Chicago Booth launches Academic Leadership Development Program in partnership with King Saud University

King Saud University (KSU), represented by the Deanship of Human Resources and the Deanship of Skills Development, has launched the first phase of the Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP) in partnership with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, one of the world’s leading institutions in leadership development and executive education.

The new program marks an important milestone in collaboration between the two institutions, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing academic excellence, leadership development, research collaboration and innovation.

The program reflects KSU’s strong commitment to investing in human capital and developing the next generation of academic leaders. It also builds on the University’s strategic international partnerships announced during the TamkeenX 2026 Forum.

This initiative aims to equip academic leaders with advanced capabilities in strategic leadership, emotional and institutional intelligence, innovation, change leadership and entrepreneurship, enabling them to contribute to the University’s strategic priorities and the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.

The program has been developed around the expertise of both institutions to cultivate future-ready academic leadership capable of navigating transformation and shaping the future of higher education.

Chicago Booth is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier business schools. As part of the leading research institution the University of Chicago whose faculty and alumni include more than 100 Nobel Prize recipients, Chicago Booth consistently ranks among the top institutions globally for its data-driven graduate management education and leadership development.

The Academic Leadership Development Program has evolved through several key milestones. More than 200 academic leaders from colleges and units across King Saud University were nominated for consideration. Nominees will undergo a structured selection process conducted by Chicago Booth using internationally recognized methodologies and objective evaluation criteria. Based on the results, 40 participants will be selected to join the program and embark on an advanced leadership development journey aligned with global best practices.

The program follows a structured and progressive leadership development model designed to prepare future institutional leaders. Participants will begin by strengthening their ability to lead themselves and their teams, then develop advanced competencies in leading organizational change and strategic thinking, before progressing to institutional leadership focused on leveraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence to shape the future of the University and create sustainable strategic impact.

The Leadership Development Journey

The program is structured around three progressive leadership stages, each building on the previous one.

The first stage, Leadership Excellence, focuses on developing leadership self-awareness, strengthening participants’ ability to lead themselves and their teams effectively, and building the foundations of high-impact leadership through trust, effective communication and empowerment.

The second stage, Strategic Leadership and Change Management, equips participants with the knowledge and skills to lead institutional transformation, drive strategic change, navigate complex organizational challenges and make high-impact decisions in rapidly evolving environments.

The third stage, Enterprise Leadership and Innovation, focuses on strengthening participants’ ability to lead at the institutional level by leveraging innovation, entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence to shape future strategies, enhance organizational competitiveness and deliver sustainable institutional growth and long-term strategic impact.

Ultimately, the Academic Leadership Development Program will prepare a new generation of academic leaders capable of leading institutional transformation, fostering a culture of innovation and enhancing organizational performance. The program will further strengthen King Saud University’s position as one of the region’s leading higher education institutions while reinforcing its role in developing academic leaders who can drive lasting institutional excellence.