Imperial College Business School

Imperial's Executive MBA Alumni Reflections: Oliver Hartwell

Oliver Hartwell, Vice President for Strategic Planning at Oxford Nanopore Technologies, shares his experience completing Imperial College’s Executive MBA. He chose the programme for its strong ties to technology, science and mathematics schools, and for the opportunity to deepen his business acumen while staying in London’s vibrant corporate hub. Hartwell highlights several concrete benefits: the curriculum sharpened his confidence in core business concepts; the diverse, interdisciplinary cohort broadened his professional network across multiple industries; an executive coach provided personalized guidance that will continue post‑graduation; and a teaching stint gave him a rare perspective from the faculty side of the classroom. He remarks, “It’s great to experience being on the other side of the fence,” and urges prospective students, “You should absolutely consider studying an Executive MBA at Imperial if you are interested in being in London, being in one of the best universities in the world.” The testimonial underscores the programme’s blend of academic rigor and practical leadership development. For senior professionals, Hartwell’s reflections illustrate how an Executive MBA can translate into stronger leadership, expanded strategic networks, and lasting mentorship—all of which can accelerate career growth and drive organizational innovation.