CIMA president honours ‘game-changing’ Unilever CEO

The finance community has a critical role to play in shaping the journey towards the new business models necessary for success in the 21st century, according to Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever.

Speaking as a guest of CIMA president Gulzari Babber at the annual President’s Dinner, he said: “Today’s finance professionals play a pivotal role in articulating the economic case for sustainable business models to investors and other stakeholders, developing the necessary performance metrics and ensuring that our investment evaluation – in brands and innovation, in research and development, in capital – embraces sustainability.”

The event was held at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London and attended by past CIMA presidents, as well as lords, MPs, chief executives, chief financial officers and other senior business leaders and decision-makers.

Addressing attendees, Gulzari Babber stressed the importance of the CIMA qualification in helping businesses succeed, adding: “I have a message for students: that no matter what your background, a CIMA qualification is always within reach as long as you are dedicated and prepared to work hard.”

He also presented Paul Polman with an honorary CIMA Fellowship, praising his work at Unilever as “game-changing”.

Photo: Eyevine