A Cause for Celebration: Kellogg-WHU EMBA Class of 2026 Graduates

Those who enroll in the Executive MBA Program jointly offered by Kellogg School of Management and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management certainly don’t have it easy—and everyone gathered at the historic Montabaur Castle on October 16, 2026, understood that. Under warm sunshine and blue skies, the Kellogg-WHU EMBA Class of 2026 donned their robes and academic regalia to celebrate their graduation, a momentous milestone in their lives, with educators, family, and friends.

“You came to this program as already accomplished leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Professor Christian Andres, Dean of WHU, addressing the graduates of the program’s 28^th cohort. “That hunger to learn and to continue developing, however much experience you already had, speaks to your determination.” As experienced business leaders in high-ranking positions, the students who come to the Kellogg-WHU EMBA Program do so knowing they are adding to their packed schedules. Yet with proven commitment, they not only complete their studies; they excel, and they grow as people and as professionals.

Dean Andres then turned the stage over to Elmer Almachar, Managing Director of Executive MBA from Kellogg, who emphasized the importance of staying connected in a world that has only gotten smaller and demands much more of business leaders today. “Thank you for being a good citizen of our global community,” he said, extending his gratitude for the students’ trust and for committing to the program at one of the busiest and most demanding times in their lives. “Thank you for having the courage to cross borders.”

Professor Jürgen Weigand, Academic Director from WHU, reminded the graduates that their journey doesn’t end with the program, and advised them to pause and think before making important decisions. Next came Dr. Sven Greulich, Senior Fellow of WHU, attorney and partner at Orrick and a member of the EMBA Class of 2014, who delivered a commencement address as humorous as it was heartfelt, eschewing tradition to meet the graduates where they are today. Describing his own journey to, through, and after the EMBA Program—which involved everything from complex wedding arrangements to courageous new professional projects—Dr. Greulich made clear what the graduates must do today, tomorrow, and throughout the rest of their lives with two poignant words: “Keep. Pushing.”

And Program Director apl. Professor Katrin Baedorf, who had stepped into her role just as the 28^th cohort arrived to begin their studies, had a very specific wish for the graduates: “I hope that one of the most valuable things you take away from this program is not just knowing more—but seeing more.”

The graduation ceremony was also a chance to celebrate the people who made the learning experience memorable. Professor Yuval Kalish (Chair of Leadership, Networks, and Organizations at WHU) and Professor Kevin McTigue (Clinical Professor of Marketing at Kellogg) were honored with the 2026 Best Teacher Awards for their dedication to the program and to the betterment of their students. Class speakers Hanan Hallal and Dimitri Malinov brought the graduates’ own perspective to the ceremony, looking back on the demands, discoveries, and friendships that shaped their time in the program—but most of all emphasizing that they did it together. “It’s people,” as Ms. Hallal put it—the “warm, talkative, and curious people,” in Mr. Malinov’s words—who define the journey.

After the procession and class photo, the formal ceremony gave way to a lively reception—a chance to catch up, raise a toast, and take in the milestone together. 

Since its founding in 1997, the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA has brought high-caliber experts together for a learning experience tailored to the specific challenges faced by today’s business leaders. University data analyst Quacquarelli Symonds currently ranks Kellogg-WHU as offering the world’s #5 EMBA Program—and Germany’s #1 EMBA Program. The partnership between Kellogg School of Management and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management connects participants with peers and alumni around the world.

Click here to learn more about the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA.