Ian Sayers

Ian Sayers is a seasoned professional with a strong background in international business strategy and sustainable export value chain development.

Currently, he plays a crucial role in enhancing access to trade-related financing and investment for sustainable enterprise development in emerging and developing economies.

Ian focuses on implementing innovative financing, business, and supply chain practices to boost enterprise profitability while minimizing adverse effects on the environment.

With years of experience, Ian has made significant contributions to global development and SME financing practices through his collaborations and leadership in value chain and systems thinking.

His expertise lies in sustainable enterprise and value chain development, investment, trade and supply chain financing, strategy and market development, international business, financing for sustainable development, development economics, and business mentoring.

Ian has a proven track record of driving change across diverse cultures within multinational corporations, governments, senior management teams, entrepreneurs, and rural communities.

He is actively engaged with prominent organizations such as the World Trade Symposium, World Trade Board, WTO Trade Finance Committee, Global Trade Reviews, and MSME development working group.

Ian's community leadership includes participation in the World Economic Forum's Accelerating Sustainable Development platform, and he is a distinguished alumnus of the Skoll Foundation, Oxford Said, IMD Lausanne, Cranfield, and Newcastle Universities.

Ian's educational background features a Post Graduate Diploma in Winning International Performance and Leading International Business Growth from IMD Lausanne, Switzerland, a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Finance focusing on impact finance, development finance, and enterprise development from Oxford University's Said Business School and Skoll Foundation, and an FT MBA from Cranfield University's Cranfield School of Management.

Currently, Ian serves as the Head of Access to Finance & Enterprise Sustainability at the International Trade Centre, and he previously held the position of Head of Sector Development at the same organization.