DOCSLIB.ORG

Board Europe Board Europe

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

and tactical moves made at the Battle of Waterloo Volume 22 • Number 11/12 Board Europe A NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF THE CONFERENCE BOARD IN EUROPE November/December 2007 Inside 3 The Conference Board Business Action on Climate Change names Gail Fosler President A Report of the Climate Change Forum By Marc Stegeman New Corporate Security Advisor The Conference Board Global climate change is now a generally accepted fact – a fact of science, a fact of business, and ECB Conference and a fact of daily life for a growing number of people throughout the world. A recent draft Green Paper from the European Commission stated: “The growing evidence of the cost of climate change points to one simple conclusion: we cannot afford to do nothing.” Council News 4 What practical steps can European business take to address the pressing challenges of • Corporate Communications • Corporate Governance climate change? Speakers from government, regulatory bodies, industry and NGOs came • Learning, Leadership & together on 10-11 October to discuss the way forward at a Conference Board forum hosted Organisational Development by Belgacom. • Innovation • Hungarian Finance Carbon Trading and Taxation Executives In 2005, the European Union launched the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), the first • e-Procurement international trading system for CO2 emissions in the world. Despite a rocky start, there are • Compensation & Benefits signs that the “cap & trade” approach is gaining momentum. “The great thing about the Emissions Trading Scheme and other types of cap and trade 8 CEOs’ Top 10 Challenges schemes is that it has put a price on carbon,” said Nick Robins, Head Climate Change Centre of Excellence, HSBC Holdings. “For the past 150 years we have been developing on the back of very plentiful fossil-fuel reserves without paying the environmental costs.….If carbon cost starts to be included in prices in the economy then we are going to see quite a transformation in the way that we use and consume energy.” ( ➢ 2) WWW CONFERENCE BOARD ORG . - . 1 115513_news_11_12_nov_dec_07.indd5513_news_11_12_nov_dec_07.indd 1 99/11/07/11/07 111:22:291:22:29 ( ➢ 1) Another option under consideration in Educating the Consumer emissions that have been put up into the Europe is carbon taxation, by which the Many companies are making huge efforts atmosphere over 150 years, so it really is end user pays the final tax. A carbon tax to develop environmentally responsible incumbent upon the Europeans and the would promote environmentally res- products but it is important to educate North Americans to make those changes ponsible behaviour at the consumer or the consumer to make the right choices in lifestyles and economic systems to end-user level, all the while providing for the right reasons. Procter & Gamble’s show that it is possible to have low- national governments with revenues that recent European marketing campaigns carbon affluence, so that these are then can be allocated to carbon-reduction for its laundry-detergent products, for the models that can then be adopted in programmes. example, highlight the energy that emerging markets.” consumers can save when they wash The Price Factor their clothes at lower temperatures. The It is a daunting task that requires Soaring energy prices have made campaign has been very successful, both concerted action – a partnership of efficiency a business imperative. But for P&G and for the environment. government, business and citizens. It is many companies are now finding that a up to each and every one of us to seize greener approach can do more than cut Andrew Fisk, Head of Fabric Care every opportunity to make a difference, costs. Offering environmentally res- External relations at P&G, underlined the no matter how small or incremental. ponsible products and services can also need to explain energy-saving benefits mean increased market share, improved to the consumer in language that they “If we wait for the new solutions of the brand awareness, stronger customer understand, in practical rather than future,” said Theo Walthie, Dow Chemical loyalty, and higher profits. Toyota Motor abstract terms. Like other speakers, he Senior Energy Advisor, “we won’t do Co.’s Prius hybrid car is a good example. stressed that there is no room for enough of what needs to be done today.” compromise: “You have to deliver a great General Motors Corp.’s Saab division in performance in your product and an Sweden is having similar success with the environmental benefit.” Saab 9-5 BioPower, a “flexfuel” model that can run both on petrol and ethanol A Developmental Challenge and provides substantially greater horse- China, India and the other emerging power with a smaller, more fuel-efficient markets are already feeling the impact of engine. The 9-5 BioPower is now the No 1 climate change, and they now see this environmental car in Sweden, and GM is issue as a fundamental part of their currently looking at ways to further future economic growth. As they develop capitalize on this technology in its other their climate change strategies, Europe markets. “The trick is not to compromise and North America still have a clear on performance,” said Kjell Bergström, guiding role to play. President and CEO of General Motors Powertrain – Sweden AB. “You have to “Climate change is a problem of stock,” Emmanuel Raskin, Senior Environment offer attractive products.” says Nick Robins. “It’s a problem of Manager, Belgacom, welcomes participants. Climate Change Forum participants. Emmanuel Raskin and Concetta Fagard of Belgacom and Barbara Reno of The Conference Board open the forum. 