On Thursday, May 23, The CFO Forum – The Annual Meeting 2024 took place at Move Amsterdam. The gathering of financial executives, hosted by Bas Sprong, CFO of Pon, was attended by 70 CFOs from large corporations in the private sector. The main theme of the meeting was: “Balancing Risk and Opportunity in a Changing Geopolitical and Digital Landscape” and was organized by Transformation Forums and Partners ING, KPMG, Marsh McLennan, Nationale- Nederlanden, Spencer Stuart, Staan, and Stibbe.
In the midst of a historic election year, with over 4 billion voters in key regions, global businesses face profound challenges and opportunities. During the meeting, CFOs explored strategies to navigate this transformative era of uncertainties, driven by geopolitical shifts and economic volatility.
Moderator:
Bas van Werven, Anchor BNR Nieuwsradio
Speakers and Contributors:
Bas Sprong, CFO Pon
Peter Altmaier, Former Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Germany (2018 to 2021)
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Minister of State, Chairman Clingendael Institute, Former Secretary General NATO
Anneka Treon, Chief Economist Van Lanschot Kempen
Carmen Dijk, Partner KPMG
Marieke Driessen, Partner Stibbe
Hans Janssen, CFO FrieslandCampina
Jurjen Jongma, CFO Ebusco
Margret Kleinsman, Alumni CFO Agrifirm, SB member Avantium
Jorge Vazquez, CFO Randstad
Peter Berdowski, CEO Boskalis
Location:
Move, Amsterdam
Key insights shared throughout the forum:
- Europe must place a stronger focus on innovation.
- Real opportunities for companies in the Netherlands and Europe require a level playing field and a strengthened internal European market.
- The public and private sectors need to join forces more effectively to address the current global crises.
- Companies, including publicly listed ones, must develop a more pronounced long-term vision.
- CFOs are pivotal in navigating their companies through this transformation by ensuring strategic resource allocation, fostering resilience, and enabling agility.
- This era calls for unified leadership.
Read more in the CFO Forum – The Annual Meeting summary report 23 may 2024
