Newsroom

Newsroom

Aalto EE Ranked Historically Well in the Financial Times Executive Education Custom Ranking

Aalto EE has improved its ranking to the top 30 in the Financial Times' ranking of customized programs, to 28th place. The ranking has improved for many years in a row.

Participants in Aalto EE's customized program in spring 2025. Photo: Heli Blåfield

2.6.2025

Aalto University has been ranked 28th in the Financial Times annual ranking of universities offering customized programs for companies and organizations. These programs are delivered by the university-owned company Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development (Aalto EE). 

"I am particularly pleased that our clients gave us excellent ratings in the indicators that measured the effectiveness of our training programs: in achieving their goals and in perceived value for money. Being in the top 30 has been a strategic goal for us, and now we have succeeded," says Miro Malmelin, Commercial Director at Aalto EE.

"This is a tremendous achievement and a great testament to the work of our team. I would also like to warmly thank our customers for this accomplishment."

Aalto is competing with major international players. Aalto EE also offers training programs in the heavily competitive Asia-Pacific market. The ranking improved in the Asian market as well, as Aalto rose to sixth place from last year's seventh place.

In a Nordic comparison, Aalto excels, especially in customer experience indicators. The excellent ranking was influenced by customers' experience that the programs achieved their aims and offered high value for money.

"We have improved our ranking for many years in a row. The trend is upward. We have invested in the content, pedagogy, methodology, and selection of trainers in our customized programs. Our recognition is constantly growing in the area where we want to stand out: the impact of our programs."

"We train our clients and receive good feedback from them. This is something to be proud of," says Tom Lindholm, Managing Director of Aalto EE and the Head of Lifewide Learning at Aalto University.

Open enrollment programs are also on the rise

The Financial Times' ranking is twofold. It includes the world's 95 best-rated business schools offering customized solutions and 85 best-rated business schools offering open programs. More schools were included in both rankings this year than in previous years. 

The Aalto was ranked 62nd globally in open programs. In Europe, it was ranked 40th, in Asia 11th, and in the Nordic countries shared fourth place with BI Norwegian. 

In the open enrollment criteria, Aalto improved its position, especially in the areas of growth, new skills acquired, and learning outcomes. 

"We are growing faster than our Nordic competitors in the open programs. The growth in the number of participants increases the impact of Aalto EE in business and society. Our customer satisfaction is top-notch. We are continuously developing our portfolio to meet the changing needs of future leaders and experts, combining Aalto University's strong scientific base with practical business insight," says Reetta Ruusunen, Business Area Director, Programs and Learning Solutions at Aalto EE.

There is fierce competition for positioning in the Financial Times' rankings. The results are based on customer surveys and information provided by business schools. They take into account different aspects of education, which are weighted differently in determining the final ranking.

In the Financial Times' custom ranking, the Swiss International Institute of Management Development (IMD) came top, and in the open ranking, the British London Business School ranked highest this year.

Contact us via email or SMS

Tom Lindholm
Managing Director, Aalto University Executive Education Ltd
Head of Lifewide Learning, Aalto University
Phone +358 50 047 4746
tom.lindholm@aaltoee.fi

Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development

Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development (Aalto EE) offers impactful education, development, and training services. Aalto EE combines a wide range of practical expertise with the latest research from Aalto University. We aim to provide a sustainable platform for lifewide learning at different stages of a career. Furthermore, we operate as a strategic partner for organizations, enabling renewal in a rapidly changing business environment. Our unique portfolio of programs offers concrete solutions, intellectual capital, and professional head start for both individuals and organizations.

Aalto EE has two strongholds: our main office and learning facilities are in Helsinki, while our operations in Asia-Pacific are led from Singapore. In addition to Finland and Singapore, Aalto EE offers education programs worldwide. As a part of Aalto University, it holds three most respected business university accreditations – AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS – which places it among the top 1% of institutions in the world.

Search by publication name