The hunt for professionals who can successfully lead and grow companies with a dual mandate of economic and social returns is on throughout Africa. As well as deal-makers and fund managers who can recognise and realise value for the private equity, venture capital and debt funds who invest in these companies.
“There is an evolving recognition among savvy investors that growth and shareholder returns can – and should – be achieved by measuring more than just the financial bottom line. In fact, data shows that when an organisation has a combined agenda of both commercial and social impact, sustainable growth is the outcome,” says Debbie Goodman-Bhyat, CEO of Jack Hammer, rated as one of the top three executive search firms in South Africa.
Goodman-Bhyat says the growing trend by companies and investors seeking to ensure that they make a profit plus a positive difference, makes sound business sense, particularly when viewed in the context of the dwindling fortunes and even spectacular implosions of more and more companies that chased super financial returns at all costs.