Issue 4 2024 Featuring:
Welcome to the April 2024 issue of CEO Monthly. As always, CEO Monthly is dedicated to providing the latest news and features across the business world to our readership. By sharing knowledge, insights, expertise, and success stories from around the globe, we aim to inspire individuals and promote positivity in a world that is in a constant state of evolution. No matter the size of the business or the industry in which it is nestled, strong leadership is of utmost importance. Not only taking past experiences into account, but also looking towards the future with optimism and logic, our featured CEOs truly inspire and set the bar high for their businesses – and beyond. From banking to home appliances, marketing to entertainment, and more, our April issue presents key success stories and news from various industries. We’re proud to share the awe-inspiring journeys of our award-winning CEOs as they continue to take their sectors by storm. We hope you enjoy perusing this month’s issue and we can’t wait to welcome you back again next month. Rebecca Scotland, Editor Website: www.ceo-review.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. News 6. Tammy Sweeney: An Influential CEO Building Communities Through Events 7. Aruna Kumara: Transformative Financial Leadership 8. Caring About Your Products, Caring About You 10. Redefining Digital Marketing 11. Entertainment CEO of the Year: Liz Koops 12. Ten Reasons Why Integrity Will Be Vital To A Business’s Success in 2024 13. Multinational employers must look to Global Benefits Management for 2024 14. Forbes women are closing the gap: More Forbes women are reaching directorship level than Forbes men, new research reveals Contents
NNEEWSS NEWS Gayatri Sarkar, Founder and CEO of Advaita Capital, named as crown Patron for the Princess Grace Foundation
Rocky Mountaineer is looking to the second generation as the luxury train company celebrates its 34th year of operations. As a family-owned business, this tourism icon will see Tristan Armstrong, son of Founder Peter Armstrong, step into the role of chief executive officer (CEO). “Rocky Mountaineer is a life-long passion for both me and my family. My sisters, Ashley and Chelsea, and I have grown up with the business, so to become the CEO and build on this family legacy is truly an honour and a privilege,” said Tristan Armstrong. “I look forward to being even more involved in connecting with our partners, nurturing a strong internal culture, and delivering an exceptional service for our guests.” Tristan brings valuable experience to the position, having served on the Board of Directors since 2016. He previously worked in numerous roles on Rocky Mountaineer’s operations and guest experience teams, where he gained experience in guest service, maintenance, and hospitality. Tristan is also the president and CEO of Major Rock Corporation, a multi-generational family office operated by the Armstrong family, which includes businesses in the hospitality, real estate and private equity sectors, as well as the Armstrong Family Foundation. “This is great news for everyone who believed in Rocky Mountaineer, be those our amazing team members, cherished guests, supportive suppliers, or valued tourism industry partners. Tristan’s appointment as CEO demonstrates our family’s commitment to those who mean the most to us -- those who assisted in building Rocky Mountaineer into a tourism icon,” said Peter Armstrong. “Tristan is a passionate, culture-driven leader who is wholeheartedly committed to leading the business and preparing it for future growth. With Tristan as CEO, and Ashley and Chelsea serving on the Board of Directors, I am immensely proud to have the second generation of our family leading Rocky Mountaineer forward.” Rocky Mountaineer is recruiting for a president/ chief operating officer to provide day-to-day operational oversight. This role will work closely with Tristan as he focuses on the longer-term growth and strategic direction for the business. Rocky Mountaineer taps second generation for CEO Advaita Capital, a growth venture capital firm specializing in deep tech and decarbonization investments, proudly announces its founder and CEO, Gayatri Sarkar, has been appointed as a crown patron for the prestigious Princess Grace Foundation of USA Overseen by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco (Princess Grace’s son), the Princess Grace Foundation-USA is dedicated to elevating artists of extraordinary promise in theater, dance, and film via game-changing grants. This esteemed recognition highlights Ms. Sarkar’s commitment to philanthropy, patronage, and her extraordinary achievements in business and finance. Gayatri Sarkar is joining the esteemed group of invite only crown patrons that includes private equity investor and billionaire John Paulson, private equity investor and secretary of the navy during the Reagan administration John Francis Lehman, director of “Crazy Rich Asians,” Jon M. Chu, American socialite, philanthropist, and publishing heiress Anne Hearst McInerney, billionaire Lady Tina Green, director of Taveta, the majority owner of Taveta Investments Ltd, the parent company of the Arcadia Group, actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr. and few other world known dignitaries. Ms. Sarkar stated, “It is truly an honor to join such an accomplished roster of patrons devoted to fostering creativity and excellence among emerging artists. I look forward to working closely with the foundation to expand its reach and impact among deserving talents.” Ms. Sarkar brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments as a crown Patron. Her expertise spans technology and finance industries, she began her technical career at Hewlett Packard, IBM, and subsequently at Goldman Sachs and later worked at Federal Reserve Bank managing US Treasury project assets in US military and US Navy. She is also a serial entrepreneur and founded two startups before. She was named Global Leader under 40 for her gender advocacy featuring institutional asset managers in venture capital investment through her She-VC podcast. Advaita Capital is a growth venture capital firm, 100% womenPOC-owned. Advaita Capital has a team of Harvard PhD, MIT PhD, Yale undergrad, Wharton engineers and former COOs of large asset management firms. By leveraging extensive industry knowledge, Advaita Capital invests $10- $50M+, supporting extreme outlier startups and visionary entrepreneurs. Investment areas encompass generative ai, semiconductors, robotics, energy storage, and large-scale decarbonization infrastructure. Among Advaita Capital’s highprofile portfolio companies are Stripe, Epic Games, Cohere, and Neuralink, illustrating the firm’s keen eye for innovation and transformative potential.
