Printer friendly version     Send to a friend

World Economic Forum Opens New Global Industries Headquarters in New York

1 February 2006 - Geneva, Switzerland

The World Economic Forum today announced its expansion into North America with the opening of its Centre for Global Industries based in the United States. The New York-based facility will house the new Centre for Global Industries and act as the global headquarters for the Forum’s industry activities. Many of the Forum’s industry focused teams will be relocated there, beginning in March 2006.

The office and World Economic Forum USA Inc. – an independent, non-profit organization with its own board and officers – will be led by the former Chairman and CEO of CNH Global NV, Jean-Pierre Rosso, who will become its Chairman as well as Chairman of the Centre for Global Industries. Mr Rosso previously was Chairman and CEO of Case Corporation (which through its merger with New Holland formed CNH Global NV) and currently serves on the boards of ADC Telecommunications, Inc., Eurazeo, and Medtronic.

"I am excited to join the World Economic Forum team and contribute to its mission to improve the state of the world. The Centre for Global Industries is a major step towards reinforcing the partnership between business and other global stakeholders to address key global issues."

With operations spanning New York and Geneva, the Centre for Global Industries will focus on developing the Industry Partnership programme, which is aimed at engaging global companies in the Forum's activities at the industry level. To date, more than 80 companies have formally joined the programme, including more than 45 from North America.

Commenting on the announcement, Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum said: “This step of expanding our presence in the US will help us better serve our core constituency, the business community, many members of which are based in North America or have significant operations there. Along with the recent announcement of an office in Beijing, it helps give the Forum a truly global presence. Jean-Pierre Rosso brings a wealth of experience and intelligence to his new role, and I have complete confidence that we will see the Centre thrive under his leadership. On a personal note we have always had a very special relationship with New York – we even moved our Annual Meeting normally held in Davos to New York to show solidarity with the city in the months after 9/11. In many ways the city is a home from home.”

“The World Economic Forum's decision to locate its North American affiliate here signals its enormous confidence in New York City as one of the world's greatest places to do business," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "Our unparalleled access to global companies and international markets will allow World Economic Forum USA to advance its mission and achieve great success in its new office."

US operations will be led by Kevin Steinberg, who will become the Chief Operating Officer of the World Economic Forum USA Inc. Mr Steinberg brings 14 years of experience with the World Economic Forum to his new role, having in recent years led its Membership and Partnership department, overseen its Geneva-based industry teams and guided its Institutional Strategy function.

Kevin Steinberg noted: “Complementing our presence in Geneva with dedicated teams in New York will allow us to more effectively and systematically work with our corporate partners – not only those based in the US, but also globally. New York, as a leading centre for global business, is a focal point of expertise and activities for many industries. With the creation of the World Economic Forum USA Inc., we hope to become an integrated part of that hub, offering our members and partners a way to collectively engage on issues that matter to them most."

The Board of the World Economic Forum USA Inc. will initially include Al Berkeley, Chairman and CEO of Pipeline Trading Systems and formerly the President and Vice-Chairman of NASDAQ; Rajat Gupta, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company and formerly its Managing Director Worldwide; Joe Schoendorf, Partner, Accel Partners; with Jean-Pierre Rosso as its Chairman. Kevin Steinberg will serve as its Secretary.

Notes for Editors:

For more details of the World Economic Forum’s industry activities, and the recent agreement to open an office in Beijing, China – please visit the World Economic Forum’s website (http://www.weforum.org)

Printer friendly version     Send to a friend