Peter Bodin: more women and sustainability in businesses

In Rome to take part in the first Diversity & Inclusion conference, Peter Bodin, global CEO of Grant Thornton, has been interviewed by Askanews on various topics.

First of all, he presented the “Women in Business” IBR report, which shows clear progress in one of the key- aspects of corporate sustainability. According to the global survey, the percentage of business with at least one women in the senior management is now equal to 87%, with a 12 pp increase from 2018.

“Nowadays businesses” – declared Peter Bodin – “need leaders with different perspectives and point of views. A business with no gender balance cannot be sustainable. As a leader of this network, I keep on stress the importance of having a diverse leadership, with more women in key roles. This is now happening and it’s a vital part of what we do.”

But sustainability also includes the environment. A topic very dear to Bodin, born in Sweden and recently appointed as Chairman of Impact 2030, an international organisation promoting the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. According to Bodin businesses need to be part of the solution to this issue.

What about Italy? Grant Thornton global CEO has no doubts. “Italy is one of the major economies worldwide, many Italian SMEs are creating the future in various industries.” Moreover, he continues “business growth in the next 5 to 10 years will mainly be attributable to mid-tier businesses worldwide. According to our estimates, this sector will grow by 5% globally every year.”

Speaking about the outlook for 2019, despite uncertainties related to international trade and a surge in populism, Peter Bodin is optimistic. “Last year the Grant Thornton network recorded a 14% growth in local currencies. A strong growth. We have a clear strategic direction as concerns our future development. And I am also optimistic for our Italian firms.”