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2024 6 lanning an important event down to the smallest of details to deliver an exceptional experience to every guest is no easy task. Equipped with a vast amount of flexible space, a beautiful ballroom overlooking downtown Saskatoon, 21 meeting rooms, a 2,000-seat world-class theatre, and a talented team of events professionals, TCU Place is the perfect venue for many occasions, from corporate conferences to extravagant weddings, galas and graduation banquets. No matter your vision, the company’s experienced and detail-oriented team will help you to create the event of your dreams. While profitability is essential for any business to remain viable; TCU Place is also committed to having a meaningful economic, cultural, and social impact on its community. By providing a beautiful space for events, TCU Place connects people in Saskatoon through purpose, celebration, and learning. With community impact so important to TCU Place, it is no surprise that the organization is led by an individual who is as passionate about the community as she is about the team and guest experiences. With a diverse background in human resources and venue management, Tammy Sweeney became CEO of the company in 2020. Since then, she has been responsible for overseeing a large team of up to 300 employees, partners and contractors in all areas of the building, including theatre, building operations, catering, sales, marketing, finance, and IT. Tammy focuses on balanced business metrics including financial, employee engagement, community impact and team development. Although there are tasks that need to be done for the business to achieve its goals, people are the driving force behind all operations and must therefore be motivated to bring their best selves to work. Tammy has created a flexible working environment, both in terms of hours and roles. Whether they work best at a specific time of day or need to attend a family event, many of the team members are able to adjust their working hours accordingly and take time off when needed. This empowers them to meet the needs of guests and clients while also taking care of themselves and their families. Of course, the busy event schedule also needs to be managed. Tammy Sweeney: An Influential CEO Building Communities Through Events Located in beautiful downtown Saskatoon, the largest city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, TCU Place is one of the region’s best conference facilities and performing arts venues. Formerly known as the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium, the elegant 104,000-square-foot venue provides an ideal setting for a wide variety of occasions. At the helm of TCU Place stands CEO Tammy Sweeney, who has recently been named Most Influential CEO 2024 - Saskatchewan (Banquets) in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2024. “In an industry where employee turnover has been a challenge, I am happy to report that our retention rate is over 80%,” comments Tammy. “People enjoy working here. We regularly seek feedback from our employees about their experience, and over 90% report back that they love their jobs. It is hard work, and the hours are long and varied, but our team has commitment and heart.” Having become CEO of TCU Place in the early days of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Tammy has faced her fair share of challenge. Initially, she found that, despite her 17 years of experience in the events industry, each day was a learning curve. “We had no live events coming in, yet a team of people who were used to creating and servicing live events,” she explains. “I wanted to keep our core fulltime people, because one day the pandemic would end, and we would need a team of great people to pull us forward. The decisions and connections made during that time are valued by our team today.” With the live events industry having changed dramatically in recent years, TCU Place is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. However, under Tammy’s leadership, the business has successfully adapted to the necessary changes, and its revenue numbers remain strong. Now, she is focused on the future, aiming to build an exceptional, sustainable organization that will continue to positively impact its community. For her continued excellence in leading the team at TCU Place, Tammy Sweeney has been named Most Influential CEO 2024 - Saskatchewan (Banquets) in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2024. Currently, she is involved in the planning of a bold new downtown entertainment and events district development project that will include a new arena, a renovated theatre, an expanded convention centre, a new rapid transit bus, and a much-needed public plaza space. This project is in its early stages, but Tammy hopes that the funding plan and design concepts will be approved by the end of 2024, and Saskatoon takes the next key steps toward a vibrant and thriving downtown. P Contact: Tammy Sweeney Company: TCU Place Web Address: www.tcuplace.com
