Chief Product Officer Program

Digital disruption has propelled organizations to refocus their product offerings and leverage analytics to respond to evolving customer expectations. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this digitalization of product experiences. There is now an increasing demand for chief product officers (CPOs) with strategic, analytical and communication skills who can drive product vision and innovation while leading business growth. This 12-month-long blended program is designed to prepare senior product executives for this vital role.


A comprehensive 16-week core program
Choose 2 electives: 2 online + 1 live virtual/in-person
3 days of in-person networking with faculty and peers

The Chief Product Officer Program is:

  • Designed for senior- and mid-career product leaders who are responsible for product design, engineering, or marketing
  • Suitable for product leaders aspiring to or already serving in C-level roles who want to keep current on trends to accelerate growth
  • Ideal for executives looking to align product strategy with business strategy, understand the implications of technology on the product portfolio, and manage cross-functional teams in the organization

Learning Outcomes


  • Create and articulate a strong vision and align product strategy with your company's business objectives
  • Use customer data analytics to measure and improve the performance of the product portfolio
  • Present clear messaging about the value of the product to stakeholders
  • Hone your skills in financial analysis, talent development, and product leadership

Curriculum


The Chief Product Officer Program curriculum is designed to meet the evolving market demand for senior executives who can drive product vision and business growth.

Core Modules

Embark on a comprehensive online learning journey featuring core modules and electives followed by in-person interactions. The program’s curriculum features four core modules that will equip you with the tools and frameworks to drive product strategy and help your organization gain a competitive advantage. The program’s four overarching pillars include:

Product Vision and Strategy

  • The Chief Product Officer
  • Product Strategy and Portfolio Management
  • Strategic Foresight
  • Growth Strategies and 10X Thinking

Product Discovery and Market Insights

  • Customer Centricity
  • Data-Driven Customer Insights
  • Design Thinking
  • Market Opportunity Analysis and Product Discovery

Leadership and Communication Acumen

  • Leading at the Enterprise Level and Managing Trust
  • The Art of Communication
  • Strategic Storytelling
  • Influence Strategies and Executive Presence for Product Leaders

Business Acumen

  • Finance for Product Leaders
  • Making “Build, Buy, or Ally” Decisions
  • Developing Talent and Organizing Product Teams
  • Capstone Simulation: Digital Services Strategy Game


Capstone Project

As you wrap up the program, you will work on a capstone project in the form of a simulation, guided by your success coach, and apply classroom lessons to address a real-world business challenge. The DigiStrat simulation game provides a realistic setting for participants to explore the current challenges facing modern digital service providers. You will work individually or in small groups to ideate, make strategic decisions, and deliver an actionable solution.


Electives

Sample of Online Electives

  • Design Thinking
  • Launching New Products and Services
  • Customer Experience and Strategy
  • Product Analytics
  • Growth Strategies

Sample of In-Person/Live Virtual Electives


Note: Electives are subject to change.

Build lifelong connections through immersive interactions with faculty and global peers

Build lifelong connections through immersive interactions with faculty and global peers


Incentives available for groups and teams of four or more attending open enrollment programs. Learn more


Upcoming Sessions

December 17, 2024 - December 16, 2025

Start: December 17 at 12:00 AM

End: December 16 at 12:00 AM

$30,000

Admissions Criteria & Details

Admission Criteria

Participants are expected to have:

  • A minimum of 12 years of experience in a product leadership role
  • Fluency in written and spoken English
  • International exposure (preferred)

An admissions committee thoroughly reviews each application and considers the nature and scope of the applicant’s responsibilities. For the benefit of class members, sponsoring organizations and the integrity of the program, the committee seeks to admit individuals with diverse skills and experiences and who meet the qualification criteria as described above.

Kellogg expects that participants will attend all sessions, immerse themselves completely in the experience and free themselves of all other obligations while the program is in session.


Language

This program is taught in English and there is a considerable amount of reading material (e.g., case studies and articles) given in advance and during the program. Strong English language skills are essential in order to comprehend the reading materials and contribute meaningfully to classroom and study group discussions. Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English is required for a successful educational experience.


Certificate

Upon successful completion of this program, participants will receive a Kellogg Executive Education Scholar Certificate. Certificates are delivered electronically to your preferred email address after the program ends.


FAQ

What is the program about?

The program consists of a 16-week core program, two online electives and one live virtual or in-person elective. There is a final three-day networking event at the end of the program. Each online program features asynchronous modules and live webinar sessions.


What is the learning experience?