2 115513_news_11_12_nov_dec_07.indd5513_news_11_12_nov_dec_07.indd 2 99/11/07/11/07 111:22:321:22:32 The Conference Board names Gail Fosler President Gail D. Fosler has been named President key European and pan-Asian markets, of The Conference Board. The including China. Until her successor is appointment was announced by Jonathan named, she will continue as Chief Spector, President and CEO of The Economist. She will extend her Conference Board. Under the new responsibilities to the full scope of The structure, Fosler will report to Spector in Conference Board's knowledge creation his role as Chief Executive Officer. and will also lead the expansion and integration of the organisation's global The Conference Board. Her focus on Gail Fosler, who has served The presence. engaging the most senior executives Conference Board in a number of around the world on substantive issues capacities over the past 18 years, most Said Spector: "Since joining us 18 years makes her extremely well qualified to recently as Executive Vice President and ago, and in the short time I have been help lead us forward as we try to take The Chief Economist, will remain in charge of here, Gail has been an invaluable thought Conference Board to the next level of the organisation's global operations in partner in setting the future direction of performance." New Corporate Security Advisor Economics Conference How safe is your company from a with the European Central Bank and Banque de France terrorist attack? If a major crisis were to occur, would your company The Creation of Economic and Corporate be sufficiently prepared? Would it still be able to do business? Have Wealth in a Dynamic Economy your people been properly trained to identify risks at work, when Frankfurt, 16-17 January 2008 travelling or in their personal lives? Are any of the company’s facilities The Conference Board will join forces with the European especially vulnerable? What about Central Bank and Banque de France to present a high-level the corporate headquarters? conference on wealth creation in a dynamic economy. To help answer such questions, Session topics include: Crispin Black MBE, Director, Corporate The Conference Board Europe • The economic policy environment: market structure Security Network has appointed Crispin Black MBE and productivity growth as Senior Advisor, Corporate • The role of financial markets in economic growth Security. A well-known • Facing the challenges of innovation and globalisation independent intelligence analyst • The creation of economic and corporate wealth in and expert in terrorism, with a distinguished background in the euro area the British army and intelligence services, Crispin will be Among the confirmed speakers are: Jean Claude Trichet, presenting in-house briefings for member companies, and Governor of the European Central Bank; José Manuel Barroso, will establish a Corporate Security Network as a private President of the European Commission; Josef Ackermann, forum for research and confidential exchange on critical Trustee of The Conference Board, Chairman of the security issues. Management Board and the Group Executive Committee, Deutsche Bank; Gail Fosler, President and Chief Economist, During a webcast in September, Crispin Black elaborated on The Conference Board; and Martin Wolf CBE, Associate what business executives need to know about terrorism and Editor and Chief Economics Commentator, The Financial how they can prepare for a terrorist attack. He explained that Times. there is no need to spend vast amounts of money on security. Companies can make realistic, cost-effective responses to There will be a limited number of places for Associate the current uncertain security situation. companies. To receive a full agenda and apply for a place, contact Andrew Tank, Executive Director for European For more information, please contact Keith Holland, Senior Research and Communications, The Conference Board, Regional Director, The Conference Board Europe: keith. [email protected], [email protected], tel. +44 207 355 5039 tel. +32 2 675 5405 3 115513_news_11_12_nov_dec_07.indd5513_news_11_12_nov_dec_07.indd 3 99/11/07/11/07 111:22:351:22:35 Council News Corporate Communications Social Media – Changing the Landscape of Corporate Communications Zurich, 19-20 September Social media is the term used to internally. Sebastian Drews of IBM encompass the technology and Switzerland and Andreas Parchmann of practices people use to share thoughts, Philips demonstrated how collaborative opinion, information and perspectives techniques such as blogs, forums and online.
Recommended publications
  • Supervisory Board Members