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2024 7 Aruna Kumara: Transformative Financial Leadership Bank of Ceylon (UK) Ltd. has proudly served for over 70 years in the United Kingdom, leveraging the extensive expertise and esteemed reputation of Bank of Ceylon, the largest bank in Sri Lanka. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Aruna Kumara, Bank of Ceylon (UK) Ltd has experienced a remarkable transformation, swiftly evolving into a profitable business entity, and achieving exceptional growth within a relatively short period. Aruna’s strategic initiatives have been instrumental in expanding the bank’s product portfolio, cultivating dynamic partnerships with key stakeholders, and enhancing its brand recognition among both the expatriate community and the broader UK client base. In recognition of his inspirational leadership, Aruna Kumara has received the CEO Monthly’s award for Banking CEO of the Year 2023 – London. In 1949, the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) made a significant leap into the international banking arena by establishing its inaugural overseas branch in London. This historic milestone paved the way for subsequent expansions into other markets such as India, Maldives, and Seychelles. Initially operating as a branch of BOC for over 60 years, it underwent a pivotal transformation in 2010, transitioning into a subsidiary Bank. Today, Bank of Ceylon (UK) Ltd operates under the authorization of the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and falls under the regulatory purview of both the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and PRA. The strategic decision to elevate the London branch into a fully-fledged bank in 2010 marked a significant evolution in BOC’s global strategy. This move aimed to broaden the bank’s reach and enhance its service offerings for international clients. Bank of Ceylon (UK) Ltd.’s (BOC UK) business model revolves around delivering a comprehensive array of financial services, ranging from wholesale banking to trade finance, correspondent banking, and commercial, mixed-commercial, and buyto-let loans. Under the dynamic leadership of CEO Aruna Kumara, the bank has diligently expanded its presence and commitment to serving both Sri Lankan expatriates and the burgeoning UK client base. BOC UK’s steadfast commitment to nurturing enduring customer relationships is exemplified by its mission to function as a communitycentric business bank, with a particular focus on supporting the growth aspirations of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom. Recognizing SMEs as the backbone of the UK economy, BOC UK is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between these enterprises and essential banking services. The bank’s relentless pursuit of excellence has been evident in its remarkable financial performance, marked by record revenue growth and achieving its highest-ever profitability in 2023, with pre-tax profits surpassing GBP 1 million. This milestone represents a significant achievement, particularly considering the bank’s historically modest returns since its subsidization. Despite navigating headwinds stemming from the global high inflationary environment and economic challenges in its home country, the bank, under the dynamic leadership of Aruna, delivered impressive results. Notably, the bank saw substantial growth in its deposit pool by 67% and its loan book by 87% in the past year alone. These exceptional accomplishments underscore BOC UK’s resilience and ability to capitalize on growth opportunities, further solidifying its enduring legacy in the financial landscape. As CEO, Aruna plays a pivotal role in charting the bank’s strategic course, collaborating closely with the Board of Directors to ensure alignment with the bank’s obligations to its diverse stakeholders. His leadership is characterized by a relentless focus on driving growth and profitability, leveraging his extensive financial acumen and analytical prowess. Aruna’s professional journey spans over two decades in the banking industry, reflecting his unwavering dedication to continual personal and professional growth. Beginning with specialization in Foreign Currency (FX) Trading, he has ascended to executive leadership roles, showcasing a steadfast commitment to advancement. Before assuming the CEO position in London, Aruna played a pivotal role in driving the Bank of Ceylon’s digital transformation journey. His leadership was instrumental in fostering collaboration with telecommunications companies, fintech partners, and payment card service providers (Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay), resulting in the introduction of numerous innovations aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and promoting digital adoption. During his tenure at the London subsidiary, Aruna spearheaded transformative initiatives aimed at reshaping the bank’s business model and accelerating its digital transformation agenda. Looking forward, the bank remains resolute in its commitment to further expansion, particularly within the dynamic SME sector, while continuing its journey towards digital innovation and advancement. Aruna’s visionary leadership continues to propel the bank towards its strategic objectives, ensuring its relevance and competitiveness in an ever-evolving financial landscape. Aruna’s innovative leadership and transformative vision have earned him recognition in this year’s CEO of the Year Awards, underscoring his instrumental role in driving the bank’s sustained success and growth trajectory. Contact: Aruna Kumara Company: Bank of Ceylon (UK) Limited Web Address: www. bankofceylon.co.uk Feb24187
Caring About Your Products, Caring About You
