Port of Spain, Trinidad. August 3, 2018. Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago Limited joined in the panel discussion at the UWI-Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business (UWI-ALJGSB) for their CEO Talk session for the closing of the international business study abroad programme for the delegates of the FHR Lim A Po Institute for Social Studies (partner institute to UWI- ALJGSB) . CEOs joining the discussions were Patricio Torres, Head of Market Nestlé Anglo- Dutch Caribbean, David Dulal-Whiteway, CEO, UWI-Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business and Dave Ramkissoon, Group CEO, EIL Group.
The CEOs spoke on company strategies, their purpose, passion and business ethics. “At Nestlé, no matter where we are in the world, we have one simple purpose - to enhance the quality of life and contribute to a healthier future. As a multi-national company we anticipate and adapt to local needs, and this is seen through the development of our products to our local initiatives which promote healthier and happier lives, working within our communities and safeguarding our environment,” stated Torres, Nestlé Head of Market.
Nestlé had a particular interest in the CEO Talk session as it is perfectly aligned to one of the company’s key initiatives - its Nestlé Needs YOUth programme. This Global Youth Initiative aims to strengthen and develop the employability of young people all over the Caribbean Region and important strides have already been made in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana. By 2020 the company plans to hire at least 81 youths, engage 90 youths through trainee programmes, internships and apprenticeships and develop 7,650 students through ‘readiness to work’ activities. Additionally, Nestlé will expand its Alliance for YOUth, working with suppliers, industry partners, government ministries and NGOs to create another 304 jobs! Torres sees sessions such as these CEO talks, as another avenue where the company can add to the knowledge base of the youth.
With an engaged audience, the students posed questions to each CEO on their personal goals, their definition of success for their companies, what they take pride in and the journey to their pinnacle of success. The CEOs recognized the importance of culture for their businesses, taking risks, being competitive and having the agility to learn. The session, part of the study mission for 2nd year Bachelor of Business Administration students of the FHR Lim A Po Institute for Social Studies, gave a vast understanding of business activities and ways of working across the Caribbean territories to which both students and lecturers alike were receptive.