    Supervisory Board Members

    190 positions held by supervisory board members Supervisory Board Karl-Hermann Baumann, Rolf Dittmar Albrecht Schmidt, Dr. jur. Members whose term of office Dr.rer.oec. Member of the Works Council, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, expired on January 23, 2003: Chairman Munich/Perlach facility, Siemens AG Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank Date of birth: 7/22/35 Date of birth: 10/25/43 AG Rolf-E. Breuer, Dr. jur. First elected: 2/19/98 First elected: 1/23/03 Date of birth: 3/13/38 Second Deputy Chairman First elected: 3/11/93 Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Additional positions Bertin Eichler Deutsche Bank AG German Supervisory Board positions: Additional positions Executive Member of the Board of Date of birth: 11/3/37 Deutsche Bank AG, Frankfurt/Main German Supervisory Board positions: Management, Finance, IG Metall First elected: 2/19/98 E.ON AG, Düsseldorf HVB Real Estate Bank AG, Munich Linde AG, Wiesbaden Date of birth: 8/27/52 (Chairman until 9/30/03) Additional positions First elected: 11/13/96 Schering AG, Berlin Münchener Rückversicherungs- German Supervisory Board positions: ThyssenKrupp AG, Düsseldorf Additional positions Gesellschaft AG, Munich Bertelsmann AG, Gütersloh Wilhelm von Finck AG, Grasbrunn German Supervisory Board positions: Deutsche Bank AG, Frankfurt/Main Allgemeine Deutsche Henning Schulte-Noelle, Dr.jur. (Chairman) Ralf Heckmann Direktbank AG, Frankfurt/Main Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Deutsche Börse AG, Frankfurt/Main First Deputy Chairman BGAG Beteiligungsgesellschaft der Allianz AG (Chairman) Chairman of the Central Works Gewerkschaften AG, Date of birth: 8/26/42 E.ON AG, Düsseldorf Council, Siemens AG Frankfurt/Main (Chairman) First elected: 2/13/97 Comparable positions outside BauBeCon Holding AG, Hanover Germany: Date of birth: 7/19/49 Additional positions First elected: 3/24/88 BHW Holding AG, Hameln Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A., German Supervisory Board positions: France E.ON AG, Düsseldorf Josef Ackermann, Dr.
  • Job Satisfaction 2017 EDITION CHARTBOOK

    Job Satisfaction 2017 EDITION CHARTBOOK

    Job Satisfaction 2017 EDITION CHARTBOOK MORE OPPORTUNITY AND JOB SATISFACTION IN A TIGHTER LABOR MARKET Job Satisfaction 2017 Edition Chartbook More Opportunity and Job Satisfaction in a Tighter Labor Market by Michelle Kan; Gad Levanon, PhD; Allen Li; and Rebecca L. Ray, PhD Methodology The Conference Board Job Satisfaction survey is a barometer of satisfaction from the perspective of US workers. Survey results are based on workers’ perceptions of their current role and their workplace environment. The Job Satisfaction survey questions are asked as part of the Consumer Confidence Survey®. In 1967, The Conference Board began the Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS) as a mail survey conducted every two months; in June 1977, the CCS began monthly collection and publication. The CCS has maintained consistent concepts, definitions, questions, and mail survey operations since its inception. As of February 2011, The Conference Board changed survey providers from TNS to The Nielsen Company for ongoing CCS operational support. Nielsen uses a mail survey specifically designed for the Consumer Confidence Survey. In addition, to improve the accuracy of the estimates and ensure the proportionate representation of these categories in the estimates, the CCS uses a post-stratification weighting structure. The Job Satisfaction questions are based on a 5-point scale ranging from “least satisfied” to “most satisfied” and have remained consistent over time. However, with the addition of post-stratification weighting and a qualifying question that was included after 2011, the historical trend of the series may not be fully comparable. Top Four Findings Examining annual job satisfaction continues to provide useful insights into US employees’ sentiments about work and offers interesting insights into the national labor market and macroeconomic trends.
  • New Deutsche Bank Crisis Puts 2016 Larouche Plan Back on the Table by Paul Gallagher

