Q&A with
Ayla Majid

Ayla Majid completed a Law LLB at the University of London in 2008. In 2015, she was honoured as a Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum. She is the founder and CEO of Planetive Middle East and Planetive Pakistan. She is also president of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

In this Q&A , Ayla tells us about some highlights and challenges in her career so far, her time at the University of London and about her excitement about the launch of the BSc Professional Accountancy - a new University of London degree created in partnership with ACCA.

Can you tell us more about your work as founder and CEO of Planetive Middle East and Planetive Pakistan?

Planetive was established with the recognition that climate, technology, and finance must converge if we are to address the pressing challenges of energy transition and decarbonisation. Through our offices in the UAE and Pakistan, we operate at this intersection, supporting organisations in building credible pathways toward a low-carbon future.

Our work spans a wide range of sectors- from financial institutions, Oil & Gas industries, heavy industry to agriculture, and technology. While the contexts vary, the central challenge remains consistent: to reduce emissions and strengthen resilience while continuing to create long-term value.

We operate as a strategy‑to‑execution firm by working closely with boards and leadership teams to design decarbonisation and resilience strategies that are aligned with regulatory requirements, investor expectations, and corporate priorities.

In addition to advisory work, we originate and develop projects that directly contribute to emission reduction. These include initiatives in carbon capture, methane abatement, industrial efficiency, and renewable integration, along with providing agri-based services to generate credible climate benefits and build resilience across value chains.

Technology is a key enabler of the energy transition in today’s world. The scale and complexity of decarbonisation require more than traditional approaches; they demand the ability to capture, analyse, and act upon vast amounts of data with accuracy and speed. From digital tools to sustainability platforms, we recognise the need for actionable intelligence, therefore enabling organisations to move from broad ambitions to measurable outcomes, supported by clear metrics, benchmarks, and evidence-based reporting.

Ultimately, our goal for Planetive is simple - to enable organisations to transition and decarbonise in a way that adds long-term value for them.

You have broken many barriers in your career, such as becoming the first female to sit on the board of any stock exchange in Pakistan. How important is it that women have opportunities to take on these leadership roles?

I believe that every time a woman steps into a leadership role, she holds the door open for many more to follow. As the first woman to not only sit on the board of any stock exchange in Pakistan but also chair multiple boards, I see this not just as a personal milestone but as a shared moment for countless individuals around the world, especially in underrepresented regions. Leadership doesn’t come in one shape, and it certainly isn’t limited by geography or gender.

The importance of women in leadership extends far beyond symbolic representation. Research consistently reinforces the tangible business value of diversity. McKinsey reports that companies with more women in senior leadership outperform their peers, particularly in profitability. Organisations with over 30% female representation on executive teams are markedly more likely to achieve financial outperformance than those with less representation. Likewise, companies in the top quartile for board gender diversity are 27% more likely to deliver stronger financial results than those in the bottom quartile.

These findings make a clear case: inclusion at the top is not only the right thing to do, rather provides a strategic advantage.

Beyond the numbers, women in leadership challenge traditional norms, expand perspectives, and drive more inclusive decision-making. Promoting women into leadership roles is not merely about fairness, rather about building stronger, more resilient institutions and societies. When women lead, they contribute to dismantling systemic barriers and to shaping organisations that are more equitable, forward-looking, and better prepared to navigate complexity. As well, diverse leadership teams foster innovation, create cultures where employees feel engaged and valued, and inspire future leaders, signaling that capability, vision, and resilience define leadership.

If my presence in leadership helps even one woman envision herself at the decision-making table, then that is leadership with purpose. A leadership that multiplies its impact well beyond the individual.

You also made history as the first Pakistani and South Asian to be appointed president of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). What have been your highlights so far in the role?

Serving as the first South Asian president of ACCA has been a fulfilling opportunity marked by many significant milestones.

One of the most enriching aspects has been engaging with our diverse global leaders, which has provided me with invaluable insights into the distinct challenges and opportunities faced by finance professionals across various regions and industries.

Throughout my tenure, I have been deeply involved in championing the vital role of the accounting profession in driving economic growth and transparency worldwide. I have actively advocated for the continuous professional development of our members, emphasising the need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business environment shaped by technological advancements and shifting regulatory frameworks. Ensuring that ACCA qualifications remain rigorous, relevant, and adaptable has been a top priority, enabling our members to meet the demands of the future with confidence and competence.

Moreover, witnessing our members’ successes and their meaningful contributions to their organisations and communities has been incredibly inspiring. It reaffirms the importance of ACCA’s mission and motivates me to continue promoting excellence, integrity, and innovation within the profession.

Overall, this leadership role has not only been an honour but also an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the global accounting landscape.

What are ACCA’s goals with regards to sustainability?

At ACCA, we believe that finance professionals play a crucial role in driving sustainable outcomes for economies, businesses, and societies. We are committed to being a driving force for change—because a sustainable future depends on the actions we take today.

ACCA is strengthening its qualifications to prepare professionals for the future of finance—where sustainability and climate action are central. Core modules like Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and Advanced Performance Management (APM) now embed critical themes such as climate risk, ESG reporting, and sustainable strategy , equipping learners to think like boardroom leaders, integrating ethical and sustainable decision-making into long-term planning, and measuring both financial and non-financial data to drive sustainable outcomes.

