From Cambridge Judge Business School to CEO (part 2)
A blog post written by Jayson Jiang (EMBA 2020)
Maxim Ryzhkov and Jayson Jiang met when they joined the Executive MBA programme at Cambridge Judge Business School in 2020. Within a few years of graduating, both had been promoted to CEO. They share their experiences of how the Executive MBA programme helped them to progress in their careers.
Maxim’s story was published in part 1 yesterday. Read Jayson’s story below.
Transition from entry-level role to executive position
Under the prestigious Marie Curie Host Fellowships from the European Union, I completed my PhD at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. Following this, I began my career as an engineer at Infineon Technologies, where I smoothly transitioned from academia to industry. My expertise and dedication rapidly advanced me into technical leadership roles and eventually into product management, where I successfully managed a product portfolio generating €200 million in annual revenue. These early experiences in both technical and business domains established a strong foundation for my continued growth in the semiconductor industry.
Just before joining Cambridge Judge Business School, my career took a pivotal turn when I was appointed Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Huawei’s German branch, a division of the company ranked among the top 50 in the Fortune Global 500. In this role, I was responsible for guiding the company’s strategic development and business management. I also spearheaded strategic initiatives and business development efforts, including the establishment of a new manufacturing plant in Europe, demonstrating my capability to manage complex, high-stakes projects.
Improving horizons with an EMBA from Cambridge Judge
Recognising the need to deepen my understanding across multiple disciplines, I pursued the EMBA at Cambridge Judge Business School. It provided an ideal platform to refine my leadership skills and expand my expertise in key areas such as innovation management, supply chain optimisation, and navigating complex global business environments. I selected Cambridge Judge over other EMBA programmes for its interdisciplinary, interactive learning environment, which emphasises real-world impact and practical application.
During the latter part of the EMBA programme, I was offered the role of Executive Vice President and General Manager at Nexperia, a global semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Netherlands. The skills and knowledge I gained through the EMBA were instrumental in my success in this new role. The programme’s real-world emphasis and rigorous curriculum equipped me with the tools needed to navigate international markets, lead a diverse team, and maintain a strong focus on research and development. This solid foundation enabled me to not only assume the executive role with confidence but also to excel, as I was able to immediately integrate the concepts learned into my work, significantly enhancing my effectiveness as a business leader.
The Cambridge Experience
I found the Cambridge Judge EMBA to be a transformative experience. The programme’s diverse and global cohort, comprising members from 40+ nationalities, introduced me to perspectives I had not encountered in previous roles. The interdisciplinary approach of the curriculum significantly enhanced my ability to tackle complex challenges. The programme’s focus on entrepreneurial thinking resonated deeply with my experience in driving innovation within my company. Courses in strategic management, organisational behaviour, and finance provided me with new tools that I applied immediately in my executive roles. The network I built at Cambridge and the insights I gained continue to shape my leadership and decision-making approach.
Transformation into a new CEO role after graduation
Completing the EMBA at Cambridge Judge Business School marked a pivotal moment in my career. Within a year, I transitioned into the role of CEO at Hungo Semiconductor, where I applied the strategic and leadership skills honed during the programme. The EMBA’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship was particularly valuable as I spearheaded new initiatives, driving growth and fostering a culture of continuous improvement at the company.
Simultaneously, I embraced a new academic challenge as Chair Professor at Tsinghua University. Balancing the demands of leading a company with my academic responsibilities was both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to integrate cutting-edge academic knowledge directly into business practices. I also brought the programme’s practical focus into my teaching, bridging academia and industry.
My journey from academia to the executive suite has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence. The insights gained from the Cambridge EMBA continue to be instrumental in my success across both business and academia, empowering me to excel in my dual roles.
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