Softbank Family, Two Years Ago I Was Given the Mandate to Create A
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SoftBank Family, Two years ago I was given the mandate to create a Government Affairs department to manage the legislative, regulatory and political matters affecting Softbank and its global investments. Today, the group’s world- class leadership team brings to bear public policy and public affairs expertise that allows Government Affairs to effectively serve the entire SoftBank’s ecosystem including the SoftBank Group Corp, SoftBank Vision Fund, Softbank Group International, SoftBank Latam Fund and others. Under Ziad Ojakli’s leadership, the Government Affairs team has made many significant contributions to SoftBank, including most notably: • Facilitating regulatory approval of the Sprint-T-Mobile merger – a $195B enterprise value merger and the 7th largest stock merger in history • Implementing SoftBank’s national security policy and creating a compliance and training framework to ensure adherence and protect our investments • Obtaining CFIUS approvals on all of our investments with limited to no mitigation requirements • Providing strategic counsel and direct support to 35+ portfolio companies • Building a strong SoftBank brand with political leaders globally But arguably Ziad’s greatest achievement is the Government Affairs team that he has built. Even before Ziad joined SoftBank, he and I discussed the importance of building a high-performing team of such caliber and cohesiveness that Government Affairs would be ‘future-proofed’. I explained to Ziad that the hallmark of leadership excellence is creating a team that can predictably deliver value beyond its leader – that is the legacy of a great leader. And Ziad has executed on this leadership mission flawlessly. Ziad will be leaving SoftBank on September 22nd to begin a new chapter in his career. But before he departs, I want to thank him for his exemplary leadership and his infectious enthusiasm, which has helped to establish a strong, positive reputation for SoftBank with government officials worldwide. Bruce Andrews and Brian Conklin will co-lead Government Affairs going forward. We are promoting Bruce and Brian because we believe we already have the absolute best talent at SoftBank. As part of my current leadership team, I know Bruce and Brian to be highly capable. • Bruce will be responsible for national security/CFIUS issues and international issues including interactions with governments outside the U.S. • Brian will be responsible for U.S. government relations at the federal, state and local levels Prior to SoftBank, both served in senior positions in the U.S. government and in the private sector. These collaborative and accomplished leaders will continue to bring value to SoftBank and its portfolio companies and help SoftBank to successfully navigate a complex political landscape. Please join me in thanking Z for a job well done and wishing him well on his next endeavor. And join me in congratulating Bruce and Brian on their new roles. Marcelo CEO, SoftBank Group International COO, SoftBank Group Corp. .