In addition, ACCA offers a growing portfolio of specialised learning, including the Certificate in Sustainability for Finance (Cert SF), the Diploma in Sustainability, and the micro-learning series Finance and the Net Zero Transition. These programmes go beyond technical skills, providing tools to understand climate science, manage sustainability-related risks, and deliver meaningful impact.

Our goal is to equip members and future professionals with the knowledge, skills, and ethical mindset needed to lead on issues such as climate risk, sustainable finance, transparency, and social responsibility. Sustainability is not just a focus—it is a fundamental responsibility.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?

I’ve always seen challenges not as roadblocks, but as catalysts, moments that test your resolve, deepen your purpose, and shape your leadership. Throughout my journey, particularly in sectors like finance, energy, and infrastructure, which have historically been male-dominated, I’ve often found myself being the only woman in the room, and at times, the youngest voice at the table.

One of the most defining challenges has been navigating complex, evolving regulatory environments across emerging markets. Leading initiatives, especially in areas like energy transition and sustainable infrastructure, requires more than technical knowledge; it calls for a nuanced understanding of global sustainability frameworks, local governance, and the human dimensions of development.

What has helped me most is a commitment to lifelong learning and a clear sense of purpose. I’ve found strength in aligning my work with broader systemic change, whether it’s pushing for inclusive policies, supporting young professionals, or building cross-sectoral collaborations.

Every challenge has reinforced my belief that leadership is about creating space for others while staying grounded in your values. That’s how we not only overcome barriers but help remove them altogether for those who come after us.

What have been the most rewarding moments of your career so far?

Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to experience many rewarding moments that have profoundly impacted my journey. A few stand out, affirming my passion and showcasing the deep connections we can create in our field. Each of these experiences has enriched my perspective and strengthened my commitment to growth and contribution.

Being elected as the Global President of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has been both an honour and a powerful milestone, not just personally, but symbolically as the first South Asian to hold this position. It’s a reflection of how far we’ve come in recognizing diverse leadership on a global stage.

Another particularly fulfilling moment has been founding Planetive, through which I’ve been able to lead innovative projects that support energy transition, decarbonisation, and sustainable infrastructure in emerging markets. These efforts directly contribute to climate action and the development of resilient economies, goals that are close to my heart.

Serving on global platforms such as the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Energy Transition and the Clean Energy Investment Taskforce has been deeply meaningful, allowing me to help shape critical conversations on sustainability and climate resilience. My experiences as a Young Global Leader and Eisenhower Fellow have further broadened my perspective and strengthened my commitment to inclusive, purpose-driven leadership on a global scale.

But perhaps the most enduring source of fulfilment comes from mentoring the next generation of leaders, especially women, and helping to unlock opportunities that might have once seemed out of reach. Seeing others rise and create impact gives me tremendous hope for the future.

You studied an LLB with the University of London, graduating in 2008. What impact did your studies have on you professionally and personally?

Pursuing my LLB with the University of London was a pivotal chapter in shaping both my professional trajectory and personal outlook. The program sharpened my legal reasoning, analytical clarity, and ability to structure complex arguments—skills that have been central to my career. Whether it is structuring large-scale projects, navigating regulatory and policy frameworks, or engaging in board governance across diverse sectors, my legal training has provided the foundation to operate with rigor, discipline, and confidence.

What made the experience especially meaningful was its global perspective. It highlighted how law intersects with economics, policy, and sustainability—an intersection that defines much of my work today. The ability to interpret frameworks, assess risks, and translate abstract principles into actionable strategies is, in many ways, the essence of what I do in driving transition and resilience across industries.

On a personal level, the flexibility of the program taught me how to manage competing priorities with persistence and purpose. Balancing academic study alongside professional and family responsibilities reinforced my belief that women can excel in demanding environments when given the right opportunities and support. That lesson continues to guide me in my leadership journey and in advocating for more inclusive pathways for others. It was also an early affirmation that with the right mindset and support system, women can excel in any field, even when the odds are stacked against them.

We are delighted that ACCA are working with us to launch the new BSc Professional Accountancy, how do you think this will help students fast-track their careers?

I am genuinely excited about the launch of the new BSc Professional Accountancy. This is a game-changer for aspiring finance professionals!

Partnering with the University of London on this initiative is incredibly close to my heart, especially because it combines two things I deeply believe in: access to quality education and preparation for the future of work. This programme is designed with the realities of today's fast-paced, interconnected world in mind. It blends academic excellence with professional relevance, allowing students to gain a globally respected degree while working toward their ACCA qualification at the same time. That’s not just efficient, it’s empowering.

What makes it even more powerful is the flexibility it offers. Whether you're studying from a major city or a remote community, this degree gives you access to the same world-class curriculum and learning experience. It helps students fast-track their careers without compromising on depth or rigor, and that’s exactly what today’s world demands: agility, insight, and purpose.

I truly believe this programme will unlock doors for countless young professionals around the world. It equips them not just with credentials, but with the mindset to lead, to innovate, and to make an impact, whether in business, government, or sustainability. This isn’t just a degree, it’s a launchpad.

Image: Ayla Majid speaking at the University of London alumni event in Islamabad in April 2025.