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2024 9 Dec23107 Established as a privately owned business in 2009, Product Care Group is a Wigan-based company that has leveraged its innate talent in order to flourish into the international business it is today. Whether it’s handling products and brands, or managing logistics for their partners, the company specialises in going the extra mile to continuously distinguish itself within the industry. At the heart of its operations is CEO John Cohring – recently awarded the title of Home Appliance Solutions CEO of the Year 2023 – UK. In combining knowledge and experience, John has developed a unique approach to the CEO role, and we’re eager to explore it in more detail below. As a business centred around people, trust, and partnerships, Product Care Group is a home appliance solutions business that has spent the past fifteen years delivering invaluable services to the sector. Comprised of products and brands, in addition to logistics, these services benefit from the brilliance of the business’s team, with each one demonstrating its various skillsets respectively. On the product and brand side of things, Product Care Group has established key partnerships with Spectrum Brands, through which it licenses the Russel Hobbs brand on microwaves, white goods, floorcare, heating, cooling, and air treatment alongside George Foreman on BBQ products. In addition, Product Care Group also designed and developed a premium SDA range for Rangemaster and licenses the Zanussi brand on heating, cooling, BBQs, and pizza ovens for Electroulux Group. Finally, Product Care Group also possesses its own brands, with its most notable ones taking the forms of Abode, Lowry and Kuhla. In short, Product Care Group designs and sources products from China and Turkey and focuses on bringing them to the UK markets within which it holds a reputable presence. This is accomplished through steadfast relationships with the industry’s key retailers, ultimately providing it with access to direct-to-consumer channels. Also partnering with, distributing, and representing key brands such as LG, Beko, Haier, and Numatic, this business has proven that it’s created a tangible network that demonstrates its capabilities. In terms of logistics, Product Care Group specialises in the home delivery and installation of white goods to the end consumer, representing brands such as Bosch, Neff, Siemens, Haier, Hoover, Candy, Beko, Leisure, Miele, Rangemaster and Russell Hobbs. Truly, Product Care Group is an enthusiastic business that recognises the importance of prioritising people and doing the right thing, with a team whose efforts are seamlessly reflected through the values the group adheres to. Of course, in order for any system to work, there must be a beating heart at the centre of it. For Product Care Group, this beating heart is none other than its award-winning CEO, John Cohring. Responsible for his team, and therefore their families, John has long since identified his impact on the overall performance of the business, and strives to ensure that it’s consistently moving forward, no matter what. This is all in the service of his team – comprised of 268 members – to whom he frequently expresses his care and dedication. To John, upholding the success of the business isn’t only a matter of strategy, but also as a means to ensure continued permanent employment, potential bonuses, and an environment and culture where the team can realise their full potential. It’s clear that John respects his team to the highest possible degree. He is well versed in flawlessly navigating Product Care Group’s trade and he focuses his efforts on creating the right environment for them in order to uplift them in every aspect. John guides the team towards unleashing their full potential and does so through a leadership style that’s filled with passion and ambition in abundance. As expected from the values presented by Product Care Group, John’s approach is one of prioritising people, and he leverages a trusting and respectful leadership style in order to encourage every person each day. What really distinguishes John as a CEO, however, is just how perfectly he balances involving himself in his team. This is a skill in itself – one that John has honed over the years. In fact, it’s an advancement he’s particularly proud of, and is one that captures the journey of growth that he’s experienced over the years. In the past, John found himself working under a multi-billion dollar corporate, wherein a more generalised approach was the norm. When transitioning to a private owned business, he had to adapt rather quickly to the people-led nature of the company – a nature that required more personal interactions to truly fuel it forward. However, it seems as though this change was one that marked John’s evolution as a leader. Now, he finds himself leading a team where each person knows, respects, and trusts one another, all while remaining on equal grounds. Where most CEOs may see themselves as the head of a team who oversees each decision made, John considers himself exceptionally lucky to have such a capable crew. Product Care Group is a company within which every person counts, and their input recognised and built upon. Truly, John has fostered an environment that actively supports and encourages anybody to speak up and share their thoughts and ideas, resulting in a harmonious inner structure that plays a critical role in the growth of the business as a whole. John has brought an entirely new methodology to the art of being a CEO, and it’s for this very reason that he has been recognised as an award-winning leader within his trade. Thanks to the influences of various role models – such as Robin Sawyer, Marc Hughan, David Pike, James Goldsmith, Andrzej Tuleja, and Gavin Hamer – John Cohring has become a CEO worthy of the recognition he finds himself receiving on a near-daily basis. His leadership style is characterised by his commitment to seeing everyone thrive, be they colleagues, partners, or consumers. And yet, despite being guided by notable influences throughout the span of his career, the person John honours the most is his Aunty Pam – a woman who strongly influenced his journey in the world of business from a young age. Now, John Cohring is recognised as the Home Appliance Solutions CEO of the Year 2023 – UK, and we’re certain that this accolade will only further his passion as he guides Product Care Group toward further prosperity. Contact: Sarah Baron Company: Product Care Group Web Address: https://www. productcaregroup.com/
