Published: 2019-02-05

USBE Alumn Honoured as AACSB Influential Leader

NEWS Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE) announces that alumn Helena Helmersson is one of 33 business school graduates honoured by AACSB International (AACSB)—the world’s largest business education alliance - as the 2019 Class of Influential Leaders. The annual challenge recognizes notable alumni from AACSB-accredited schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders.

Helena Helmersson

ImageH&M group

From September 2018 Helena Helmersson serves as Chief Operating Officer at H&M Group i Stockholm after 4 years as Head of Global Production placed in Hong Kong. Before that Helena held the position as Head of Sustainability. H&M's sustainability efforts under Helena Helmersson's lead have been recognized and awarded for a number of initiatives, including the launch of used garment collection in all H&M stores, the implementation of the fair living wage roadmap, the commitment towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals (ZDHC) as well as the publication of the company's supplier list for raised transparency in the value chain. Development of more sustainable materials is another example.

In 2014 Helmersson was named the most powerful business woman in Sweden by the nation´s leading business magazine. The same year she was named as one of the world´s top fashion shapers by The Business of Fashion (BoF 500). 2015 she was named the most influential director in Sweden with the motivation; "Helena Helmersson makes the world a bit better".

- Since Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics has emphasized its focus on Sustainability within its education, research and collaboration in later years we are delighted to be able to nominate an alumni with such astounding contribution to business and society as Helena Helmersson has had, says Sofia Lundberg, Dean at the business school.

"AACSB is honoured to recognize Helena Helmersson and congratulates USBE for its role in preparing alumni who are leading examples of business education as a force for good in the world," said Thomas R. Robinson, president and CEO of AACSB. "The diversity of backgrounds, industries, and career paths of the 2019 Class of Influential Leaders demonstrates that AACSB-accredited schools are preparing graduates to succeed wherever their passions may take them."

Now its fourth year, the Influential Leaders challenge has recognized almost 200 business school graduates for creating lasting impact in business and society. All honourees are have earned an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree from one of the more than 800 AACSB-accredited business schools worldwide. For more information on the Influential Leaders challenge, and to view a full list of honourees, visit www.aacsb.edu/influential-leaders.

Contact

Dean Sofia Lundberg
+46 90 786 5206
+46 70 374 92 55

AACSB

As the world's largest business education alliance, AACSB International (AACSB) connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and professional development services to more than 1,600 member organizations and over 800 accredited business schools worldwide. AACSB's mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation, and amplify impact in business education. The global organization has offices located in Tampa, Florida, USA; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Singapore.

For more information, visit www.aacsb.edu.