The MBA batch at Pforzheim University had the honour of welcoming James Dymond, the Director ESG Investor Relations at SAP SE, as a guest speaker. James, an alumnus of the MBA program, shared his journey and insights on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) topics, leaving a lasting impression on the students.
James began his talk by reflecting on his time at Pforzheim University, expressing how the MBA program had shaped his career and prepared him for the challenges of the modern business world. He then delved into the critical role of ESG in today's corporate landscape, explaining how companies are increasingly integrating ESG considerations into their business models to drive sustainable growth and build trust with stakeholders.
He highlighted the regulatory drivers behind ESG, the changing mindsets of investors, and the current pushback on ESG practices. James emphasized the importance of setting achievable ESG targets and consistently working towards fulfilling them, using examples from several leading financial institutions.
One of the highlights of the session was a case study discussion on whether Tesla would be a good option for ESG investing. Students shared their diverse perspectives, considering factors such as technology competency, work environment, and carbon neutrality. James provided valuable feedback, stressing the need for a holistic understanding of ESG indicators to make informed investment decisions. He underscored the company's commitment to sustainability and how it leverages ESG to create long-term value for its stakeholders.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where students had the opportunity to ask James about his career journey, ESG challenges, and advice for aspiring business leaders. His passion for sustainability and his ability to demystify complex ESG concepts made the session both informative and inspiring.
A huge THANK YOU to James for his time, expertise, and for being an amazing mentor to the MBA students. We look forward to staying connected and continuing to learn from his experiences.

Text and photos: Fei Teng and Avik Chakraborty, Class of 2026