Top Thinkers in Corporate Governance to Gather at Drexel LeBow Conference

Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business is bringing together 30 of the country’s leading thinkers in corporate governance to discuss topics ranging from succession planning to shareholder activism.

“The financial crisis that emerged in late 2008 continues to challenge corporate boards of directors, who are operating in a global economy that is still seeking its equilibrium,” said Ralph Walkling, Ph.D., executive director of Drexel LeBow’s Center for Corporate Conference, which is convening its annual Directors’ Dialogue in Philadelphia.

“Our annual, private and off-the-record gathering allows corporate and academic leaders to speak candidly with one another about emerging challenges and the best ways forward,” added Walkling, who also is the Stratakis Professor of Corporate Governance and Accountability at Drexel LeBow.

Participants will discuss questions such as the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; responding to the varying interests of shareholders, proxy advisors, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the public; and trends in legislation and regulation.

Two keynote addresses will be given:  one by Jonathan Spector, CEO of The Conference Board, a global and independent business membership and research association; the other, by John (Jack) Krol, former chairman and CEO of DuPont and currently chairman of Delphi Automotive, a leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and other market segments. The conference is being co-chaired by John J. Brennan, chairman emeritus and senior advisor of The Vanguard Group, and Raj Gupta, former chairman and CEO of Rohm and Haas.

In addition to Walkling, Brennan and Gupta, discussion leaders will include the chairman and CEO of The Vanguard Group, the president and CEO of Armstrong World Industries, and the CEO and co-CIO of Sanders capital.

Drexel LeBow’s Center for Corporate Governance is a premier research center at the forefront of governance issues facing the business community.  Its Fellows research topics that advance knowledge in the fields of finance, marketing, accounting, organizational behavior and other critical areas facing boards today. Its programs feature top researchers, practitioners, directors and leaders in government and regulatory agencies.

The Directors' Dialogue will be held March 14-15 in Center City Philadelphia.