Sri Lankan business leaders will have a rare opportunity to learn directly from a Harvard Business School professor as EMBRAX Multiversity, a venture of Academics Group, prepares to host an exclusive three-day executive leadership programme focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation and marketing leadership.

The programme, scheduled for 15–17 September 2026 in Colombo, will feature Professor Elie Ofek of Harvard Business School and is designed to help senior executives and business leaders navigate the rapidly changing business environment shaped by AI, digital transformation and evolving customer expectations.

Preparing Leaders for an AI-Driven Business Environment

AI is increasingly transforming industries, business models and customer behaviour. While organisations are investing heavily in new technologies, the programme emphasises that technology alone will not determine business success.

According to the programme organisers, organisations will require leaders capable of redesigning business models, driving innovation, creating customer value and making strategic decisions in an increasingly AI-enabled environment.

For Sri Lankan businesses seeking to expand into regional and international markets, developing these leadership capabilities has become increasingly important. The programme aims to provide executives with practical frameworks and insights to help them respond to disruption while identifying new opportunities for growth.

Harvard-Style Case Method

Rather than following a conventional seminar format, the programme will use the Harvard Case Method, a discussion-based approach in which participants examine complex business situations and take on the role of decision-makers.

Participants will be expected to analyse business challenges, evaluate strategic alternatives, challenge assumptions and defend their decisions while learning collaboratively with other executives.

The approach is intended to strengthen strategic thinking, decision-making and the ability to respond effectively to uncertainty rather than simply providing theoretical knowledge.

Professor Elie Ofek to Lead the Programme

Professor Elie Ofek, the Malcolm P. McNair Professor at Harvard Business School, is recognised for his work and teaching in marketing, innovation and emerging technologies.

His areas of expertise include marketing strategy, innovation, pricing, digital transformation and the strategic implications of Artificial Intelligence. He has also worked with executives and leading organisations through executive education programmes and strategic advisory engagements.

During the three-day programme, participants will explore a range of business and leadership topics, including:

• AI and business strategy
• Innovation as a competitive advantage
• Marketing leadership in the age of AI
• Customer-centric growth
• Strategic decision-making
• Pricing and value creation
• Leading organisational transformation
• Building future-ready organisations

The sessions are designed to provide practical insights and frameworks that participants can apply within their organisations.

Relevance for Sri Lankan Businesses

Sri Lankan companies are increasingly competing not only with domestic businesses but also with global brands, digital-first companies and AI-enabled organisations.

Against this backdrop, the ability to understand emerging technologies while maintaining a strong focus on strategy, innovation and customer needs is becoming an important component of long-term competitiveness.

The programme is targeted at CEOs, managing directors, directors, board members, business owners, entrepreneurs, general managers, functional heads, senior managers, HR and learning leaders, and future leaders identified through succession planning.

Bringing Global Executive Education to Sri Lanka

EMBRAX Multiversity was established with the objective of making internationally recognised executive education more accessible to business leaders in Sri Lanka and the wider region.

By bringing global faculty and executive-learning experiences to Colombo, the organisation aims to reduce the need for Sri Lankan executives to travel overseas for high-level professional development.

Kandeban Balendran, President and CEO of EMBRAX Multiversity and Academics Group, said the organisation’s vision is to provide Sri Lankan professionals with access to internationally respected ideas, faculty and executive education while strengthening the country’s future leadership capabilities.

Programme Details

The Harvard-style Executive Leadership Program on AI, Innovation & Marketing Leadership will be hosted by EMBRAX Multiversity and led by Professor Elie Ofek of Harvard Business School.

The programme will take place from 15 to 17 September 2026 at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, Colombo. Participation is intended for senior executives, entrepreneurs, business leaders and emerging leaders seeking to strengthen their capabilities in strategy, innovation and AI-driven transformation.

With AI continuing to reshape industries and competitive landscapes, the programme provides Sri Lankan business leaders with an opportunity to develop the strategic capabilities needed to lead organisations through technological and market transformation.

The initiative ultimately seeks to reinforce the importance of leadership development as Sri Lankan businesses pursue greater innovation, competitiveness and regional growth in an increasingly digital economy.