WCD Board Strategy Briefing: Issue 2

Leading Through Uncertainty” was the theme of the 2014 WCD Global Institute, which convened more than 225 directors from 38 countries this spring at the JPMorgan Chase headquarters in downtown New York. Emerging from the Institute were a number of provocative ideas and insights around governance challenges as companies expand their global footprint. 

An area that captured particular interest at the Institute was the growth of “megacities” (over 10 million population) and how these entities are changing the landscape of globalization. Megacities – and their risk and opportunities – are a factor that boards must grapple with as the cities rapidly gain influence over global markets and demand more from corporations and governments alike. “The Growth and Management of Megacities” session was moderated by Nancy Calderon (United States), Global Lead Partner, KPMG LLP; Director, KPMG’s Global Delivery Center, India; and WCD Member. Panelists included: 

• Phyllis Campbell (United States), Chairman Pacific Northwest,
JPMorgan Chase; Lead Director, Alaska Air Group; Director, Nordstrom, and PATH; WCD Asia Vice Chair
• Michael Dixon (Australia and United States), General Manager, Global Smarter Cities Business, IBM
• Louise Koopman Goeser (Mexico), President and Chief Executive
Officer, Siemens Mesoamerica; Director, MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., PPL Corporation and HSBC Mexico; WCD Member
• Neera Saggi (India), Chief Executive, Larsen and Toubro Seawoods Pvt. Ltd.; President, Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI)
• Annette Schömmel, (Switzerland and Hong Kong), Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Arthesia AG; Director, Kuoni; WCD Member

In this WCD Board Strategy Briefing, presented in partnership with KPMG LLP, we highlight the big ideas coming out of the discussion – and how companies can best leverage the inevitable dominance of megacities today and in the future. 

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