    New Deutsche Bank Crisis Puts 2016 Larouche Plan Back on the Table by Paul Gallagher

    New Deutsche Bank Crisis Puts 2016 LaRouche Plan Back on the Table by Paul Gallagher. May 27—The increasingly perilous state of Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest bank—and still likely having the largest exposure to financial derivatives contracts of any bank in the world—has created a stark choice for Germany and Europe. Create the conditions for a dra- matic expansion of industrial lending and infrastructure-project credit, in which a Deutsche Bank can flourish if reorganized in the direction its board says it now urgently wants. Or, see the giant bank fail soon, sending shock waves throughout the trans-Atlantic banking systems. cc/Markus Bernet That puts a spotlight back on the proposal to Deutsche Bank Towers, Frankfurt am Main, save Deutsche Bank made to the German gov- Germany. ernment in July 2016 by Lyndon LaRouche and Helga Zepp-LaRouche (republished below). John Cryan, recently And with Chancellor Merkel now visiting Bei- fired Deutsche Bank CEO. He brought to jing, there is a second spotlight on China’s Belt Deutsche Bank the and Road Initiative of great infrastructure proj- disastrous speculative ects, which can help create exactly the condi- policies of Warburg tions demanded above, if Germany joins in it. Bank, UBS and the giant British conglomerate of The current trampling on Italian voters’ right hedge funds called the to elect a majority government, because that CC/Gregor Fischer Mann Group. government angers the City of London, Wall Street, and the European Central Bank, is also involved divest the bank’s investment banking divisions, the in this banking crisis, as we will see.
  • Supervisory Board Members

    Supervisory Board Members

    318 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Positions held by Supervisory Board members Supervisory Board Heinrich v. Pierer, Lothar Adler* Berthold Huber* Albrecht Schmidt, Prof. Dr. jur., Dr.-Ing. E. h. Chairman of the Combine Works Chairman, IG Metall Dr. jur., Dr. oec. publ. h. c. (until April 25, 2007) Council, Siemens AG Date of birth: February 15, 1950 Retired bank director Chairman Date of birth: February 22, 1949 Member since: July 1, 2004 Date of birth: March 13, 1938 Member since: January 23, 2003 Date of birth: January 26, 1941 External positions Member since: March 11, 1993 Member since: January 27, 2005 External positions Gerhard Bieletzki* German supervisory board positions: External positions (on April 25, 2007) Audi AG, Ingolstadt German supervisory board positions: Chairman of the Works Council German supervisory board positions: Münchener Rückversicherungs- of Siemens VDO Automotive AG, Deutsche Bank AG, Frankfurt/Main Walter Kröll, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Gesellschaft AG, Munich Dortmund Hochtief AG, Essen Consultant Thyssen’sche Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H., Münchener Rückversicherungs- Date of birth: May 16, 1947 Mülheim/Ruhr Member since: January 23, 2003 Date of birth: May 30, 1938 Gesellschaft AG, Munich Member since: January 23, 2003 ThyssenKrupp AG, Düsseldorf Henning Schulte-Noelle, Dr. jur. John David Coombe External positions Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Chartered Accountant (FCA) German supervisory board positions: Allianz SE MTU Aero Engines GmbH, Munich Gerhard Cromme, Dr. jur. Date of birth: March 17, 1945 Date of birth: August 26, 1942 Wincor Nixdorf AG, Paderborn Chairman (since April 25, 2007) Member since: January 23, 2003 Member since: February 13, 1997 Date of birth: February 25, 1943 External positions Michael Mirow, Prof.
  • CED Brochure

