IWD 2025 - Yetunde Ibe (Global Online MBA 2023)

Can you give us a brief overview of your career journey to date?

I spent the first 13 years of my career in the US. I started as a corporate finance analyst at Aerotek. Three years later, I joined Deloitte, managing project financials and leading finance teams supporting clients such as the World Bank, Capital One, and CVS, which developed my skills in strategic execution, operational excellence, and talent development.

This foundation paved the way for future leadership roles at Unilever, including Financial Controller for the Nigerian listed business and Africa Personal Care category Head of Finance. At BAT, I served as the Finance Director, West African market before transitioning to the UK Headquarters, where I have held multiple roles such as Regional Commercial Finance Controller for Canada, LATAM, and Sub Saharan Africa, and Group Investor Relations.

Currently, I serve as the Global Head of Commercial Finance, Digital Business Solutions (DBS) at BAT. Our DBS is the engine that keeps the lights on, integrating technology capability with our commercial strategy. It also drives efficiencies by leveraging shared service capabilities across the business. My remit involves working with my team to manage and support the function with investment prioritisation and resource allocation. I also ensure my team receives adequate support in terms of capacity building and capability development, fostering an environment that promotes quality performance while being supportive, collaborative, and inclusive in our delivery approach.

I hold an undergraduate degree in Economics with Finance from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in the US, and recently graduated from Imperial College Business School.

What does your day-to-day look like in your current role? What learnings from your MBA have you brought to your job?

My typical day involves working with my team to provide financial insights and give visibility on financial performance, helping to shape business decisions. I collaborate with various stakeholders to unlock solutions that can help us achieve our business objectives and I’m currently involved in two major transformation projects. In addition, I coach, mentor, and act as the sounding board for my team, guiding them through scenarios with their business partners. My core principle regardless of the day or situation is a solution-driven approach, focusing on doing the right thing and delivering sustainable operational efficiencies and continuous improvement.

As a senior finance professional with more than two decades working for multinational organizations across three continents, the decision to embark on a journey that takes me back to the classroom in pursuit of an MBA was not an easy one. However, when I thought about my next 5 years, I strongly believed that an academic setting that allowed me the freedom to learn, interact with people of similar mindsets, share ideas and research within an MBA program would be the right bridge to where I envisioned my future vision of scaling my all-female support platform into a full-fledged global foundation.

I’ve also benefited from Imperial's alumni support, particularly the Women Entrepreneurial Innovation hub, where I've met women leading impressive initiatives.

As we mark International Women’s Day, how can we encourage more women to pursue a career in finance?

A career in Finance offers a diverse career path from investment banking to in-house finance management. As an in-house finance professional, you gain a comprehensive understanding of how a business is managed, developing as a commercial, operational, and strategic leader. You get to collaborate across departments to drive significant impact and influence decisions that foster growth and innovation. The skills acquired are transferable across industries and even roles. Finance roles are very valuable and respected within organisations and compensation can be quite rewarding. Many women are thriving and excelling in leadership including FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 CFO roles.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing women entering the finance industry?

The finance industry has traditionally been seen as male dominated for various reasons, including technical demands and long hours which can impact work life balance. However, with the focus on Diversity & Inclusion, organisations have created an enabling environment that provide women with equitable opportunities. This shift has led to a higher percentage of women in Finance, including leadership roles. Ongoing support is needed to help more women enter and remain in finance. Continued backing will strengthen the pipeline and make finance appealing to women.

Can you tell us more about any projects and initiatives you have worked on to help address inequalities and uplift women? 

I mentioned my magic wand at the beginning…When I turned 40, I recognized the fact that I did not want my story to just be about the organizations. Reflecting on my challenges during tough times, I became passionate about championing initiatives that can help the next woman navigate the challenge of trying to balance it all.

I am passionate about paving an easier path for the woman of the future which is why I mentor a diverse group of women. As a personal project, I founded WeGrow and WeVest, two non-for-profit platforms dedicated to women's development and financial advancement. Since its inception in 2021, the all-women member group has been able to save close to $100k by simply adopting the simple, consistent concept of “little drops of water make a mighty ocean”. I get a lot of thank you but in reality, I am the one benefiting from the personal sense of purpose it gives me

Are there any (female) role models who have inspired you professionally (or personally)?

Every woman who wakes up every day and strives to be a better version of themself is an inspiration

What drew you to study at Imperial?

The flexibility of completing the program while still fully employed, Imperial’s reputation, its convenient location, and lastly, the associated cost.

You recently spoke at an alumni panel. What does it mean for you to still keep that connection with Imperial and give back your time to current students?

I see it as another opportunity to give back, helping others as they navigate this journey.

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar career path?

Your career is a journey, not a race. Embrace learning and new experiences. Take on challenges and soak in as much as you can in each role. Build an authentic network and most importantly, live in the moment and be kind to others and yourself.