Bjørn Za­bell: Em­power­ing Glob­al Lead­er­ship Through CBS EMBA

The CBS EMBA transforms participants in many ways. In this article we learn from Bjørn Zabell how his ambition to transition from a local entity to international operations was realised right after having completed his Executive MBA.

For those considering an EMBA to elevate their career or transition into international roles, Bjørn’s experience showcases the programme’s value. It highlights how the CBS EMBA empowers participants with the skills, network, and confidence needed to thrive globally while achieving personal and professional goals.

Corporate support and real-time application

Bjørn’s journey into the CBS EMBA was supported not only by his own drive but also by the encouragement of management and mentors at Roche. During his time with the company, he had already achieved several key promotions within the Danish organisation, but his ambition was to prepare himself and his career to ultimately move to the HQ in Switzerland - this was realised already shortly after he graduated with his EMBA.

In 2023 he assumed the role of Partnering Commercial Assessment Leader, Global Pharma Strategy. In this position, Bjørn leads the commercial and financial assessment of in-licensing and M&A opportunities for Roche’s Corporate Business Development organisation.

Prior to this, Bjørn was the Health System Partner in Business Strategy, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. In this role, he played a pivotal role in shaping Roche’s strategic approach to health systems.

“Roche connected me with experienced internal senior leaders and executives who supported me and guided me through the complex cases and provided key insights from a Roche perspective. Their shared experiences and advice were instrumental in my academic and professional growth.”

These mentors not only offered valuable insights but also created opportunities for Bjørn to apply his learning in meaningful ways. Their support allowed him to bridge academic theories with real-world business challenges effectively. Roche’s support extended beyond mentorship, with the company offering flexible scheduling to enable participation at on-campus lectures and study trips abroad ensuring Bjørn could fully immerse himself in the programme.

His recommenders highlighted that at this early stage of his career he had quickly created significant value for Roche Denmark through his strengths in stakeholder management and strategic thinking. They saw his ambition to step into a global role as a natural progression, and his enrolment in the CBS EMBA programme supported this pathway.

From Denmark to Switzerland

The CBS EMBA facilitated Bjørn’s move from Roche’s Danish entity to a pivotal role at its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

“First and foremost, I evaluated how well the programme aligned with my career goals,” Bjørn explains. “I needed to ensure the curriculum, specialisations, and learning objectives supported my aspirations and provided the skills and knowledge necessary for advancement. The CBS EMBA stood out because of its global focus and the flexibility it offers, making it possible for professionals like me to continue excelling in our roles while gaining a world-class education.”

He was particularly drawn to CBS’s global accreditation and reputation, critical factors in enhancing the international value of his education.

Coming from a background in molecular biology, Bjørn sought a programme that merged theory with business acumen. His transition from science to business was ambitious and strategic, reflecting his passion for bridging innovation and commercial strategy.

Bjørn credits the programme’s hands-on approach to problem-solving as a significant contributor to his success. By working alongside diverse peers, he developed a broader perspective that helped him excel in both strategic and operational roles.

During the studies

Bjørn had regular one-on-one meetings with his leader who provided strategic advice on how to apply the theoretical knowledge from his EMBA courses to real-world business scenarios at Roche.

“This practical application not only enriched my learning experience but also allowed me to contribute more effectively to my role within the company.”

Bjørn leveraged the curriculum to master commercial and strategic skills, immediately applying them in his role.

“Using financial modelling techniques and valuation methods from the Corporate Finance module, I could evaluate potential partnerships and acquisitions with precision,” he explains. “These insights allowed me to present well-founded recommendations to Roche’s Executive Management and contribute strategically to our long-term goals. The EMBA gave me both the confidence and the tools to influence decisions at the highest levels.”

A global outlook

Studying alongside peers from diverse industries and geographies, Bjørn gained invaluable insights into international market dynamics and regulatory environments. “This exposure prepared me to navigate the complexities of global partnerships, ensuring my strategies were culturally and contextually appropriate,” he reflects. “The diversity in the cohort pushed me to think beyond the immediate and develop solutions that are scalable and sustainable in a global context.”

The CBS EMBA also offers lifelong networks through its global alumni community spanning over 85 countries. Bjørn acknowledges the programme’s role in fostering connections... 

The value of an EMBA in today’s business world

Bjørn’s success story illustrates how the CBS EMBA enables professionals to achieve their aspirations while driving meaningful impact within their organisations. By fostering global competence and strategic expertise, the programme prepares graduates to break geographic and organisational boundaries.

“The skills, knowledge, and network I gained will continue to shape my career,” Bjørn concludes. “The programme has expanded my global perspectives, strengthened my financial acumen, and equipped me to lead high-performance teams. This is only the beginning of a long journey of impact and growth.”

CBS is among the elite 1% of business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation. This recognition ensures participants receive a globally respected education, significantly boosting career prospects. In 2024, CBS maintained its status as the leading EMBA in Scandinavia, ranked #6 globally for “Work Experience” by the Financial Times, reflecting the high-level caliber of its participants.

For more information on the CBS Executive MBA programme, visit: cbs.dk/EMBA