Your learning experience will consist of tools and frameworks delivered via video lectures, live webinars, real world examples, downloadable content and networking. You will put your learning into action through weekly activities, customized assignments and quizzes, discussion boards and faculty engagement. The program culminates with a capstone project, bringing together all of the key concepts from the program.

What is the program format?

The program consists of 4 core modules delivered over 12 months online, with live-virtual and in-person sessions. Learners can expect to dedicate 4-6 hours per week to watch videos, complete assignments and participate in discussions. Each module is opened weekly, allowing a flexible but structured approach to learning, with quizzes/assessments delivered at the module’s conclusion. Learners may choose to engage with the program module all in one sitting or in smaller segments of time throughout the week.


Could a learner choose to opt out of some topics?

No. To receive the Kellogg Executive Scholars Certificate, a participant must complete all components of the program.


Are any of the sessions delivered in real time (live)?

For the online, asynchronous programs, there will be live sessions led by faculty and/or subject matter experts, delivered during the course of the program via a video conferencing platform. Each participant will select one elective program that will be delivered in-person or live virtually via Zoom. The networking event is an in-person experience only. These sessions provide learners an opportunity to listen and ask questions, and while they are valuable in enhancing the overall experience, attendance is not mandatory. All live sessions are recorded for later viewing.


What methods will be used for grading and evaluations?

Kellogg program leaders will review assignments, discussions and exercises to determine participants’ understanding of the material.


How much time is allocated to complete assignments?

The due date for submitting assignments is typically within 7 days of the module opening, but can be as long as 14 days, depending on the scope of the assignment. However, learners may request deadline extensions to accommodate for business and personal conflicts that may arise during the program timeframe. Reach out to the program delivery manager to discuss any challenges you may have in completing assignments.


Can participation in this program be counted as credit toward a degree, either at Kellogg, Northwestern University or another academic institution?

No. Executive Education offers only non-degree programs and participants who meet the requirements receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program. This certificate does not count as credit toward a degree. In addition, at this time, our online programs do not count as credit toward a Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate.


Does the program offer community engagement for learners?

Yes, there will be networking events held through the 12-month program, and a three-day, in-person networking event will be offered at the end of the program. Participants will have an opportunity to connect with peers across the core program and electives. A Success Coach will also support participant engagement throughout the program.


What are the requirements for accessing the program?

Participants will need the following to access the program:

  • Valid email address
  • Computing device connected to the internet (Mac/PC/laptop, tablet or smartphone)
  • The latest version of your preferred browser to access our learning platform (though not required, we recommend using Google Chrome when accessing the Online Campus for optimal experience)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and PDF viewer to access content such as documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts
  • Additional software and resources may be required for certain programs – this will be communicated upon registration and/or at the beginning of the program
  • PLEASE NOTE: Google, Vimeo and YouTube may be utilized in the program delivery.

Do the programs offer a certificate?

Yes. Upon successful completion of this program, participants will receive a Kellogg Executive Education Scholar Certificate. Additionally, participants will earn a certificate of completion for each online program completed, and a certificate of participation for the in-person or live virtual elective program. Since our online program components are graded as a pass or fail, participants must receive an 80% to earn the certificate of completion. This digital certificate can be shared with colleagues and posted on LinkedIn. (PLEASE NOTE: We do not provide reports of assessments, or “transcripts,” since this is a non-degree program.)


Will completion of this program guarantee me a job or promotion?

No. The primary objective of this program is to give you the skills needed to be prepared for a job or to advance your career in this field. Our program support team includes mentors and Success Coaches to help you reach your goals. New employment and advancement opportunities depend on a variety factors, including prior experience, education and the job market; we therefore do not guarantee a job placement upon completion of this program.


Who is Emeritus and what is their relationship with Kellogg Executive Education?

Kellogg Executive Education is partnering with Emeritus Institute of Management, an online education provider, to develop and deliver this program. By working with Emeritus, we are able to provide broader access to Executive Education, beyond our on-campus offerings, in a collaborative and engaging format that is consistent with Kellogg’s standard of quality.


Additional questions?

Please contact us by calling 847-467-6018 or email us at execedonline@kellogg.northwestern.edu.


Receive an Executive Scholar Certificate


Upon completing the program, you will receive an Executive Scholar Certificate and earn special Executive Scholar benefits, benefits, including:

  • Membership in the global Kellogg alumni network and access to the online network
  • Opportunities to participate in alumni clubs and events
  • A Kellogg-branded email account
  • 30 percent discount on all Kellogg Executive Education open-enrollment programs
  • Access to cutting-edge research and content from Kellogg faculty and leading practitioners
  • Digital copies of Kellogg magazine

Kellogg School of Management

James L. Allen Center
2169 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
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847.467.6018