With a total strength of 683 participants EPGP–18 has emerged as the largest Executive MBA cohort in the history of IIM Kozhikode. The batch also stands out as the most gender-diverse so far, with women making up nearly 29 percent of the class the highest representation recorded for the program.

In his inaugural address, chief guest Shiv Shivakumar, Operating Partner at Advent International, encouraged participants to develop pilot-like skills to handle the challenges of today’s fast-changing business environment.

Drawing parallels with the role of a pilot, he highlighted the importance of skills over formal degrees, the need for continuous learning in an AI-driven world, situational awareness, clear and effective communication, physical and mental fitness, ethical decision-making and precision in execution while operating within defined rules.

He also underlined the significance of people development, encouraging feedback without hierarchical barriers and the ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution. He advised participants to stay alert and in control of their career paths, combining strong conceptual foundations with disciplined execution to lead responsibly and create a lasting legacy.

Addressing the gathering, Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode said that the EPGP 18 cohort reflects the evolving profile of Indian leadership, ambitious, diverse, digitally adept and rich in professional experience. He noted that the record enrolment and strong participation of women professionals reinforce the institute’s belief that inclusive excellence will define the future of management education.

The EPGP 18 participants come from a broad range of industries and functional areas, representing both private sector organisations and government and PSU entities.

The IT sector constitutes the largest share of the cohort at approximately 29.43 percent with 201 participants followed by consulting which accounts for 10.23 percent.

The rest of the participants belong to a wide range of sectors such as banking, insurance, investment services, manufacturing, automotive, sales and marketing, advertising, e-commerce, real estate, petroleum and energy, engineering services, electronics and telecommunications, education, aerospace and many others.