Community Business recently announced that Alistair McGregor will be appointed CEO, effective from 7 April 2010. Mr McGregor takes over from Shalini Mahtani, Founder of Community Business and CEO since 2003.
Mr McGregor has a strong background in sustainability. His most recent position was Director of Operations at ETA Ascon in Abu Dhabi and just prior to that he spent 7 years as Director of Operations for Veolia Environmental Services Limited in Chennai, India. In this role he worked directly with the Managing Director of India and was responsible for overseeing waste management for one third of Chennai and managed 2,500 people. In addition to enhancing the profitability of the company, Alistair was instrumental in community and workplace initiatives including: addressing the issue of female and dalit participation in the workplace by actively seeking to recruit women and those from scheduled castes, managing negotiations with Labour Unions, leading the disaster recovery programme after the Asian Tsunami and leading the ethics committee to eliminate malpractice.
“I am extremely honoured to take over leadership of Community Business from Shalini. She has created a fantastic organisation that has had a significant impact on the lives of many people and communities in the region. I share many of the values that are instilled within the organisation – from recognising the importance of investing in the community to creating inclusive workplace environments and valuing the contribution of all sectors of society. I look forward to continuing Shalini’s legacy and taking the organisation forward.” said Mr McGregor.
Alistair is a Permanent Resident of Hong Kong. He also has residence in India. He is in a cross-cultural marriage and has two young children. “I am delighted that Alistair will be taking on the role of CEO.” Said Ms Mahtani. “With his solid business experience and strong sense of social justice, he will be an asset to Community Business. I look forward to supporting Alistair as he builds on Community Business’ success and leads the organisation in the next phase of its growth.” said Ms Mahtani.
Ms Mahtani decided to step away from the day-to-day running of Community Business in October 2009, following the tragic loss of her son in May 2009. In the interim the organisation has been run by Acting CEO, Kate Vernon. Ms Mahtani has transitioned to the role of Strategic Advisor to the Board of Community Business and will remain involved with the organisation at a strategic level. Ms Vernon will take on the role of Head of Research & Marketing as well as Head of Diversity & Inclusion. As CEO, Mr McGregor will be based at Community Business’ Hong Kong office. He will be responsible for leading the organisation in line with the organisation’s mission of ‘leading, inspiring and supporting companies to make a positive impact on people and communities’.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
