The CBS EMBA transforms participants in many ways. In this article we learn from Bjørn Zabell how his ambition to transition from a local entity to international operations was realised right after having completed his Executive MBA.
For those considering an EMBA to elevate their career or transition into international roles, Bjørn’s experience showcases the programme’s value. It highlights how the CBS EMBA empowers participants with the skills, network, and confidence needed to thrive globally while achieving personal and professional goals.
Corporate support and real-time application
Bjørn’s journey into the CBS EMBA was supported not only by his own drive but also by the encouragement of management and mentors at Roche. During his time with the company, he had already achieved several key promotions within the Danish organisation, but his ambition was to prepare himself and his career to ultimately move to the HQ in Switzerland - this was realised already shortly after he graduated with his EMBA.
In 2023 he assumed the role of Partnering Commercial Assessment Leader, Global Pharma Strategy. In this position, Bjørn leads the commercial and financial assessment of in-licensing and M&A opportunities for Roche’s Corporate Business Development organisation.
Prior to this, Bjørn was the Health System Partner in Business Strategy, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. In this role, he played a pivotal role in shaping Roche’s strategic approach to health systems.
“Roche connected me with experienced internal senior leaders and executives who supported me and guided me through the complex cases and provided key insights from a Roche perspective. Their shared experiences and advice were instrumental in my academic and professional growth.”
These mentors not only offered valuable insights but also created opportunities for Bjørn to apply his learning in meaningful ways. Their support allowed him to bridge academic theories with real-world business challenges effectively. Roche’s support extended beyond mentorship, with the company offering flexible scheduling to enable participation at on-campus lectures and study trips abroad ensuring Bjørn could fully immerse himself in the programme.
His recommenders highlighted that at this early stage of his career he had quickly created significant value for Roche Denmark through his strengths in stakeholder management and strategic thinking. They saw his ambition to step into a global role as a natural progression, and his enrolment in the CBS EMBA programme supported this pathway.
From Denmark to Switzerland
The CBS EMBA facilitated Bjørn’s move from Roche’s Danish entity to a pivotal role at its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.
“First and foremost, I evaluated how well the programme aligned with my career goals,” Bjørn explains. “I needed to ensure the curriculum, specialisations, and learning objectives supported my aspirations and provided the skills and knowledge necessary for advancement. The CBS EMBA stood out because of its global focus and the flexibility it offers, making it possible for professionals like me to continue excelling in our roles while gaining a world-class education.”
He was particularly drawn to CBS’s global accreditation and reputation, critical factors in enhancing the international value of his education.
Coming from a background in molecular biology, Bjørn sought a programme that merged theory with business acumen. His transition from science to business was ambitious and strategic, reflecting his passion for bridging innovation and commercial strategy.
