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Family Enterprise Boards
Kellogg School of Management

Family Enterprise Boards

Kellogg School of Management, Evanston
9 daysDuration
hybridFormat
EnglishLanguage
Governance & BoardsTopic

Available Cohorts

Choose your preferred start date

Oct 27 - Nov 6, 2026
9 days · hybrid · Instructor-Led · Online | Chicago
Open
Oct 26 - Nov 5, 2027
9 days · hybrid · Instructor-Led · Online | Evanston
Open
$12,000

All-inclusive program fee

About This Program

This program helps current and emerging board members of family-owned businesses navigate their unique governance challenges. It covers the strategic, fiduciary, and communication responsibilities of a board. Through interactive lectures with Kellogg faculty, case studies, and panels with experienced directors, participants develop skills to align board work with the values and long-term growth of family enterprises. While group attendance is encouraged, it is not required. A maximum of five participants per family enterprise are permitted per session. Requests for larger groups must be approved by the program's Academic Director. Inquiries can be directed to the John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises at c-bath@kellogg.northwestern.edu.

Why Kellogg School of Management?

Kellogg School of Management stands out for its distinctive emphasis on collaborative leadership, a deep integration of marketing and strategy, and a commitment to developing leaders who drive innovation. Its programs are designed for executives seeking to enhance their general management capabilities through a highly interactive and team-oriented learning environment.

Your Profile

  • Current family and non-family board directors, trustees and chairs of family-controlled firms
  • Family members developing themselves for future roles as board members in their enterprise
  • Family and non-family executives who interact with or who will soon be appointed to the board

Benefits

  • Define the board's role in understanding family business strategy
  • Explore the differences in board decisions for a family enterprise
  • Understand the unique challenges of selecting family and non-family directors
  • Learn to effectively link the board with the family

What You'll Learn

  • Role of the Board in understanding family business strategy
  • What is different about a Board decision for a family enterprise
  • Selecting family for Board roles
  • Linking the Board with the family
  • Board room etiquette and effectiveness
  • Different models of the Board’s role in governance
  • Board best practices in family enterprises

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

  1. 1

    Check your eligibility

    Review the entry requirements listed on this page. Most executive programs require 8–15 years of professional experience.

  2. 2

    Compare programs

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  3. 3

    Contact the school

    Send a message directly to Kellogg School of Management via Gradia to request a brochure or speak with an admissions advisor.

  4. 4

    Prepare your application

    Gather your CV, reference letters, and any required test scores. Many EMBA programs waive standardised tests for senior candidates.

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Apply directly through Kellogg School of Management's official application portal.

    Apply now →