From AI Ethics to Business Strategy: FIA University and Columbia Business School Executive Education Empower Executive Leaders for the Future
The FIA University, the FIA's global hub for education, research, and training, in collaboration with Columbia Business School Executive Education, one of the world's leading academic institutions, hosted the 7th edition of the Senior Executive Programme in New York from October 21-23. This year's edition brought together 26 executive leaders from 16 countries for a dynamic three-day program designed to equip FIA Club senior executives with the foresight and leadership capabilities needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Led by Moran Cerf, Academic Director in Executive Education at Columbia Business School, the program focused on ethical AI, organizational strategy, marketing analytics, and high-stakes decision-making. These topics were delivered by Columbia faculty, including Sandra Matz, Rita McGrath, Jerry Kim, and Paul Ingram.
Participants also visited the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, for an immersive session on innovation and leadership in the sports and entertainment industry, showcasing how strategic insights can be applied across sectors.
The event was attended by prominent figures such as Fabiana Ecclestone, FIA Vice President for Sport – South America, and Joe Ferreria, FIA Region II President, who praised the initiative as a valuable platform for strategic learning and collaboration within the FIA network.
The FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Sustainability, Willem Groenewald, expressed his pleasure in welcoming senior executives from across the FIA network to the program. He emphasized the opportunity for executive leaders to engage with world-class faculty and exchange ideas with peers, particularly during times when strong leadership is crucial. Groenewald stated that the ideas shared during the program will have a real impact on the Clubs and communities served.
The FIA Secretary General for Sport, Valerio Iachizzi, highlighted the importance of strategic clarity and decisive thinking in both sports and mobility. He noted that the Senior Executive Programme offers a unique forum for executive leaders to refine these skills, combining academic excellence with real-world relevance. This, in turn, strengthens the leadership capacity of the Clubs and reinforces the FIA's role as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and institutional growth.
Moran Cerf, Academic Director, emphasized the program's focus on challenging assumptions, expanding strategic thinking, and providing leaders with a deeper understanding of decision-making processes. Through dynamic dialogue and interdisciplinary insights, the program aims to offer an educational experience that is both intellectually rigorous and highly relevant to the leadership challenges faced by participants.
About the FIA University
The FIA University serves as the research, educational, and training platform of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Its programs are designed to provide FIA Member Clubs and sector stakeholders with strategic insights and leadership development opportunities. With a global network of Visiting Professors and led academically by Prof. David Hassan, the University offers white papers, executive education, digital learning, and bespoke training across motor sport and mobility.
About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organizations globally. As a non-profit organization, the FIA is dedicated to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability, and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, the FIA has offices in Paris, London, and Geneva. It brings together 245 Member Organizations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals, and volunteers. The FIA develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure safe and fair competitions worldwide.