    CED Brochure

    Committee for Economic Development Reasoned Solutions from Business in the Nation’s Interest The Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board (CED) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, business-led public policy organization that delivers well-researched analysis and reasoned solutions to our nation’s most critical issues. CED’s work is grounded on seven core principles: sustainable capitalism, long-term economic growth, efficient fiscal and regulatory policy, competitive and open markets, a globally competitive workforce, equal economic opportunity, and nonpartisanship in the nation’s interest. CED’s research falls under four issue areas: fiscal health, education, global competitiveness, and democratic institutions. A Distinguished History The Committee for Economic Development was CED’s membership structure offers business leaders an founded in 1942 during World War II by a group of opportunity to impact public policy in numerous areas business leaders who were concerned about the future and through multiple platforms, including: formulating of the global economy. policies that are derived from rigorous research; CED’s work in those first few years led to great policy briefing lawmakers about the need for sound policies; accomplishments, including the Bretton Woods and raising issue awareness by participating in events Agreement, establishing both the World Bank and and media interviews across the U.S. International Monetary Fund, and the Marshall Plan, the economic development program that helped rebuild Europe. In recent decades, CED has made significant contributions across its portfolio, including increasing access to pre-kindergarten and college, advancing campaign finance reform nationwide, placing more women in corporate leadership, and reducing government spending. Today, CED continues to have an impact through its trusted research and advocacy.
  • Asia Council On

    Asia Council On

    Asia Council on Business Conduct The Asia Council on Business Conduct provides an exclusive network for the candid discussion of the key ethics, governance, and business practice issues confronting corporations at home and in host countries. Council members exchange views on areas of common concern, including how to develop effective compliance systems, balance stakeholder interests, and articulate the core principles of corporate governance. The Council Program Conference Board Councils are exclusive, cross-industry groups comprised of both local companies and MNCs that meet in person 2–3 times a year for a day and a half to share knowledge and discuss emerging business trends. Council members benchmark with peers and can take advantage of council resources online through our Members Only Web site. Each council has its own Web site, with links to partner councils, which provides council members with even greater access to our global network of executives. Membership Requirements Meetings per year: 2 Council Representative Poonam Barua Members must be the senior execu- [email protected] tive—chief executive officer, chief (91) 11 2689 8869 financial officer, Board director, Jed Luksin legal counselor, ethics officer, or [email protected] (1) 212 339 0208 senior manager—responsible for devel- www.conference-board.org oping internal ethics policies and compliance systems and for articulat- ing their company’s core “values” to A Partial List of Represented external constituencies, stakeholders, Companies and
  • The Conference Board

    The Conference Board

    THE BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK THE CONFERENCE BOARD newsletter summer 2002 Sharon Patrick on the Conference Board Strategic Model of Martha Forms Blue-Ribbon Governance Group Stewart Living Omnimedia The Conference Board’s newly-formed Com- mission on Public Trust and Private Enter- prise has begun to examine critical corporate Sharon Patrick is President and Chief governance issues and will issue its first Operating Officer of Martha Stewart report and recommendations this fall. Living Omnimedia Inc. The creator of The co-chairs of this blue-ribbon group MSLO’s “Omni” business model and a are Peter G. Peterson, Chairman of The major force in the profitable growth of Blackstone Group and Chairman of the Fed- the company, Patrick is responsible for eral Reserve Bank of New York, and John the company’s strategic development W. Snow, Chairman of CSX and former and transactions, and runs MSLO’s S Chairman of the Business Roundtable. day-to-day business operations. “Misconduct by highly visible corpora- A Trustee of The Conference Board, tions is eroding shareholder value for all cor- Patrick was Martha Stewart’s consultant porations and public confidence in critical beginning in 1993, a founding partner of elements of our economic system,” they MSLO with Stewart in 1996, and declared. assumed her current position in 1997. The Conference Board’s long-standing She received an MBA from the Harvard Sharon Patrick Business School, and a bachelor’s degree reputation for independent fact-finding and in history from Stanford University. She the experience, accomplishments, and rep- was interviewed by Randall Poe in The Q.
  • The Conference Board