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2024 10 Reaching over 12 million people every month, Adamant offers brands access to digital marketing expertise, management of their digital accounts, production of brand content, sponsorships, product placements, and much more. Adamant is comprised of Africa’s best talents, boasting the largest Influencers and Digital Media team in French-speaking Africa. Adamant produces engaging brand content and promotes clients across Africa and Europe via TV, radio, digital social media, OOH advertising, influence campaigns, and marketing communications. Over the past 5 years, the agency has established a network of 100+ Macroinfluencers with more than 1 million followers each. Adamant offers marketing services across many industries including beauty, medical, nano, sports. and much more. The team prides itself on understanding audiences and is passionate about experimenting with new functionalities and genes to reach its growing spectators. Adamant strives to be an A-level marketing agency by providing clients with comprehensive services and unparalleled expertise. Its esteemed clients include corporate companies such as L’Oréal, Orange, Danone, Ayoba Established in Paris and Abidjan, Adamant is an influential media group dedicated to providing brands with in-house media services, studios, marketing expertise, and communication support across Africa and African Diasporas. Since its inception, CEO Denis Cantin has remained steadfast in his unique vision, to create exceptional customer experiences and organic growth opportunities. For his commitment to fostering authentic connections, we have bestowed on Denis Cantin our award for Influence Marketing CEO of the Year 2023 – France. (MTN), Laurent Perrier, and most recently, Carrefour. Since the birth of Adamant, Denis Cantin’s role as CEO has evolved alongside the company. During the agency’s early stage, Denis was responsible for establishing the brand, sharing his vision, and fostering a collaborative culture within his team. After concentrating for a period on sales and engagement, Denis has now moved into his management phase and is focused on talent curation, enhancing organisation and growth, and working towards further expansion. Denis frequently reassesses Adamant’s business strategy to ensure that the agency continues to reflect its core values and provide innovative services to its valued clients. On his experience, Denis shares, “I have been in the media industry for the past 25 years or more. I have previously worked at News Corp’s 20th Century Fox in Paris, Disney, and Heart’s A&E Networks in London. I was inspired to set up Adamant Media when I was back from London in Paris, convinced that the African Diaspora in France and the whole continent deserved the right media, influence, marketing, talents, and sponsorships.” As Adamant’s visionary leader. Denis strives to maintain an open mind and remain curious about the evolving market. By entrusting responsibilities to his hardworking team, Denis has fostered a collaborative environment that enables employees to unlock their full potential. It is his mission to not only create a shared vision but also to support the team with streamlined processes and clear directions. Adamant continues to attract skilled individuals who are passionate about creating groundbreaking media that embraces diversity. Denis says, “We are now fortunate to attract highly skilled people who couldn’t express their passion for diversity and Africa at their previous companies. We are so happy to have executives coming from top influence agencies like Reech or Prisma Group. “At Adamant, we do value the multicultural aspects of our employees. We are lucky enough to mirror the various cultures we address: Europeans, French and diasporas, Senegalese, Congolese, Cameroonian, and of course, Ivorians! Not to forget our correspondents in Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Madagascar… And we are all backed by this great project: creating unique media and gathering different people with unique high-class expertise in marketing and influence.” Adamant has been set up like a media group, with Denis and the team knowing from day one that it would expand to other territories. They also knew they wanted to empower influencers and talent with media, studios, and social media. Denis states, “The truth of the matter is that key opportunities are given by clients. Our B2B clients give us advice and our company has grown alongside them. We are bilingual and we love working with South African clients. We are looking forward to working with more American and English companies in the future.” Moving forward, the Adamant team will focus on replicating its concept in other territories, including the Middle East and North Africa. The agency is also considering