ABSTRACT
This teaching case documents how UniCredit Group, a major financial services company, used a talent development programme to innovate throughout the organization and change the corporate culture. It follows the journey of Anna Simioni, Corporate Learning and Executive Vice President, who succeeded in embedding open innovation of business processes into executive development. The UniQuest programme centred the experience of the participants on real strategic projects, which were proposed and sponsored by top executives and endorsed by the CEO. The programme was expertly supported by organizational talent development processes and an innovative working environment that was created at the corporate learning centre, UniManagement, based in Turin, Italy. The case illustrates the opportunity of combining strategic problem solving with effective talent development processes. It also demonstrates how to fully engage executive stakeholders in a centrally led executive leadership programme.
