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The purpose of a company is not only to earn money

Mr. Hoffmann, what do you wear for a rainbow-colored pin on the lapel? This is the character of the UN "Agenda 2030" for sustainable development of the worl

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The purpose of a company is not only to earn money

Mr. Hoffmann, what do you wear for a rainbow-colored pin on the lapel?
This is the character of the UN "Agenda 2030" for sustainable development of the world. These are very important goals for the transition to a better life and a healthier earth.

How do you see the role of the economy?
The economy can contribute to changes all over the world to be implemented. Especially in countries where the government does not protect its citizens, have to play world corporations play a special role. The economy of today there are more than governments or civil society. The purpose of a company is not only to earn money. It comes to the support of all the stakeholders: the Case of Roche the patients, employees, suppliers, the health system and the shareholders. We have to take all the responsibility. Roche will not be merged, in order to benefit unilaterally to the shareholders, but for all to benefit.

you can Advertise for the group responsibility initiative?
I am passionate convinced that the economy is a force of change. It is quite true that a global company like Roche is acting anywhere as good as home. But the fact that the Swiss law should be applied anywhere, as it wants to the Initiative, seems to me to be wrong.

they Reject the Initiative?
it is important to Me that we have values that we are defending everywhere. Employees of Roche in Delhi or Kuala Lumpur, but no other employees than those in Switzerland. They work for our company , and this is something that we appreciate very much. We are aware of our responsibilities in other countries be aware of. That the us now wants to prescribe an Initiative, how we have to do it, is not a liberal Option.

"I don't have the feeling that the family groups are generally better."

The Council of States decides in December about a watered-down counter-proposal, and the proposal of the Federal Council foresees only a reporting of corporations on human rights issues.
I am against all of these proposals. There is no successful company that is designed to harm the people. In the case of human law, a company that defends its own values is to ask, certainly much more efficient than a legal requirement. Many companies are already doing much of this without be restricted by law in the implementation.

pharmaceutical companies such as Roche can say it easier than, for example, a commodity group such as Glencore, which is due to environmental damage, exploitation of child labour into disrepute. They do not cover thus Glencore?
I regret that it came to this Initiative. I expect that the company will not conduct so that it takes you. If the Parliament or the people decides something, to export for domestic companies, the Swiss law in other countries, then I do not support the. We should not impose on other countries our ideas.

do you Believe that a family-controlled company such as Roche may represent values other than listed companies, which are constantly threatened by mergers and Acquisitions?
I don't have the feeling that the family groups are generally better. We emerged in the last four or five generations of a special Roche-culture, but you can not generalize that.

Meanwhile, a wealth Manager takes care of Blackrock investments on CO2 reduction and on social Standards.
Yes, I think now it goes slowly forward. The economy needs to do something for the community. The concentration on the short-term profit maximization is wrong. Milton Friedman's theory of"The Business of Business is Business" is out of date. We must not only be measured by our profitability, but also to our contribution to society. It is not enough if the economy does not cause any damage, you must make a net contribution and is really something to all return.

you Are for the introduction of new values?
The idea of renewable Investments Central. There are already many of the sustainability systems, for example, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. There are, of course, the Public Relations values of what others think, how we behave.

"My grandfather was 90 years old when he left the company."

what is sustainability in your own succession planning?
Yes, we have to consider the of the Board of Directors. Actually, constantly. We are in dialogue with different age groups, and we try to find a solution that will help all. We are able to do. The leadership of the family company only works, if the family has a certain degree of identification with the company. This identification is given in us.

And when they will be replaced as Vice-President of the Board of Directors and as a family spokesman?
The question is, when is the right Moment to withdraw. I can't say that in a lump sum. My grandfather was 90 years old when he is gone.

you are only 62. But also in the case of your Grandfather, there was a long transition time. Remember, to pass with 65 to the next Generation?
I would like to keep the flexibility. The company has to go well. It may not be the case that the interests of the family shareholders are more important than those of the more than 90'000 employees of Roche.

What does that mean now, specifically, for your succession planning?
The official answer is: There are plans, and we will implement it. We have considered, but have a little more time. My Cousin, Andreas Oeri, who will retire as already come announced year-to-date from the Board of Directors, is ten years older than I, and my nephew Jörg Duschmalé, the takes a seat now for the Oeri-branch, is six years older than the oldest of my sons.

Created: 28.11.2019, 06:08 PM

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