FT and London Business School launch new AI Masterclass for business leaders
London Business School has announced a new AI Masterclass in partnership with the Financial Times, designed for senior executives seeking to understand and harness the potential of Generative AI for their organisations. The collaboration brings together LBS faculty, FT editors and industry experts, combining academic insight, journalistic rigour and practical business perspective.
The high-impact two-day programme will take place at London Business School from 16–17 March 2026. Through a mix of lectures, panels, and discussions, participants will explore how Generative AI is reshaping industries and value creation, and what leadership teams can do to position their organisations for success in an AI-driven world.
The programme, led by Professor Michael G. Jacobides, Sir Donald Gordon Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Professor of Strategy at London Business School, will feature contributions from Professors Nicos Savva, Keyvan Vakili and Herminia Ibarra, alongside Financial Times Innovation Editor John Thornhill and other FT contributors. Topics will include understanding Generative AI, identifying real business use cases, embedding AI within organisations, and navigating the ethical, regulatory and geopolitical challenges surrounding the technology.
Participants will gain a clear, evidence-based understanding of where Generative AI can add value, learn to develop strategic use cases, and build leadership readiness for digital transformation. Each participating organisation will send a team of 3–5 executives, enabling them to align around shared insights and action plans. The programme also includes a 12-month FT.com subscription and membership to the FT Future Leaders Academy.
Professor Michael G. Jacobides, Academic Director of the AI Masterclass, said: “There is tremendous excitement around Generative AI, but also confusion. Our goal is to separate hype from reality and equip leadership teams with the tools and understanding to make sound strategic choices. This partnership between LBS and the Financial Times creates a unique learning experience: it blends deep academic insight with the FT’s journalistic perspective and access to real-world business cases. Together, we aim to help executives turn AI from an abstract concept into a concrete source of value and transformation for their organisations.”
Angela Mackay, Director, FT Group, said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with London Business School on this timely and important programme. The partnership brings together the Financial Times’ outstanding, global journalism with LBS’s world-class academic insight to help leaders navigate one of the most transformative forces of our time.”