Umicore’s CEO Marc Grynberg had been appointed chief executive officer in the last quarter of 2008 in the early stages of a global economic crisis, an ominous start of sorts. As a member of the executive committee, he had been part of the core team that transformed the company from a stagnant mining company – Union Minière – into a true global leader – Umicore Group – in the emerging global circular economy. As a result, the company was named the most sustainable company in the world in the 2013 annual Corporate Knights rankings. This was no small feat for a company that was born in 1805 as Vieille-Montagne. Umicore’s complete transformation was effected in less than a decade. The copper and zinc businesses were spun-off and listed separately, leading to the adoption of a radically new business model. The old mining-refining approach to developing material solutions was replaced by a leading-edge recycling-based model that relied on chemistry and metallurgy. By adopting the new business model, the company had become a leader in terms of innovation and sustainability. It now needed to reformulate its strategy to reap the fruits of the heavy investments. Grynberg and his team were also increasingly challenged to demonstrate how the company could monetize its non-financial performance with key stakeholders. Can sustainability really create value? If so, through what mechanisms?
New data reveals the LGBTQ+ equality gap at work: 60% hide identity, discrimination persists. Leaders urge inclusion beyond Pride and rainbow branding.
Building the Foundations for Sustainable Performance means using AI and expert insight to evolve supply chains and meet the operational demands of 2025.
Democracy doesn’t collapse overnight—it erodes gradually. Political scientist Daniel Ziblatt outlines how business leaders can wield their influence to uphold democratic norms amid rising authoritarian drift.
LGBTQ+ corporate inclusion faces backlash in 2025 as companies roll back DE&I policies. Business leaders share strategies for maintaining inclusive workplaces, authentic leadership, and effective allyship programs despite political pressures and r...
Comedian and conductor Rainer Hersch provides lessons from the orchestra pit. Wwhat conductors can teach business leaders about teamwork, communication, and performance.
Today’s workforce often includes a mix of permanent employees, freelancers, and outside contractors – but even organizations with mostly external workforces or highly autonomous workforces need proximity to succeed over the long term. Here are fou...
Faced with the threat of trade fragmentation, many are now waking up to the true value of preserving a rules-based system of cooperation – and business can help defend it too, says WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
How to harness the power of nonmarket strategy explores how bold leaders shape their environment, reduce uncertainty, and unlock significant value.
Few things are scarier than being at the front of the room and losing your audience. Consult the checklist of questions below to understand why people are reacting negatively to what you are saying and use the ‘Diamond of Dissent’ to win them back...
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications