Whitney Baird Archives

USCIB Welcomes New Leadership to 2022-2024 Board of Trustees and Board of Directors  

Published on July 12, 2022

Following recent membership elections, USCIB is pleased to welcome new members to the Board of Trustees and Board of Directors for the 2022-2024 term and to congratulate reelected members: 

New Trustees include Michael Froman, Mastercard Vice Chairman & President, Strategic Growth; and Timothy Ryan, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Senior Partner & Chair. PepsiCo, Inc Chairman & CEO Ramon Laguarta was reelected.  

New Directors include Dorothy Attwood, The Walt Disney Company Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy;  Sahra English, Mastercard Vice President, Global Public Policy; Tam Robert Nguyen, Bechtel Corporation Global Head of Sustainability; and Chris Sharrock, Microsoft Corporation Vice President, UN Affairs and International Organizations. Salesforce Executive Vice President, Government Affairs Eric Loeb and PMI Global Services, Inc Vice President, External Affairs J.B. Simko were reelected. 

USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson also expressed his appreciation to the Nominating Committee: USCIB Trustee Ester Baiget (Chair), president and CEO, Novozymes; Trustee Paul Knopp, U.S. chair and CEO, KPMG LLP; and USCIB Vice Chair and Trustee Michele Parmelee, deputy CEO and global chief people & purpose officer, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. 

USCIB Banking Committee Welcomes New Chair: Bank of America’s Geoff Brady

Published on November 11, 2020
Geoff Brady
Photo credit: Bank of America

USCIB is pleased to announce the appointment of USCIB member Geoff Brady of Bank of America as new chair of the USCIB Banking Committee. Brady, who is head of global trade and supply chain finance at Bank of America, succeeds Michael Quinn of JPMorgan Chase.

According to USCIB Senior Director for Trade, Investment and Financial Services Eva Hampl, USCIB’s Banking Committee works to increase efficiency and decrease the cost of international trade transactions by promoting the standardization of international banking procedures—primarily by providing input into the global work of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

“We look forward to Bank of America’s active participation in this important area,” said USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson. “We are confident in Geoff’s leadership in the ongoing work of the Committee, including ensuring strong U.S. representation in the ICC Banking Commission and ICC’s work to develop global rules and facilitate access to trade finance.”

US Government and USCIB Look Forward to OECD Virtual Ministerial  

Published on October 14, 2020

OECD member country high-level delegations will meet remotely October 28-29 for three-hour daily sessions of roundtable discussions following the postponement of its annual late-May Ministerial in Paris due to COVID-19. The abbreviated agenda for the Ministerial focuses on global and national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, including through trade and investment, sustainability and international cooperation. USCIB is preparing for the Ministerial, including active participation as part of the Business at OECD (BIAC) team in OECD preparatory high-level roundtables over the course of the fall.

Meanwhile, U.S. Government preparations for the Ministerial are being led by the Department of State—Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Environment and Energy Keith Krach will likely head U.S. Government participation. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will chair the Ministerial sessions, and OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria will also play a major role in the Ministerial deliberations.

USCIB Vice Presidents and Acting Policy Co-leads Norine Kennedy and Mike Michener consulted on the Ministerial agenda with senior staff at the Department of State and the U.S. Mission to the OECD in Paris on October 13.

“We were able to underline USCIB and international business priorities, emphasizing the role the private sector can play in restoring global economic growth and the contribution of U.S. business to COVID-19 response and recovery in that context,” said Kennedy. “Open, transparent trade and investment regimes advancing rule of law and substantive U.S. business engagement to develop, resource and deploy sustainability and COVID-19 solutions are key to enabling economic recovery.”

BIAC, with strong USCIB leadership, has been actively contributing to preparations for the OECD Virtual Ministerial. USCIB provided substantive input and expertise into the BIAC policy submission to the OECD and for the September 14 consultation for the Ministerial.  Rick Johnston from Citi (who also chairs the USCIB Trade and Investment Committee and serves as a vice chair of the BIAC Board), played a key role in BIAC’s October 7 Board meeting, which reviewed how best to represent the business agenda and priorities for the Ministerial.

“We at USCIB are encouraged that the OECD is persevering with its Ministerial this year, albeit in an abbreviated virtual format,” said USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson.  “And we fully support the focus on national and international actions, measures and international cooperation that can drive economic recovery.  The private sector, led by USCIB member companies, can play a vital role in driving that growth and job creation. The BIAC Statement, Strengthening International Coordination to Overcome COVID-19: Business Recommendations for the Recovery, reflects USCIB priorities, highlighting the importance of technology-neutral, all-of-economy measures that balance economic, social and environment considerations as countries enact stimulus measures.”