expanding its services to Europe and its regional identities. After some preliminary tests, Adamant discovered that regardless of region, people seek the same considerations and entertainment. By applying its model of expansion to new areas, Adamant can further enhance its services and provide more clients with unique marketing opportunities. It is Adamant’s overarching plan to establish and grow a larger media group with the support of a strong industry partner. Denis Cantin also plans to utilise his extensive network to expand Adamant’s offerings with scripted productions for streaming platforms and TV networks in Europe and Africa. Adamant has already produced three series with a talented international cast and directors. With its vast experience in digital marketing and devotion towards diversity, Adamant provides brands and influencers with unparalleled industry expertise and a large audience to generate sales. The agency is dedicated to delivering comprehensive marketing services to help clients create organic growth and unrivalled customer experiences. Recognised in CEO Monthly’s CEO of the Year Awards for his influential direction, Denis Cantin has united a passionate team with a shared goal of delivering exclusive, engaging content to international audiences. Contact: Denis Cantin Company: Adamant Web Address: https:// adamant-media.com/ en/agence-digitalecommunication-afrique Redefining Digital Marketing
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2024 11 Entertainment CEO of the Year: Liz Koops In 2012, Liz Koops was inspired to establish Broadway Entertainment Group (BEG) when she identified the potential to promote the global outsourcing and distribution of content via a contracted live network of venues. Having gained managerial experience in the entertainment industry while working as Managing Director of Back Row Productions and Clear Channel Entertainment (now Live Nation), she was well-equipped to pursue a new venture. Today, BEG is a unique organisation that integrates intellectual property with the production and distribution of first-class entertainment. The company has built an established network of international venues and presenters, which has enabled it to successfully expand into the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. As well as producing and delivering shows directly from rights holders to international promoters and venues, BEG also secures the rights to distribute existing productions through its network. As a result, the company is perfectly positioned as both a production business and a trusted service provider for the global entertainment industry. At the moment, BEG is touring two key shows: The Little Prince and The Phantom of the Opera. However, the company boasts a broad portfolio of past productions, including DreamWorks’ Shrek the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS and Evita, Broken Wings, Thriller! Live, Piaf! Le Spectacle, Formidable! Aznavour, Spamalot, Ghost the Musical, Kinky Boots, The Illusionists, and The Kite Runner. Still standing at the helm of BEG over a decade after its inception, Liz has become renowned in Dubai’s entertainment industry as an award-winning producer with an impressive 25 years of experience. Having toured countless productions in over 40 countries, she stands out as a pioneer in delivering groundbreaking and internationally recognised shows across the world. Her work has been instrumental in consolidating the touring circuits across the European, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets. Alongside those delivered at BEG, Liz’s experience spans a variety of different productions. This includes Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Edward Scissorhands, Slava’s Snow Show, Jerry Seinfield, An Inspector Calls, Gumboots, Lady Salsa, Circus Oz, Lano and Woodley, Ningali, Danny Hoch, Mum’s the Word, Paul Capsis, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Rudy Coby, Lift off Live, Tangerra, Bounce, Wadaiko Ichiro, Ole, and many more. Under Liz’s leadership, BEG has received a wealth of positive feedback from its customers, which is a testament to the quality of its productions. Over the years, it has amassed an impressive 4.2-star rating on Trustburn, where many people have left reviews. One customer commented, “I can’t express enough how much I loved the show by Broadway Entertainment. It was the best theatre experience I’ve ever had!” Similarly, another customer shared, “I had a great experience with Broadway Entertainment. The shows were fantastic, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fun night out!” In light of this glowing praise, it is no surprise that Liz Koops has been named Entertainment CEO of the Year, Dubai, in the CEO of the Year Awards 2023. Considering her overwhelming success thus far, there is no doubt that Liz looks towards a bright future. We look forward to seeing what she will go on to achieve in the coming years. Contact Details Contact: Alexandra Busheva Company: Broadway Entertainment Group Web Address: www. broadwayentertainmentgroup. com Nov23193 Based in Dubai, Broadway Entertainment Group (BEG) is a global distribution platform for theatrical content working to bring quality entertainment to the world’s emerging markets. The company is owned and operated by Founder and CEO Liz Koops, who has been producing shows across the world for more than two decades. Here, we explore her career as we reflect on her success in winning Entertainment CEO of the Year, Dubai, in the CEO of the Year Awards 2023.
