Open programme

Leadership, Innovation and Global Expansion in Defence

Location

Global

Next intake

May 2025

Duration

6 months

Going global in the defence sector

Leadership, Innovation and Global Expansion in Defence programme offers a comprehensive understanding of the defence innovation landscape to companies who are aiming to expand internationally within the defence industry.

By addressing the current challenges, emerging opportunities, and effective strategies, the programme opens new ways for companies to capture opportunities and growth in the international NATO markets.

This programme is designed for senior leaders and decision-makers from defence-focused organisations looking to grow internationally and enhance their strategic and leadership capabilities.​

And, for leaders of companies developing technologies that have both commercial and defence applications, and who aim to penetrate or enter the international markets within the defence space.

 

We're a triple accredited business school

At a glance

This programme is tailored to meet the unique and strategic needs of leaders in defence and dual-use companies, as well as those guiding organisations entering these markets.

Through an immersive and practical approach, participants will gain

  • a comprehensive understanding the structure and dynamics of defence markets, particularly in the UK and the US.

  • hands-on guidance for transitioning technologies from commercial markets to operational use in defence.
  • an influential network of leaders from the defence and investment communities.
  • a robust toolkit to address real-world challenges and drive rapid growth.

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Key facts

Next start

May 2025

Course lenght

6 months

Fee

€8,900 (+VAT) *20% discount for groups of 2-3 from the same organisation

Suitable for

leaders and decision-makers from defence-focused and technology organisations

Location

Finland, UK, US, Online

Content & Schedule

Beginning with an overview of the latest trends in the defence landscape, the programme content emphasises

  • strategic thinking
  • technological innovation
  • leadership
  • risk management
  • geopolitical and regulatory challenges.

Additionally, the programme provides practical, end-to-end support to guide technologies from the commercial market to operational deployment within the defence space.

Teaching combines practical insights, case studies, and leadership frameworks to address real-world challenges.

The programme is delivered through a 6-month period and includes

  • 3x workshops
  • continuous Go-to-market support,  
  • immersion trip to the US
  • 2x masterclasses
Outline of the programme

Programme stages

Stage 1

Kick-off

May 12, Helsinki

Workshop 1

From battlefield to boardroom:​ ​Frontline strategies for defence in global markets

2h Online

Masterclass 2

Reputation management

2h Online

Workshop 2

Mastering complexity: Finance and risk leadership in defence

August 2025, Helsinki​, 1 day

 

Workshop 3

Operational readiness: Addressing people and capability challenges in defence

September 2025, Helsinki​, 2 days

 

Immersion trip

Mission success:​ Going global and building future business networks 

October 2025, North Caroline, 3 days​

 

Your world-class experts

This programme fosters technology partnerships among defence organisations, academia, and industry, facilitating the seamless transition of technologies across sectors.

We collaborate with military leaders, government officials, and companies developing critical technologies to ensure alignment with the needs of the operational military and defence community.

The programme is led by industry experts and world-class thought leaders.

*The final faculty will be confirmed in February.

Dr Peter McManners

Dr Peter McManners

Visiting Fellow

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Xenia Wickett

Xenia Wickett

Xenia Wickett is an experienced leader, speaker, and strategic advisor specialising in global affairs, leadership, and international relations.

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Professor Kevin Money

Professor Kevin Money

Professor of Responsible Leadership and Reputation

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Dr Peder Greve

Dr Peder Greve

Associate Professor in International Business

Postgraduate Research Director of International Business and Strategy

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Dr John Chessher

Dr John Chessher

Lecturer in Finance

Module Convener
Programme Director

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Professor David Pendleton

Professor David Pendleton

Professor in Leadership

Programme Director, High Performance Leadership (live-online)

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Fabian Sepulveda​

Fabian Sepulveda​

Fabian Sepulveda

Partnership Development Lead at Digital Defence Ecosystem​

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Programme Fee

The programme fee is 8,900 € (+VAT)* ** 

* The fee excludes all travel​ & accommodation:

  • Delegate package at Henley, the UK ~250€ + VAT/day
  • Delegate package in the US, TBC

** Section 40 of the Finnish Value Added Tax Act will be amended as of 1 May 2022 so that education services provided by a foreign university in Finland will be subject to VAT 25,5 %. Following the amendment, Henley Business School Finland must alongside with other foreign universities operating in Finland add a VAT 25,5 % on its sales invoices.

20% discount of the full fee is available for groups of 3-5 people from a company.

Henley alumni are eligible for a 10% discount for the EMBA tuition fee.1 

1 This discount cannot be combined with any other offers.

Registration

Register to the programme by filling in this form. 

Once you have reserved your spot, we will send you a confirmation email. Invoice will be sent to you separately at a later date.

Would you like to hear more? Reach out!

Minna Wickholm

Minna Wickholm

Business Director, EMBA & Executive Programmes
Mobile: +358 50 5839514
minna.wickholm@henley.fi