USCIB Welcomes Members to Board of Trustees and Board of Directors

Published on September 10, 2020
First row, left to right: Corinne Ripoche, Ester Baiget, Michele Parmelee Second row, left to right: Karen Fichuk, Robert DeLaMater, Karen Groff, Paul Knopp

Following elections this summer, USCIB welcomes new members for the 2020-2022 term to the Board of Trustees and Board of Directors.

The new Trustees include Novozymes A/S President and CEO Ester Baiget; Randstad North America CEO Karen Fichuk; KPMG U.S. Chair & CEO Paul Knopp; and Adecco Group CEO, Americas Corinne Ripoche. Karen Groff, president of Roanoke Insurance Group, Inc., is the new member of the Board of Directors.

Reelected to the Board of Trustees is Brad Smith, president and chief legal officer of Microsoft. Reelected to the Board of Directors are Len Cali (AT&T), John Dashwood (Exxon Mobil), Rick Johnston (Citigroup), Pilar Ramos (Mastercard) and Bill Sample (Microsoft).

New officers Michele Parmelee of Deloitte (Vice Chair) and Robert DeLaMater of Sullivan & Cromwell (Secretary), elected in May, join both boards as officers. Since her appointment, Parmelee has also been promoted to Deloitte’s deputy CEO, in addition to chief people & purpose officer.

Jumpstart American Jobs Series: Robinson Shares Views on Trade, Supply Chains, Inclusive Multilateralism

Published on July 28, 2020
President & CEO of GBA Nancy McLernon interviews Peter Robinson, President of RILA Brian Dodge and President & CEO of FMI Leslie Sarasin

Just as American companies and employers led the way in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, they are now prepared to help drive America’s economic recovery. In a series of virtual interviews, the Global Business Alliance (GBA) has provided a forum for leading executives to share perspectives with top policymakers on what it will take to jumpstart American job growth. In the most recent installment, “Sold. Separately”, USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson joined Food Marketing Institute President and CEO Leslie Sarasin and Retail Industry Leaders Association President Brian Dodge to share views from members and to emphasize the importance of open trade, diversified supply chains and inclusive multilateralism. President and CEO of GBA Nancy McLernon led the discussion.

Robinson kicked off the discussion with highlights of what some USCIB members, such as Target, Amazon, Hanesbrands, Nike and Mastercard, have been doing to address the pandemic.

“One distinctive attribute of USCIB members is their global perspective and action as partners in multilateral institutions to advance response and recovery,” said Robinson. “And they are very concerned about the health of the constituent components of their global supply chains overseas, as well as at home.” He noted that USCIB supports initiatives by ICC, IOE and BIAC calling for governmental support of SMEs to ensure business continuity.

Throughout the discussion, Robinson underscored the imperative of free and fair trade and competition, particularly in light of COVID-related disruptions in supply chains which have given air cover to embracing of protectionist measures by governments.

“We are still in the middle of the pandemic,” noted Robinson. “The only way to ensure that economies grow again is to ensure open trade and investment environments. Increased digitization is going to be a big part of that. The business community, including USCIB, has been vocally opposed to resorting to protectionist policies. It is our view that a reversal of many of these policies in place is necessary to ensure a sustainable, post-pandemic economy.”

Robinson also highlighted the depth of global interdependence and the need to join hands across borders to work on an inclusive pandemic recovery: “COVID-19 knows no borders: it’s a one-world enemy and we need a one-world response”. According to Robinson, “We are entering a ‘new reality’ for business and society—and a new imperative to enhance and strengthen employment, societal resilience, and sustainable development. Multilateral institutions are the vehicles to ensure we have an all-out collective and coordinated effort to ‘Build Back Better’—and all institutions across humanitarian, health, economic, trade, and environmental roles need to work closely with representative private sector organizations.”

Robinson Featured in ILO’s “First Person: COVID-19 Stories” Series

Published on June 18, 2020
USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson

The International Labor Organization (ILO) launched a series of “First person: COVID-19 stories from the world of work,” collecting stories from around the globe and giving a voice to government officials, business owners and essential workers, those working from home and those who have lost their jobs, young people just entering the world of work and retirees-turned-volunteers.

Recently, USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson gave an interview of how the pandemic has affected USCIB, how it is responding, lessons learned from the experience and how we will all be “confronting a new reality” rather than a “return to normal.”

“One major lesson of this pandemic is a reaffirmation that we are all global citizens and we are fighting against an enemy that knows no border, so we must ensure that we join hands across borders and work together in a multilateral way on an economic recovery that is inclusive,” said Robinson.

