The CEO Dialogue

Founded in 1988, Ping An has built itself into Asia’s largest insurance company, selling US$110 billion of insurance premiums last year.But while Ping An made its name in insurance, the company has also established itself as one of China’s leading digital innovators; and the key figure driving some of its cutting-edge technologies is Jessica Tan.As one of Ping An’s three co-CEOs Tan is helping the company go from strength to strength, especially in the areas of fintech and artificial intelligence. In conversation with IMD President Jean-Francois Manzoni, Tan talks about growth, change, and breaking ground in new markets.—————————Read our new magazine, I by IMD, here.Discover IMD's leadership programmes here.

Less than six months after Julie Sweet was named Global CEO of Accenture, COVID-19 hit.For some businesses, the pandemic marked a breaking point; but Accenture was ready to ride it out. Sweet says the company has been preparing for a rapid change to working life for a decade, and that as far back as 2013 the company was declaring that “every business is a digital business”.Julie Sweet has been instrumental in guiding the company through turbulent times and has made huge strides since taking over global operations at Accenture. In conversation with IMD president Jean-Francois Manzoni, she discusses the importance of learning new skills and how companies must use technology, data, and artificial intelligence to find new ways to engage with customers.—————————Read our new magazine, I by IMD, here.Discover IMD's leadership programmes here.

Takeshi Niinami became President and CEO of Suntory Holdings just over seven years ago, in October 2014. His task: to help the company manage the biggest event of its 120-year history – its purchase of the US’s Beam Inc, maker of Jim Beam and a host of other spirits, for US$16 billion.In conversation with IMD president Jean-Francois Manzoni, he discusses why CEOs need to embody their company values, the challenges of multi-billion dollar acquisitions, and the importance of the Suntory Founder's Spirit.—————————Read our new magazine, I by IMD, here.Discover IMD's leadership programmes here.

As CEO of the Adecco Group, Alain Dehaze has a unique perspective on the future of labor. The pandemic revealed just how quickly workplaces can change, and his fortune 500 group has helped millions of people find jobs and reskill in an uncertain and highly-competitive global economy. For Dehaze, the pandemic did not create new megatrends but accelerated them; making it all the more important for governments to retrain national workforces.In conversation with IMD President Jean-François Manzoni, Dehaze and protege Jordan Topoleski discuss the merits of homeworking, what's next for global labor markets and why young workers are increasingly choosing employers based on 'EQ'

Riad Sherif is truly an expert in his field. Trained as a doctor, his drive to succeed in business led him to pharmaceuticals; and a successful 25-year career at corporate giants like Sanofi and Novartis. After reaching the top of the pharmaceutical industry, he joined the start-up Oculis in 2017.  And as IMD President Jean-François Manzoni discovers, that move has paid off.  As CEO, Riad has steered the biotech company to financial and regulatory success. But the best days may yet be to come. In May, Oculis secured a $57 million financing round and is now poised to advance its late-stage topical Ophthalmic portfolio.Highlights of this episode of The CEO dialogue include: the importance of expert investors; how engaging with the community can build your professional network; and why you should never take a meeting without an agenda.—————————Links:Read our new magazine, I by IMD, here.Discover IMD's leadership programmes here.

In a rapidly decarbonizing world, the energy sector is facing immense challenges. The 'net-zero' promises of today lead to demands for greener more efficient grids tomorrow, and some are struggling to keep up with the times.Others, like Antje Kanngiesser, are flourishing. As a young lawyer in Germany, she specialized in renewables long before they hit global headlines. Now, following a successful career in the energy sector, she's emerged as CEO at Alpiq, a company that delivers about 20% of Switzerland’s power.Like many energy companies, Alpiq is rethinking its business model, and in her new position, Kanngiesser has wasted no time setting out a sustainable plan for growth. In conversation with IMD President Jean-François Manzoni, she discusses the future of energy production in Europe, and how hydrogen can make green travel a reality.—————————Links:Read our new magazine, I by IMD, here.Discover IMD's leadership programmes here.

As the Chairman of Straumann Group, IMD EMBA graduate Gilbert Acherman knows the essential value of strong corporate leadership.Having joined the global dentistry powerhouse in 1998, he served first as CFO and then as CEO before joining the board in 2009 and becoming chairman a year later. Now with more than a decade under his belt in this position, Achermann is one of a select few people to maintain such a longstanding record. The average length of chairmanship in any industry is typically four-and-a-half years. This week, he tells  IMD President Jean-François Manzoni how he's kept his edge. Highlights of their conversation include tips on being an effective board member, how the '08 financial crash helped him navigate the coronavirus pandemic, and why Swiss companies are so well placed to take on international markets.—————————Links:Read our new magazine, I by IMD, here.Discover IMD's leadership programmes here.

Whether you live in London, Stockholm, or Seattle, there’s a good chance that Stefan Larsson has had something to do with your wardrobe.As the recently appointed CEO of PVH Corp. he oversees an impressive catalog of brands, including Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. And now he has his sights set on revolutionizing sustainability in the fashion worldIn an interview with IMD President Jean-François Manzoni, Stefan opens up about his analytical fact-based approach to business, and what the future holds for the world’s most successful fashion brands.—————————Links:Read our new magazine, I by IMD, here.Discover IMD's leadership programmes here.

Business is full of animal metaphors: bull markets, cash cows, and fat cats abound. But for IMD alumni Severin Dressen, the natural world is a far more literal part of his day-to-day work.As the CEO of Zurich Zoo, he's taking a proactive role in tackling the worldwide loss of biodiversity. Since the Zoo reopened, visitors have flocked in, and Severin says that it's his responsibility to educate others about the importance of sustainability; whether that be through elephant conservation projects in Thailand, or in Zürichberg itself.In an interview with IMD Professor David Bach, Severin opens up about his first year in office.  Highlights of this episode include details on the shifting face of conservation, how changing where we conduct our meetings can change outcomes, and what Severin thinks we can learn from the animals.—————————Links:Read our new magazine, I by IMD, here.Discover IMD's leadership programmes here.

As one of the most influential and enduring figures in international shipping, Søren Skou has weathered his fair share of crises. But is almost 40 years at Maersk, perhaps no period has been more challenging than the coronavirus pandemic.As the CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk, and a graduate of the IMD business school, Søren has gained unique insights into global trade. This week, he tells IMD President Jean-François Manzoni about the future of international commerce and how he's keeping up with changing customer demands.Highlights of their conversation include some tips on remaining agile; how to maintain position in a rapidly digitizing industry; and the key components of leadership.—————————Links:Read our new magazine, I by IMD, here.Discover IMD's leadership programmes here.