Sergey Gorbatov

Sergey Gorbatov, Ph.D., is a distinguished academic and expert in talent management, leadership development, and organizational behavior. Since 2015, he has been a faculty member at IE University, where he’s taught in the International and Executive MBA programs, as well as in the Master's programs in HR and Talent Development. He is also the academic director of Talent Builders, an executive HR program.

Renowned for his expertise in academic direction, learning design, and program orchestration, Professor Gorbatov has managed and directed multiple programs focused on human resources and leadership at IE University, Porto Business School, and for various corporate clients. His teaching methodology is informed by substantial experience in leadership assessment and talent management, characterized by a systemic perspective that ensures comprehensive and sustainable educational solutions. As an educator, he is known for his engaging style, strategic acumen, and innate ability to foster personal and team growth. His classes, which range from MBA students to C-suite executives, demonstrate his ability to adapt and deliver impactful learning experiences at all levels.

With 20 years of experience in various high-profile roles, Professor Gorbatov's deep expertise in Talent Management, Leadership Development, and Organizational Effectiveness has been honed in complex, multinational environments. His career has included influential positions at renowned corporations such as AbbVie, PMI, and Shell, where he focused on global talent management, HR strategy, and developing executive pipelines.

Sergey earned his MA in Linguistics and Intercultural Communication from Orel State University in Russia, an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, and a Ph.D. in Management from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands. At Vrije Universiteit, he is also the Director at the Center for Feedback Culture. Collaborating with Angela Lane, he has co-authored two influential books: "Fair Talk: Three Steps to Powerful Feedback" and "Move Up or Move On: 10 Secrets to Develop Your Career," making the complex science of human behavior accessible.

A global citizen, Sergey Gorbatov is passionate about cultures, diversity, and languages. A Russian native, he has lived and worked in Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States.

Corporate Experience

• Director, Area HR LATAM, AbbVie, USA, 2021 - 2023

• Director, Global Talent Management, AbbVie, Spain/USA, 2020 - 2021 

• Director, General Manager Development, AbbVie, Spain, 2015 - 2019 

• Manager Learning and Executive Development, PMI, Switzerland, 2012 - 2015 

• Manager Compensation and Benefits Learning Management, PMI, Spain, 2011 - 2012 

• HR Account Manager, Shell, South Africa, 2008 - 2010 

• HR Services Lead, Shell, Russia, 2005 - 2007

Academic Experience

• Adjunct Professor of human resources and organizational behavior, IE Business School, Spain, 2015 - Present 

• Adjunct Professor of human resources and leadership, Porto Business School, Portugal, 2023 - Present 

• Director, Center for Feedback Culture, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2019 - Present

Academic Background

• Ph.D. in Management, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2019 

• MBA in Business Administration, IE Business School, Spain, 2011 

• Master in Linguistics and Intercultural Communication, Orel State University, Russia, 2004 

• International Relations, Otterbein College, USA, 2003