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OUR CORPORATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE GOVERNANCE STATEMENTS
A heartfelt thank you to Marc Freismuth!
Since 2013, our shareholders have been accustomed to opening each annual report to an introductory message by the Chairman, signed by Marc Freismuth. After 16 years on UBP’s Board of Directors, Marc Freismuth has made the decision to devote himself to new pursuits, both in his personal and professional life. His tenure as Chairman of UBP Group will leave a lasting impact in all respects.
Marc Freismuth joined the Board of UBP in 2006. His vision, humanism and altruism made him a pillar of strength for many years, especially at a time when the Group was broadening its scope of activities and undergoing managerial and cultural changes.
He was particularly involved in improving the Group’s governance practices. “As soon as I joined UBP, I set about formalising practical governance guidelines through internal policies, charters and a code of ethics,” he shared. “I also advocated for improved parity on the Board of Directors. I am delighted to see that three women are seated on the Board today. They have substantiated my conviction in the value of women Directors as meaningful assets, not just for their skills and experience, but also for their qualitative approach to problem-solving.”
Upon his appointment as Chairman in 2013, he immediately stood firm in his belief of making ‘Sustainability’ a strategic objective. “Sustainability is a subject that is close to my heart, and I am proud to
see that it is integrated into strategic management discussions. We are certainly moving in the right direction, but much more remains to be done to achieve our objectives, among which is an ambition to be carbon neutral.”
During his chairmanship, he sought to fulfil his role in a way that gave each Director on the Board the space to share their perspectives and opinions on the various topics being discussed. His ultimate objective was to obtain consensus for any decisions made, often resulting from ‘lively, animated and constructive discussions’. As a matter of fact, several of the investment decisions made in 2022 followed this process.
And when asked if he has a final parting message, Marc shared: “I simply want to thank the shareholders and partners for the unwavering trust over the years. And to the entire team, I wish for you to continue being driven by the passion that makes UBP such a dynamic and remarkable Group.”
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