Dr. Jörg Duschmalé, board member of Roche, with a 128-year-old family business ownership, presented at our recent High Performance Board sessions IMD. Learn more about the program here - https://bit.ly/49XnCfP
As the youngest board member at Roche, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies globally, Dr. Duschmalé emphasised that the governance structure, with the founder’s family ownership, is a key success factor.
In a challenging environment, such as an aging population and a growing burden of chronic diseases, family ownership allows for a longer-term approach, rather than focusing on short-term gains. “It is easy to cut R&D, but with our transgenerational view, we choose to do the right things now within the company for the future.”
In response to a question on how to prepare for being a board member in family businesses, Dr. Duschmalé expressed appreciation for a less predefined process. It gave him flexibility to approach responsibilities in various ways, especially considering his background as a chemist. Without this freedom, he might have felt constrained by the family legacy.
“Be honest, be humble, and be yourself.” With this philosophy, Dr. Duschmalé’s insights illuminate the essence of serving as a board member across diverse governance environments.
#imdimpact #highperformanceboards #imdboardcenter #corporategovernance #familybusiness
