Abstract
"This case documents how UniCredit Group, a major financial services company, used a talent development program 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 program centered the experience of the participants on real strategic projects, which were proposed and sponsored by top executives and endorsed by the CEO. The program was expertly supported by organizational talent development processes and an innovative working environment that was created at the corporate learning center, 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 program."