Interviews
-
Board recognition, 30 September, 2019
NED Awards 2020: ‘Think strategically about how your company adapts’
Nominations for the Non-Executive Director Awards 2020 are now open. Jacqui Ferguson, a winner in 2018, says NEDs play a vital role in turbulent times.
-
Responsible investment, 25 September, 2019
PRI policy chief warns that capital markets ‘remain unsustainable’
Campaign group's head of policy and research Will Martindale says sustainability is not as deeply embedded in portfolio construction as it should be.
-
Interview: Guy Singh-Watson on employee ownership, 5 June, 2019
Cultivating trust in business: Guy Singh-Watson, Riverford
The founder of organic farm and veg box delivery firm Riverford, Guy Singh-Watson, explains what’s wrong with “testosterone-fuelled boards”, and why he believes in employee ownership and a purpose beyond profit.
-
Interview: Steve Hewitt on building a cult brand, 28 January, 2019
Fit for growth: Steve Hewitt, Gymshark
One of the fastest-growing businesses in the UK, Gymshark has become a cult brand with young keep-fit enthusiasts. CEO Steve Hewitt reveals how the company’s growth has been a “fairytale”.
-
Interview: Dr Hans-Christoph Hirt on governance, 4 October, 2018
Stewardship vanguard: Hans-Christoph Hirt, Hermes EOS
Dr Hans-Christoph Hirt, outspoken head of Hermes EOS, isn’t afraid to push the boundaries in the name of good governance and sustainability.
-
Interview: Michael Herskovich on sustainable asset management, 28 May, 2018
An asset to responsible investment: Michael Herskovich, BNP Paribas
Michael Herskovich, head of corporate governance at BNP Paribas Asset Management, tells Board Agenda how sustainability is central to its values, and why it is engaging with others to follow suit.
-
Interview: Steven Baert on corporate culture, 21 May, 2018
Culture at heart: Steven Baert, Novartis
Steven Baert, the group head of human resources at Novartis, explores the thinking behind culture change at the Swiss pharmaceuticals behemoth.
-
Interview: Jane Diplock on integrated reporting, 16 March, 2018
Paradigm shift: Jane Diplock, IIRC
Jane Diplock, one of the founders of integrated reporting and a committee chair at the International Integrated Reporting Council, believes we’re finally moving towards a new, more holistic era for capitalism — but it’s early days yet.
-
Interview: Philip Aiken on keeping an ear to the ground, 5 March, 2018
View from the chair: Philip Aiken—Balfour Beatty & Aveva
Philip Aiken, chairman of Balfour Beatty and Aveva, spends much time visiting his overseas operations—it's the best way to get first-hand feedback, he says.
-
Interview: Katharina Latif on sustainability strategy, 2 March, 2018
Core strengths: Katharina Latif, Allianz
Katharina Latif of insurance giant Allianz explains how her climate and sustainability team transitioned from the firm’s fringes to its strategic centre—and what its next steps will be.
-
Interview: Daniel Schmid on sustainable business, 24 November, 2017
Sustaining momentum: Daniel Schmid, SAP
SAP is a global trailblazer in sustainability. The German software giant’s Daniel Schmid reveals how other business leaders can follow suit.
-
Interview: David Nussbaum on sustainability, 17 November, 2017
Well connected: David Nussbaum, Drax
Sustainability guru David Nussbaum has been appointed to the board of energy giant Drax, a company that he says is already on the right path to embracing the new, more responsible business environment in which we live.
-
Interview: Robert Swannell on sustainability, 9 November, 2017
A leading role for the future: Robert Swannell, M&S
As Robert Swannell departs Marks & Spencer as chairman, he tells Board Agenda that he is optimistic about the role of M&S and wider business in a more sustainable, engaged and happy society.
-
Interview: Mark Price, former deputy chairman, John Lewis; Minister of State for Trade & Industry, 21 August, 2017
Engaging with happiness: Mark Price
Evidence is growing to show that employee engagement is fundamental in achieving sustainable, commercial success—and can be a means to address the lack of trust in business, argues Mark Price.
-
Interview: Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, 14 August, 2017
Capitalising on the corporation: Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild
Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild is committed to transforming how society sees business. The key, she says, is to take a more inclusive approach to capitalism.
-
Interview: Antony Jenkins, founder 10x Future Technologies; former CEO Barclays; Chairman, Business in the Community, 8 August, 2017
Digital optimist: Antony Jenkins
The world is going digital and fast. Former Barclays CEO Antony Jenkins, now a digital entrepreneur, argues that if we make the right choices now, technology needn’t lead us down the road to “dystopia”.
-
Interview: Alice Steenland, AXA Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, 18 July, 2017
A partner for society: Alice Steenland
Alice Steenland, AXA’s chief corporate responsibility officer, explains why responsible business matters and why the insurer aims to “empower people to live better lives”.
-
Interview: Alex Gersh, Paddy Power Betfair, Chief Financial Officer, 7 July, 2017
A fair gamble: Alex Gersh
Alex Gersh, finance director of Paddy Power Betfair, discusses the challenges of Brexit and the company merger, and states the importance of responsible corporate citizenship and board transparency.
-
Interview: Fiona Reynolds, PRI, 19 June, 2017
A matter of principle: Fiona Reynolds
Since its inception in 2006, the PRI has made inroads into ensuring that investors properly address ESG. But, there is much work to be done if it is to meet its goal of doing itself out of a job.
-
Interview: Tim Haywood, Interserve, 2 May, 2017
Integrated implementation: Tim Haywood
Interserve has become a golden example of integrated reporting. Group finance director Tim Haywood talks about the pain of implementing integrated reporting, and the need for measures of substance.