In 2013, Amgen Europe concluded that instead of focusing on external resources such as MBA recruitment programmes to fulfil senior-level job openings it was time to step up efforts to grow internal talent into senior leadership roles.

In order to prepare managers for broader functional leadership positions, Amgen wanted a business-focused programme that would provide participants of varied specialist backgrounds with a well-rounded curriculum of business knowledge and skills.

Gary Sagar, Human Resources Director (Talent), emphasizes that Horizon is an invitation-based career transition programme, not an open management development programme. Participants are nominated based on internal talent reviews, and sponsored by senior executives.