    The Conference Board

    THE BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK THE CONFERENCE BOARD newsletter F a l l 2 0 01 Fidelity’s Pozen Examines Tony Blair Briefs Conference Board Threats to Economic Growth Members in London British Prime Minister Tony Blair briefed Conference Board Trustees, and chairmen and chief executives of FT 500 companies, at a special Conference Board meeting in obert Pozen is Vice Chairman of Fidelity London. The Prime Minister was welcomed Investments. Formerly president of by Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge, Chair- Fidelity Management & Research Com- man of British Airways Plc and Chairman of pany—Fidelity’s investment advisor for its The Conference Board’s Board of Trustees. nearly $1 trillion in mutual funds—Mr. Lord Marshall organized a series of events Pozen is a member of the President’s for the gathering, which included Conference RCommission to Strengthen Social Secu- Board Trustees and CEOs of U.K. member rity and a Trustee of The Conference companies. The program featured a boat jour- Board. His book, The Mutual Fund Busi- ney up the Thames, culminating at the Tower ness, is widely used in business schools. of London with the “Ceremony of the Keys” and a private viewing of the Crown Jewels. In this interview (conducted prior to the Robert Pozen events of September 11, 2001), Pozen con- siders current threats—and positive impulses—to business growth. In this envi- ronment, says Pozen—who also offers a look Growing Clout for ahead for mutual funds—The Conference Board is a vital resource for business lead- Global Investors ers around the globe. As corporations around the world become What are the major threats to U.S.
  • CSR Report 2008

    CSR Report 2008

    Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2008 Our Goals for 2009 Building Social Capital CSR Report 2008 To introduce the Sustainability Management System in the growth regions Deutsche Bank regards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an investment in Asia, South America, and the Middle East society and in its own future. Our goal as a responsible corporate citizen is to create social capital. We leverage our core competencies in five areas of activity. To continue pressing ahead with climate-friendly activities, with the aim of Our Identity. Sustainability: An integral part of all Deutsche Bank activities – in our core business making all business processes totally CO2-neutral from 2013 onwards We are a leading global investment bank with a and beyond – is being responsible to our shareholders, clients, employees, society, To expand the educational initiatives for intercultural understanding, with strong and profitable private clients franchise. Our and the environment. the aim of increasing equality of opportunity and promoting integration businesses are mutually reinforcing. A leader in Germany and Europe, we are powerful and growing Corporate Volunteering: A growing number of our employees are committed To step up our commitment to helping children and AIDS orphans in in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. to civic leadership and responsibility – with the support and encouragement of developing and emerging countries and to strengthen our collaboration Deutsche Bank. with SOS Children‘s Villages in our German home market Our Mission. We compete to be the leading global provider of Social Investments: We create opportunities for people and communities. We help financial solutions for demanding clients creating To increase the Corporate Volunteering rate still further and extend paid Building Social Capital them overcome unemployment and poverty, and shape their own futures.
  • The Conference Board Newsletter Is Written and Edited by Randall Poe, Carol Courter, and Sandra Lester

    The Conference Board Newsletter Is Written and Edited by Randall Poe, Carol Courter, and Sandra Lester