Robinson also discussed USCIB’s approaches in ensuring the safety of its employees, objectives to support USCIB’s international network (such as that of the International Organization of Employers), and engaging in global work in more vulnerable economies where livelihoods are being upended and where Small and Medium Enterprises deserve special attention.

To view Robinson’s video, click here.

To view the collection of stories compiled by the ILO, please visit here.

USCIB Congratulates Daren Tang on New Role as WIPO Director General

Published on March 5, 2020
Daren Tang. Photo credit: OpenGov Asia

The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) congratulates Daren Tang, Singapore’s chief executive of intellectual property, on his election to the post of director general for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson commended WIPO member states and the U.S. Administration for supporting Mr. Tang:

“The election of Daren Tang as Director General of the WIPO is good news for American business and entrepreneurs, as well as for the global economy and rule-of-law.  Mr. Tang understands the importance of intellectual property rights to all those whose livelihoods depend on the ingenuity and creative genius of inventors, artists and the companies who employ them. There is a clear correlation between economic growth and the development of new inventions, technologies and creative products that are protected by patents, trademarks and copyrights.  USCIB applauds USPTO Director Andrei Iancu, Ambassador Andrew Bremberg and his team in Geneva, and the State Department Bureau of International Organization Affairs for their hard work and support of Mr. Tang’s candidacy. We look forward to continuing our work with WIPO to protect intellectual property as a means of driving global innovation, investment, and economic opportunity.”

Lithuanian Business Delegation (ICC Lithuania) Visits USCIB

Published on February 11, 2020

The Lithuanian Business Confederation (LVK or ‘ICC Lithuania’) visited USCIB’s New York office on February 3 to meet with USCIB’s President and CEO Peter Robinson and other policy staff. LVK’s General Manager Andrius Nikitinas, Project Director Gabrielė Gaubienė and Senior Policy Advisor Ineta Rizgelė led the delegation of over twenty LVK member representatives.

With a membership base consisting mostly of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the Lithuanian companies and industries represented included architecture, residential and commercial design, solar panel manufacturing, mattresses, software for cargo transportation and food.

“We appreciated the opportunity to meet with our ICC Lithuania partners,” noted USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson. “The meeting allowed us to better understand each other’s structures, policy priorities and target audiences.

 

 

Business at OECD Head Shares 2020 Policy Priorities With USCIB

Published on February 11, 2020
Business at OECD’s Russel Mills (left, center) with IOE’s Shea GoPaul and USCIB policy staff

Secretary General of Business at OECD (BIAC) Russel Mills visited USCIB’s Washington DC and New York offices the week of February 3 to update staff on Business at OECD and OECD priorities for the year.

Mills shared that environment, biodiversity, plastics and climate change issues are moving to the top of the agenda, however there will also be a mushrooming of digitization plans and digital economy work related to changing business models and digitally enabled companies. Mills also noted that policies around digital taxation and re-skilling will be on top of the agenda for both organizations.

“We really valued our time with Russel, which gave us an opportunity to touch base on our respective organizations’ policy priorities,” said USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson. “USCIB looks forward to a productive year working with BIAC to help drive the work of the OECD.”

USCIB Adopts Carbon Offset Program for Employee International Travel

Published on January 31, 2020

USCIB today announced that it has initiated a program to support carbon offsets for its employees’ international travel.

This initiative reflects USCIB’s continuous engagement in international climate policy deliberations supporting U.S. private sector engagement and solutions towards GHG emissions reduction, adaptation and resilience, and its recognition of its global carbon footprint.

In 2019, USCIB staff, together with member company representatives, participated in over 90 meetings and negotiations of some 18 international institutions in over 25 locations around the globe.

Beginning this month, January, 2020, carbon offset tables are being used by USCIB to calculate the carbon equivalent costs of international airline flights. That amount is being donated to sustainability programs such as forest conservation and management. The contributions will go to organizations participating with airlines most often used by USCIB staff.

In many cases, specific options of sustainability programs are provided to enable the contributor to make a “greatest impact” choice.  Where an airline does not work directly with an established organization, USCIB will decide on the recipient program.

USCIB recognizes that in the future, airlines themselves may be required to offset emissions under the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), agreed in 2018 in Montreal, which when enacted would make USCIB’s program redundant for international passenger offsets. However, the lack of agreement on an implementation schedule at the recent COP 25 meeting in Madrid of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) resulted in a postponement of enactment beyond the original 2021 goal. Until that time, USCIB believes that its carbon offset program is a positive contribution that it can make in the face of the global climate challenge.

USCIB will maintain a record of the offsets that will be available to members who might wish to see progress updates.