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2024 12 Thom Dennis, CEO at Serenity In Leadership, offers us ten reasons why, after a tumultuous last five years, integrity is all the more vital for success in 2024. 1. Integrity Equals Responsibility. Being responsible, even when it’s difficult and being able to question the impact of our decisions, having high standards and possessing critical problem-solving thinking are traits of an attuned and accountable leader. AI is a good example. Good leaders of the future will stay on top of AI advancements while keeping a firm grip on what needs to be done to still value what it means to be human. 2. Integrity Leads To Honesty. Trust is built on honesty, and both play a large role in having integrity. The Workforce Institute found 63% of employees and business leaders believe trust must be earned, so companies that consistently operate with honesty and transparency will be highly valued. Trust has been an issue in 2023. COP28 is a prime example where a conflict of interest was raised as a concern with news that hosts The United Arab Emirates planned to use meetings about the summit to pitch oil and gas deals to foreign governments 3. Integrity Means Choosing What Is Right, Even If It Isn’t Easy. Making a decision may mean doing what is right, even if it doesn’t come with gratitude or recognition. It could also be making a tough decision that may upset others but is still what needs to happen. Integrity goes hand in hand with resilience and strength of character, but in the case of bad news always comes with a compassionate delivery. 4. Integrity Enables Us To Stand Up & Be Counted. Integrity reduces instances of people turning a blind eye or sitting on the fence. Being a passive bystander, for instance is not OK. This means injustices can be accounted for and resolved and a culture of support and openness is fostered. Respecting other’s values, time, and identity is a foundation of integrity and having this integrated into workplace culture can generate support and collaboration and put an end to conflict and unpleasant behaviour. The younger generations are showing themselves to be largely better at standing up and being counted. The rest of us need to learn from them. Ten Reasons Why Integrity Will Be Vital To A Business’s Success in 2024 Integrity goes far beyond having strong moral principles. We make better decisions when we stand by our values, are honest about our objectives and act with transparency. Having integrity means conquering challenges whilst understanding and taking into consideration the impact our decisions have on others and acting beyond our own personal gains. 5. Integrity Fosters Accountability. Many of us are noticing bad habits creeping in such as not accepting responsibility for mistakes or letting things fall through the cracks which can create distrust and discontent. The Global Integrity Report found that 42% of respondents reported unethical behaviour being tolerated when coming from a senior employee or high performer. Taking accountability for actions and decisions reduces conflict and builds trust. 6. Integrity Prioritises Equality & Equity. Giving everyone the space to express themselves respectfully, asking for collaboration of diverse ideas and points of view, and being equal and fair improves company outcomes, workplace satisfaction and the success of individuals. When we walk in someone else’s shoes we can begin to understand the impact of our decisions. Many a CEO could do with trying the role and pay of a shopfloor worker. 7. Integrity Is Dependability. Being dependable and having a reputation for being so, means return business and loyal staff. Ensuring commitments are consistently honoured to a high standard, being someone you can count on and being trusted to do what is expected of you will go a long way in 2024. 8. Integrity Shows You Are In Touch With Your Core Values (& Living Them). Integrity is aligned with a deep connection to core values, living by a moral code and remaining ethical and purposeful. Shortcuts and unethical practices can offer short-term gains, but they lead to long-term negative consequences and loss of trust. 9. Integrity Increases Respect. Upholding a fundamental commitment to treating others with respect ensures different opinions are heard, encourages fairness, creates a better work culture and means that you too are more likely to be treated with respect. 10. Integrity Develops Authenticity. Authenticity separates bad leaders from great ones. Being true to who you are and what you stand for means congruence when looking in the mirror, speaking your truth to others and taking action, all the while being self-aware. www.serenityinleadership.com T For further press information or to set up an interview, please contact: Hazel Scott: 07966 234 757 [email protected]
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2024 13 Multinational employers must look to Global Benefits Management for 2024 Multinational companies are facing a unique set of challenges and must consider Global Benefits Management in 2024 to support employees and the business alike, says Towergate Health & Protection. The challenges and obstacles facing multinational employers involve managing risks, meeting local business needs, regulatory and legislative compliance, controlling costs and attracting and retaining talent. If a company gets it wrong, the repercussions can be huge. This can include poor outcomes for employees, struggling with communication, claims, language barriers, and cost of treatment. For the company, consequences include increased absence rates, reduced productivity, and failed assignments. Poorly managed global benefits can be overly complex and time-consuming to administer. There could be regulatory and legal breaches, and the company may fail to be seen as an employer of choice (one that recognises diversity, equality and inclusion as an important part of the modern workplace). All of which can also result in the spend on global employee benefits being too high or unknown. A well thought-out, comprehensive approach will align local execution with the global business strategy. This includes making sure that the resultant benefits package adheres to the rules and regulations of every country of operation. The priorities for a global employee benefits programme fall into three main categories: Complexity risks – linked to local restrictions, and related knowledge