Program outside of the United States is new. In fact, this is the first program of its kind that Wharton has launched internationally.

“India’s current economic environment is dynamic and fast-paced, and the School has established strong ties there. It was a natural fit for Wharton Executive Education,” says Maria J. Pitone, practice leader for General Management Programs at Wharton Executive Education, who works with faculty on the design and development of the curricula. “Successful companies there are looking to expand to global markets, and Wharton is well positioned to provide a relevant program that meets the unique needs of the market.”

The Accelerated Development Program is designed for high-potential business leaders. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of either three Wharton Executive Education programs in India or two programs in India and one in Philadelphia. The initial courses being offered in Mumbai are Customer Driven Marketing: Strategies for Profitable Growth; Strategic Thinking and Leadership for Growth; and Using Finance for Strategic Growth. Beyond the classroom, the program will provide participants with professional coaching and leadership assessments.

Courses will not be limited to Mumbai—programs will be offered throughout India, including Gurgaon and Bangalore.