CFO Circle

Empowering CFOs to transform and perform 

Investing in human capital: The CFO’s new frontier

This IMD-EY CFO Circle briefing from Davos explores how technology and talent are reshaping value creation and evolving the role of the CFO. Download the booklet to explore insights from Microsoft, EY, and LinkedIn on CFOs’ growing ‘innovation imperative’ and how they can lead AI adoption within their organisations.

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Andreas Muth EY Lead Finance Consulting Partner and Europe West Region Lead

In recent years, the role of the CFO has evolved significantly beyond traditional financial management and reporting duties. Modern CFOs are now strategic business partners and co-pilots in their organizations, actively involved in shaping and executing business strategy. 

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Salvatore Cantale  Professor of Finance, IMD

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The IMD & EY CFO Circle is a joint initiative of the global EY organization and IMD in which we bring together CFOs on a personal invitation basis only. It provides a unique peer-to-peer engagement opportunity for CFOs to enhance their skills, broaden their perspectives, and lead their organizations with greater confidence and effectiveness. Members of the CFO Circle also have the opportunity to meet in person at the annual CFO Summit, where they share insights in a highly confidential environment. By leveraging the combined expertise of IMD’s faculty and EY experts, the Circle equips CFOs with the knowledge and insights they need to excel in their roles and drive their organizations forward.

The CFO Circle is a confidential setting where you can openly discuss challenges, share experiences, and explore new ideas. The CFO Circle:

Offers safe space for adaptation

This safe space is crucial for fostering honest dialogue and innovative thinking, enabling CFOs to adapt and thrive in their roles.

Provides an opportunity for knowledge sharing and peer connection

Participants are encouraged to share their collective knowledge and insights, facilitating peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. By connecting with other CFOs, members can exchange best practices, gain new perspectives, and build a robust professional network.

Is underpinned by academic and industry insights

The CFO Circle is underpinned by rigorous academic research and industry insights from IMD faculty and EY experts. This dual expertise ensures that participants receive cutting-edge knowledge that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications.

Enables the development of new business expertise

The Circle is dedicated to honing a new set of business expertise among CFOs. Key areas of focus include technological proficiency, strategic vision, and leadership capabilities.

Provides tailored programs and resources

The Circle offers tailored programs and resources that address the specific needs and challenges faced by CFOs. These include seminars and a wealth of research and case studies.

What’s included in your membership:

Annual CFO Summit

A prestigious, invitation-only summit specifically designed for CFOs from around the globe to come together, engage in high-level discussions, and share insights.

Virtual dialogues

Online, peer-to-peer meetings organized by the CFO Circle team to facilitate in-depth discussions on a variety of topics pertinent to your roles and industries.

Circle newsletter

A monthly email packed full of carefully curated content, offering valuable insights and thought leadership tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by CFOs.

I by IMD magazine

A premier publication from IMD, offering a wealth of first-person business intelligence, tailored for executives, leaders, and managers wanting to stay informed about the latest trends in the business world.

Thematic packages

Comprehensive content bundles provided to participants after each session encapsulating the core insights, discussions, and actionable takeaways.

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WEF Davos Breakfast

Location: Online 21 January 2026 Time: 07:30 CET

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CFO Circle Summit

Location: Lausanne 4-5 June 2026

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Virtual Dialogue

Location: Online 18 September 2026 Time: 12:00-13:30 CET

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CFO Circle Summit

Location: London 3-4 December 2026

Salvatore Cantale

Professor of Finance

Salvatore Cantale is Professor of Finance. His academic and consulting work is divided into two different but complementary streams. First, he works at the intersection between strategy, business models, and financial results. He also sheds light on the relationship between ESG and finance, with the aim of increasing the understanding of how ESG po…