How the UK sees Asia
His Excellency Nik Mehta, British High Commissioner

At a time when the world seems focused elsewhere - North America, Europe, the Middle East - Britain is courting relationships in Asia. To share with us London’s views on the region, its opportunities and challenges, the Global CFO Network is delighted to be joined by British High Commissioner Nik Mehta. Nik has extensive experience in our region, having previously been posted to Malaysia as Political Counsellor, and South Korea, as Deputy Ambassador. More recently he was Director of Policy for the National Security Committee, and Deputy Director of GCHQ. Join Nik for a broad-ranging conversation on the future of the Asia Pacific, and the role of global partners in driving and securing that future.

Hiring the right person for that senior role
Michael Müller, Vice President Finance - India and Indonesia, NIPSEA Group

We spend a lot of time talking about talent development, and hiring at junior levels, but hiring the right (or wrong) person at a senior level can have a much greater impact on the Finance function, and the company. Not to mention the CFO’s peace of mind. So how can you ensure that you have the right person in that key role, and that your direct reports are fit for the job? To share his own insights into senior level hiring, we’re delighted to welcome back to the Global CFO Network one of our alumni who now works for a local business. Michael Müller. Michael leads Finance for India and Indonesia at NIPSEA Group, better known for its Nippon Paint brand. Michael is a highly experienced executive whose previous positions include senior roles for Siemens in Europe and Asia Pacific.

Is diversity the key to value? The Swire perspective
Martin Murray OBE, Finance Director, Swire Pacific Ltd

As Western companies become ever more specialised on their core competencies, Asian companies continue to demonstrate the success of the conglomerate approach. In this session we’re fortunate enough to be joined by Martin Murray, Finance Director of Swire Pacific Ltd, the publicly traded arm of the 200 year-old Hong Kong conglomerate Swire Group. Swire Pacific - which is listed on the Hong Kong Exchange with a market cap of HKD86.2 billion - controls Cathay Pacific, Swire Properties, Swire Beverages Holdings and Swire Food Holdings, and has significant property and hotel interests in Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as the US and the UK. Martin will outline the organisation’s structure, and explain the value the diversity of interests brings to the company. Swire traces its roots back to its foundation in in 1816 as a Liverpool and Hong Kong based textile trader by John Swire. Martin joined the Swire in 1987 and has worked with the group in the Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Japan, the United States, Vietnam, mainland China, Taiwan and the Middle East.

Members may attend with a member of their Finance team. Light refreshments will be served.