CMI participated in the annual Corporate Excellence 2024 conference alongside leaders from companies with more than a century of experience. José González-Campo, our Senior Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, shared key reflections on the pillars that make business longevity and sustainable impact possible.
At the recent annual Corporate Excellence 2024 conference held in Spain, José González-Campo, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at CMI, represented Corporación Multi Inversiones on the panel discussion on Century-old Companies: Leadership, Brand and Reputation.
The meeting brought together leaders of global companies with more than 100 years of history to reflect on the keys to business longevity and sustainable impact on social and environmental arenas.
The history behind CMI’s 100 years
During his remarks, González-Campo shared how the trajectory of CMI, founded more than a century ago by Don Juan Bautista Gutiérrez in San Cristóbal Totonicapán, Guatemala, has evolved to become a multinational company with presence in 16 countries and more than 50,000 employees. “The 100-year history is also the history of many people,” he said, highlighting the key role of corporate values in the company’s consolidation.
CMI has shown that a well-defined purpose is essential to transcend generations. According to González-Campo, the mission of “creating, with family warmth, opportunities that change lives” is what unites and guides the strategy of CMI Capital and CMI Foods, our business groups.
He also stressed the importance of learning from the challenges faced along the way: “Feedback from difficult times, how we react and overcome adversity, is what defines the character of a century-old company.”
Balancing sustainability and growth
One of the central themes of the panel discussion was how companies can integrate sustainability into their business strategy. In our case, this approach is rooted in our purpose.
González-Campo explained: “We must put people and their well-being back at the center of the sustainability conversation. It is important to find the balance among growing, providing better products and services, and sustainability.”
We contribute to sustainable development through responsible investments and practices that create shared value, both for the communities where we operate and for our employees and strategic partners.
Keys to business longevity
Our participation in Corporate Excellence also highlighted key characteristics of companies that endure over time, such as a strong organizational culture, visionary leadership and a multi-stakeholder approach.
These qualities reflect our principles and demonstrate our commitment to a positive impact in the present and future.
Committed to the future
At CMI, Corporación Multi Inversiones, we believe that building a century-old corporation means much more than celebrating a long history; it is about leaving a significant mark on people, communities and the planet.
As we move forward, we reaffirm our commitment to lead with purpose and continue creating opportunities that change lives, always with a sustainable and long-term focus.
CMI is currently led by Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga as Chairman of CMI Foods, Felipe Bosch Gutiérrez as Chairman of CMI Capital and Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez, Chairman of CMI’s Board of Directors, who reaffirm their commitment to generate, with family warmth, opportunities that change lives.
