IIM Indore Opens Admissions for Second COO Programme: Shaping Future Operational Leaders

The Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) has officially opened admissions for the second batch of its flagship Chief Operating Officer (COO) Programme, a transformative eleven-month executive education initiative designed to equip mid-career professionals with strategic, technological, and operational leadership capabilities. Announced on August 18, 2025, the programme is delivered in collaboration with TimesPro and is backed by IIM Indore’s globally accredited academic framework.

With the global demand for COOs rising amid digital disruption and supply chain volatility, the programme aims to nurture leaders who can convert operational complexity into enterprise-wide impact. The first batch received strong industry response, and the second cohort is expected to attract professionals from diverse sectors including manufacturing, logistics, fintech, and healthcare.

Key Highlights from the Announcement

- Admissions open for second batch of IIM Indore’s COO Programme  
- Eleven-month LIVE online format with immersive campus experience  
- Programme starts on October 26, 2025; application deadline is August 17, 2025  
- Designed for professionals with a minimum of three years’ work experience  
- Graduates earn Executive Education Alumni status from IIM Indore  

OPTIMUM Learning Architecture

At the heart of the COO Programme lies the OPTIMUM framework—Operational Excellence, Predictive Analytics, Technology Integration, Innovative Strategies, Management Mastery, Unique Exposure, and Mindful Leadership. This multidimensional approach blends academic rigor with practice-led insight, preparing participants to lead in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments.

The curriculum includes:

- Masterclasses on Digital Transformation, Six Sigma, and supply chain innovation  
- Case-based learning from global exemplars like Amazon and Zara  
- Hands-on workshops on JIT, FIFO, and LIFO methodologies  
- Modules on AI, blockchain, and data analytics for operations  
- Leadership training focused on talent management, ethics, and stakeholder value  

Industry Context and Demand

According to Russell Reynolds Associates’ Global COO Turnover Index, 81 percent of Q1 2025 COO appointments were internal promotions, reflecting a shift toward nurturing specialist leadership pipelines. In India, CXO appointments grew 9.5 percent in FY25, with operational roles topping the list of hard-to-fill positions.

The average tenure of COOs in FTSE 100 companies stands at just 2.7 years, underscoring the need for agile, succession-ready leaders. IIM Indore’s programme addresses this gap by offering a structured pathway for professionals to evolve into strategic operators capable of driving innovation, resilience, and growth.

Faculty and Institutional Leadership

The programme is led by Prof Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore, who emphasized the need for COOs to unite technology, talent, and purpose. Sridhar Nagarajachar, Business Head at TimesPro, highlighted the programme’s ability to deliver foresight with flawless execution, combining academic depth with real-world relevance.

Participants benefit from access to IIM Indore’s Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), a powerful alumni network, and exposure to cutting-edge research in operations, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior.

Eligibility and Admission Details

The programme is tailored for mid-level operations executives, practising operational heads, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders. Applicants must hold a recognized diploma or bachelor’s degree with at least 50 percent marks and a minimum of three years of full-time work experience.

- Programme fee: ₹4,50,000 plus applicable taxes  
- Class timings: Sundays, 9:00 AM to 11:45 AM IST  
- Delivery mode: Direct-to-device with campus immersion  

Looking Ahead

As enterprises navigate digital transformation and global supply chain challenges, the role of the COO is evolving from execution to strategic orchestration. IIM Indore’s COO Programme offers a timely and comprehensive platform for professionals to upskill, lead with agility, and shape the future of operational excellence.

Sources: WebIndia123, TimesPro, ANI News.