The Skeye and UPF-BSM launch an Executive Program on Family Business Management

The new program will address the challenges faced by family businesses and provide the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure their sustainability and success.

The UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF-BSM) and the HR consulting and headhunting firm The Skeye have created the Executive Program "Family Business and the Challenges of the 21st Century: Professionalization, Governance, Innovation, and Generational Change." The first edition of this training program will begin in May this year and is aimed at family members in executive positions, spouses, and next-generation family members, as well as senior non-family executives and board members.

Under the academic direction of Oriol Amat, Professor at UPF-BSM, this program is designed to provide participants with knowledge and practical tools on topics such as key success factors for family businesses throughout their life cycle, professionalization and transformation of family businesses, family dynamics, succession planning, generational change and responsible leadership, governance and cultural values, financial policy, and risk management, among others.

“Family businesses are a fundamental part of our economy. In addition to current challenges, they face specific issues such as generational transition, professionalization, the impact of family values on governance, leadership, and the link between business and family wealth. All these aspects require a very special and respectful approach,” explains Fàtima Piqué, Deputy General Director of UPF-BSM.

The training combines theoretical sessions with practical workshops and real case analysis, allowing participants to learn from both experts and peers. The program also includes benchmarking of best practices to enhance understanding and effectiveness in family business management and features industry experts in family businesses as part of the teaching team.

“UPF-BSM has designed this executive program to address the specific challenges faced by family businesses. Participants will benefit from an excellent academic team and a methodology that combines academic rigor, practical experience, and a direct connection to real business needs,” adds Piqué.

According to Toni Solé, Managing Partner at The Skeye: "The close relationship and trust we have built with our clients over time have made the longevity, strength, and sustained growth of family businesses one of our top priorities. This initiative is created with a clear intention: to offer a space for reflection and mutual learning to those actively involved in the decision-making of family businesses, whether from ownership, management, or any of their governing bodies."