POSLOVNI FM PREDSTAVLJA Mario Carini

Guest Mario CariniHosted by Boris ŽivkovićMay 3, 2026

Mario Carini

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

Mario Carini, CEO and Chairman of Generali Insurance, offers a perspective on how a global financial institution sees its role in shaping the future of European small and medium enterprises. Generali's SME Enterprise initiative, now in its second edition and introduced to Croatia, aims to embed sustainable practices not just as a trend, but as a core business principle for companies that form the backbone of the European economy. The conversation explores how a large insurer moves beyond mere compliance, actively enabling and championing this shift among its clients. Readers will consider what it means for even the smallest businesses to integrate long-term environmental and social responsibility, and how a global corporation can genuinely foster that change.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

Generali launched its SME Enterprise initiative on its 190th anniversary. A company that has thrived for two centuries understands that its next era is built by the health and principles of its wider ecosystem, using history as a launchpad for future operating standards.

Mario Carini notes that European small and medium enterprises provide two out of every three jobs. When the majority of the workforce depends on these businesses, their adoption of sustainable practices isn't just an ethical choice; it becomes a fundamental driver of macroeconomic stability and progress.

The SME Enterprise competition in Croatia received over 110 applications in its first year, exceeding Generali's expectations. This unexpected volume of interest signals that the market is already ahead of institutions in recognizing the competitive value of sustainability, not just as a compliance burden, but as a path to market advantage.

Generali's 'White Paper' on SME sustainability was developed with a network of universities across eight EU countries, analyzing over three thousand sources. To genuinely guide a new market behavior, you don't just launch an award; you invest in a comprehensive, evidence-based research framework that provides practical direction for businesses to follow.

While specific winners are crowned 'Heroes of Sustainability,' Carini extends the title to *every* SME that applied, building its competitiveness on sustainable ideas. The real goal of such a recognition program isn't just to select a few; it's to validate and encourage the broader cohort of businesses already integrating responsible practices into their core operations.

Carini states that sustainability is 'definitely a reality' for companies, citing Generali's own 'Lifetime Partner 24' strategic plan as an example. For large corporations, sustainability isn't an optional add-on; it is the core decision-making framework that shapes every strategic choice, from investments to operational policies.

Generali's commitment to sustainability includes a comprehensive climate strategy, green investments, and a plan to divest from thermal coal in certain sectors. A company's pledge to sustainability is measured not by its stated goals, but by concrete, multi-faceted actions across its investment and operational arms.

In Croatia, Generali partners with the 'Rastimo zajedno' center, supporting 2,000 parents and 1,200 children facing challenging circumstances. Community support moves beyond general philanthropy when it involves targeted programs that address specific vulnerabilities and enable a tangible, long-term positive effect on families.

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