gaps. Each country will have its own obligations and mandatory regulations and some countries even have restrictions on employee benefits from outside countries. So employers need specialist in-country expertise and advice on how to deliver appropriate and compliant health and wellbeing benefits. People risks - Attitudes to employee benefits vary in different regions, and this might affect what support employers put in place and how they communicate it. The most common issues that affect overseas employees are relationships, stress, and anxiety, but also money management, housing, and legal concerns. Access to support needs to encompass all these areas, and in some countries, kidnap and ransom and security evacuation may also be a consideration. Financial risks - Employers need to ensure they offer the right benefits package to help recruit and retain talent. Poor health and wellbeing support can result in poor morale, low engagement, and reduced productivity, resulting in lower profits for the business. But trying to match the benefits across different countries may mean employers are either over- or under-providing. Sarah Dennis, head of international at Towergate Health & Protection says, “There isn’t always a one size fits all approach. To achieve harmonisation of global employee benefit provisions for all employees requires a deep understanding of insurance, regulatory, cultural, and economic characteristics in each market.” Global Benefits Management Global Benefits Management (GBM) provides integrated consulting services and dedicated support on a global, regional, and local level, with experts working with in-country partners within agreed service levels. This approach helps to remove the administration burden, solves language barrier issues, and provides governance, benchmarking and cost controls. Multinational pooling can reduce costs, and reporting, analytics, and data management can all be included. All resulting in improved attraction and retention of talent. A Global Benefits Management programme will support the business and its employees through the complexities of global risk benefits. It will engage with local partners to source an all-round global benefits solution, helping the employer to adhere to multiple sets of legislative and mandatory requirements, developing a communication channel involving all key stakeholders, and keeping up with current events and trends. Sarah Dennis says: “Providing employee benefits across multiple countries and regions should not be a burden on the company. It should be a positive experience for all involved. Taking expert advice is the best way to remove the complexities of the process and employers will find that this can really pay-off.” Nov23008
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 4 2024 14 Joining the ranks of Forbes’ acclaimed 30 Under 30 list is no mean feat. In fact, the media group receives over 20,000 nominations for the award every year. Now new research by comparison • 36% more Forbes women have reached directorship level than their male counterparts, and 6% more are founders and CEOs of their own companies. • Twice as many Forbes women are board members as Forbes men. • Forbes women are making a greater contribution to the UK’s employment pool – 31% of Forbes women employ between 10 to 50 people, compared to just 18% of Forbes men. website University Compare has revealed some of the biggest career and educational trends of UK winners. Researchers used data extraction techniques to scrape the LinkedIn profiles of almost 500 UK winners, before anonymising and analysing the data to identify key insights for aspiring young professionals. The research has found that British women are closing the gap on their male counterparts, moving the needle on important professional and academic trends, including the number of Forbes women in leadership roles. More women in the UK’s Forbes 30 Under 30 are directors than men University Compare’s research shows that more female winners of the Forbes 30 under 30 are reaching directorship level than their male counterparts. Today, 36% more Forbes women are directors and 6% more are founders and CEOs. The research also found that Forbes women are twice as likely to be board members than Forbes men. Forbes women often employ larger workforces, too, with 31% of Forbes women employing between 10 to 50 people in comparison to just 18% of Forbes men. Most of the UK’s Forbes 30 Under 30 studied business at university Forbes men and women studied the same top five degrees at university. The most common were business (13.9%), engineering (13.7%) and computer science (13.4%), followed by finance (11.9%) and management (9.3%). Among the least common degrees were dance, equine studies and aviation. The research also found that while similar proportions of Forbes men and women complete a Master’s degree, Forbes women spend longer in further education, with 23% more completing a doctorate. Most of the UK’s Forbes 30 Under 30 work in computer software The most popular industry for Forbes winners (both male and female) is computer software (12.2%). For men, the next most common industry is financial services (7.2%), and for women it’s marketing and advertising (7.5%). The least common industries are venture capital (0.8%), health and fitness (0.8%) and education (0.6%). Interestingly, only 59% of those on the Forbes UK list studied a subject at university that directly informed their subsequent careers. Forbes women have more LinkedIn followers on average In terms of recognition from fellow working professionals, Forbes winners have roughly 5,600 LinkedIn connections on average, 10 times more than most users on the platform. Forbes women also build more connections with their peers, garnering over 1,600 more followers on average than Forbes men. Owen O’Neill, founder of University Compare, said: “With more women taking leadership roles within traditionally male-dominated spaces, we feel this is not only testement to the individuals’ hard work but also the increased accessibility within the workplace and further education for women. At Uni Compare, we believe higher education offers aspiring young professionals a platform to grow in confidence and develop the tenacious spirit needed for a successful career.” Forbes women are closing the gap: More Forbes women are reaching directorship level than Forbes men, new research reveals
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