Corvinus University of Budapest has announced a significant strategic move to strengthen its executive education portfolio. Effective January 1, 2026, the university will formally integrate the School of Executive Education and Development (SEED), a prestigious business school, into its academic structure. This integration creates Hungary’s largest university-based executive education provider and marks a pivotal step in Corvinus’s ambition to become a leading institution for leadership development in Central and Eastern Europe.
This development is a direct execution of Corvinus’s 2025–2028 “Bridge” strategy, which prioritizes supporting professional career paths beyond graduation. By bringing SEED’s expertise in-house, Corvinus is positioning itself to meet the growing demand for high-quality, practice-oriented executive education tailored to the challenges of a rapidly changing global business environment.
Strategic Rationale Behind the Integration
The decision to integrate SEED is rooted in a clear strategic vision. Corvinus University aims to provide a continuous learning journey for professionals, from their initial academic studies through to senior leadership roles. The integration allows the university to offer a seamless and comprehensive suite of educational programs that address both foundational knowledge and advanced executive skills.
Bruno van Pottelsberghe, Rector of Corvinus University of Budapest, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the region’s future. “By integrating SEED, Corvinus has taken a new path—a turning point in executive education for us, and we hope for the region as well,” he stated. “This initiative is crucial for the University’s future because, under our Bridge strategy, we see it as our responsibility to meet the growing labour market demand for executive education among leaders in Central and Eastern Europe with a high-quality, timely and attractive portfolio that addresses today’s challenges.”
For SEED, which was founded 11 years ago and has delivered programs to over 300 companies across 45 countries, the integration offers enhanced resources and academic rigor. The existing SEED faculty, coaches, and operational team will now operate under the Corvinus umbrella, forming the new Corvinus School for Executive Education and Development (Corvinus–SEED).
A New Portfolio of Practice-Oriented Executive Programs
The newly formed Corvinus–SEED will leverage the combined strengths of both institutions to create a robust portfolio of executive education programs. The focus is squarely on practice-oriented learning that meets corporate and labor market expectations. The 2026 portfolio is designed to be largely English-taught, catering to an international audience of managers and leaders.
The program offerings are structured to address a wide spectrum of professional development needs:
Transformation Edge Programs
These programs are designed to help leaders navigate the complexities of today’s fast-changing business world. They focus on strategic adaptation, innovation, and leading through uncertainty.
Leadership Excellence Programs
Centered on developing core leadership capabilities, these programs enhance professional business practice, decision-making, and team management skills.
Future Business Skills & Business Mastery
This category concentrates on the essential capabilities for the future, alongside master-level expertise in core business areas. Topics range from change management and AI-driven business innovation to specialized programs like the Aspiring Women Leaders initiative and advanced marketing strategy.
László Eszes, Director of Corvinus–SEED, highlighted the unique value proposition of the combined entity. “The Corvinus–SEED motto is: We develop better leaders for a better world. We believe that, together with Corvinus, we can achieve more. For managers, leaders, and experts across the wider region, we offer leadership journeys that are truly distinctive in their structure, focus, and practical relevance—and that deliver the highest value for our business partners.”
Operational Integration and Future Plans
In the immediate term, the new Corvinus–SEED Department will focus on fine-tuning its processes and developing a strategic plan. A key objective is to establish a lean governance structure that supports the rapid development of innovative programs tailored to the needs of current and future leaders.
This operational synergy is expected to accelerate the creation of both open-enrolment programs and company-specific leadership development initiatives. The ability to quickly design bespoke programs for local and international organizations is a significant competitive advantage in the executive education market.
Corvinus’s Accreditation and International Standing
This strategic expansion is supported by Corvinus University’s strong international standing. The university holds prestigious accreditations that validate the quality of its business education, including:
- AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
- AMBA (Association of MBAs)
- EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development) Accredited for both BSc and EMBA programs
- BSIS (Business School Impact System)
Furthermore, Corvinus is an active member of leading international networks such as CEMS (Global Alliance in Management Education), PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education), CLADEA (Latin American Council of Management Schools), and PIM (Partnership in International Management). These memberships ensure that the university’s curriculum, including its executive programs, remains globally relevant and connected.
Implications for Professionals and Organizations
For professionals in Central and Eastern Europe and beyond, this integration means access to a more comprehensive and strategically aligned executive education offering. The combined expertise of Corvinus’s academic rigor and SEED’s practical, experience-based teaching creates a powerful learning environment.
Organizations seeking to develop their leadership talent can now partner with a single, powerful institution capable of delivering both broad open-enrolment programs and highly customized, in-company training solutions. This is particularly valuable for companies operating in the dynamic CEE region who require leaders equipped with both global perspectives and local market insights.
The focus on future-oriented skills, such as AI-driven innovation and transformation leadership, ensures that the programs remain relevant in an era of rapid technological and economic change.
Next Steps for Interested Leaders
The formal integration is effective as of January 1, 2026. In the coming months, the Corvinus–SEED team will be finalizing the program portfolio for the upcoming academic year. Professionals and corporate partners interested in exploring these new executive education opportunities should monitor the official Corvinus University channels for detailed program announcements and enrollment information.
This strategic move by Corvinus University represents a significant investment in the future of leadership development in the region. By integrating a prestigious business school, the university is not only expanding its educational portfolio but also reinforcing its commitment to shaping the leaders who will drive business and societal progress in the years to come.
Explore the evolving landscape of executive education and discover how Corvinus University’s enhanced portfolio can support your professional development. Visit the official Corvinus University website for the latest updates on executive programs.
