HARP Seminar, presented by Dr Wasim Ahmad: "Beyond the CEO: Unveiling the Impact of Generalist CFOs on Innovation"
Date: 5th December 2023
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: IRC Seminar Room, LG01, Henley Business School WK & Microsoft Teams
Registration: Free
Presenter: Dr Wasim Ahmad, Senior Lecturer in Finance at the Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University

Event information | |
---|---|
Date | 5 December 2023 |
Time | 11:00-12:00 (Timezone: Europe/London) |
Price | Free |
Venue | Henley Business School LG01 |
Event types: |
Abstract
Prior research shows that CEO characteristics significantly affect the innovative performance of organisations. CFOs are arguably the most important corporate executives other than CEOs, yet little is known about the impact of CFOs on innovation. We examine whether the CFOs’ general managerial skills are associated with innovation. Using a large sample of Chinese listed firms between 2008 and 2020, we find a significant negative impact of generalist CFOs on corporate innovation, measured by patents, citations and R&D efficiency. However, a firm’s creative culture weakens the negative relationship between CFOs’ general ability and innovation. Our findings reveal a significant CFO effect on innovation, providing strong implications for boards when selecting CFOs.

Short Bio on Presenter: Dr Wasim Ahmad is a Senior Lecturer in Finance at the Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University. His research interests include corporate finance, private equity, corporate governance, CEO and CFO attributes, innovation, and earnings management. His research has been published in international academic journals including the Journal of Corporate Finance, British Journal of Management, European Financial Management, etc. and cited in leading outlets such as Financial Times, PE News and Institutional Investors. Wasim is an associate editor of the Journal of Sustainable Finance and Investment.
You might also like
REP Research Seminar - Presenting in person - Franziska Sielker, Professor of Urban and Regional Research at TU Wien Title: "House for All: Access to Affordable and Quality Housing for All People"
The International Coaching Federation presents on membership, credentialing and the new ACC exam - Don Whittle & Kate Jayes
REP Research Seminar - Presenting Online by Dr Ricardo Lopez from Syracuse University - Title: "Tax Constraints to Corporate Hedging".
This site uses cookies to improve your user experience. By using this site you agree to these cookies being set. You can read more about what cookies we use here. If you do not wish to accept cookies from this site please either disable cookies or refrain from using the site.