    THE CONFERENCE BOARD newsletter Winter 2003 The Conference Board Conference Board Forms Directors’ Blue-Ribbon Commission Institute The Conference Board has formed the Calls for Major Reforms Directors’ Institute to provide broad-based education for corporate directors. Endorsed by The Commission on Public Trust and Pri- vate Enterprise, the new Institute offers briefings on key governance issues and pro- vides high-level networking opportunities for directors of major companies. The comprehensive programs will include sessions on compliance, liability and ethics, as well as auditing and compensation issues. Most importantly, it will allow directors to share best practices with their peers. Further information: Diane Insolia, Global Corporate Governance Research Center, 212 339 0392 Members of The Conference Board Commission on Public Trust and Private Enterprise at a press briefing in New York. A Call to Tighten Port Security The Conference Board blue-ribbon In a move to restore investor confidence More than 85 business and government lead- Commission on Public Trust and Private and improve corporate governance, the ers met in Washington D.C. to examine pos- Enterprise has called on companies to seri- Commission also recommended that audit- sible terrorist threats to America’s ports. ously consider separating the offices of ing firms confine their activities to auditing. Co-sponsored by The Conference Board chairman of the board and CEO. “The Commission recommends against pub- and Booz Allen Hamilton, the group learned “The roles of the chairman and CEO lic audit firms performing services that put that a “dirty bomb” attack through Amer- should be performed by two separate indi- them in an advocacy position, such as prof- ica’s port system could cost business more viduals,” concludes the Commission’s final fering novel and debatable tax strategies and than $58 billion and have a crippling impact report.
  • The Confernce Board Newsletter Fall 2002

    The Confernce Board Newsletter Fall 2002

    THE CONFERENCE BOARD newsletter Fall 2002 Charles R. Shoemate on the Mario Monti Briefs Challenges Facing Business The Conference Board Mario Monti, European Commissioner for Competition, gave The Conference Board’s and Restoring Public Trust Board of Trustees a timely update on economic and legal relationships between the United States and Europe. Charles R. Shoemate was Chairman, He explored a wide range of issues, from President and CEO of Bestfoods until it was how to deal with illegal cartels and mergers acquired by Unilever in 2000. He became to liberalizing trade. Monti said that jurisdic- an advisory director in 2001. He is a tions in Europe and the United States are Director of Cigna Corporation, International working closely together and reach agreement Paper Company, Texaco Inc. and is a on the vast majority of cases before them. former Chairman of the Board of Trustees Cat The Conference Board. Q: What is the greatest single challenge facing business? What are the barriers Charles R. Shoemate to success? Shoemate: The single greatest business challenge is to maintain worldwide eco- open markets, can produce sustainable eco- nomic liberalization and growth. nomic growth and improvement in the well Mario Monti (center), Commissioner, Competition Directorate-General, European Commission, at In the short term, the barriers are the dis- being of all that participate in the “system.” The Conference Board’s Trustees Meeting in Europe. trust and the crises of confidence in the busi- The barriers to success are in some ways ness establishment that have resulted from inherent in the strengths of the system. Per- the high-profile failures in a few large U.S.
  • The Conference Board

    The Conference Board

    THE BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK THE CONFERENCE BOARD newsletter spring 2002 A.P. Moller/Maersk: The Drive to Make Dealing with a Sluggish Boards More Effective The collapse of Enron is spurring many com- World Economy panies to re-examine their board management systems. A new Conference Board report, available online, provides a valuable check- list of do’s and don’ts in making board A.P. Moller/Maersk,headquartered in Copenhagen, is a leading global shipping firm. The company is processes more effective. also engaged in a multitude of other businesses, The report urges corporate directors, who including the exploration and production of oil and no longer enjoy broad legal protection, to ques- gas, shipbuilding, aviation, supermarkets, and infor- tion management when “red flags” appear and mation technology services. The company has more than 60,000 employees in some 100 coun- even when they sense that serious problems tries operating a fleet of about 250 vessels. are developing. “The first response is to blame Most well-known is A.P. Moller’s shipping arm, the accountants. But the accountants don’t AMaersk Sealand, the world’s leading containerline act in isolation. It takes a board, management, with a network of services connecting all six con- legal counsel and a host of others to create tinents and more than 20,000 port calls per year. The following is a conversation with leaders of some of these spectacular failures of corpo- this remarkable firm. Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller is rate governance.” Chairman of the Board of the firms comprising The Conference Board report presents a Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller the nucleus of the A.P.