Petri Hofsté and Stuart Graham Nominated for ING Supervisory Board
In an important development for ING, the company announced its intention to nominate Petri Hofsté and Stuart Graham for appointment to the Supervisory Board at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). This decision reflects ING's commitment to strengthening its board with individuals who bring diverse perspectives and deep industry experience.
About the Nominated Members
Petri Hofsté's Background
Petri Hofsté, born in 1961, has a robust record in the financial and corporate sectors. With a career spanning over several pivotal roles, she has served as an auditor, controller, and CFO. Hofsté's prior experience includes her tenure as the division director of Banking Supervision at De Nederlandsche Bank, where she demonstrated her leadership ability. Currently, she retains board positions at Achmea, Royal Friesland Campina, and Pon Holdings. Moreover, she chairs the Nyenrode Foundation, showing her commitment to community contributions. Petri holds a master's degree in Business Economics, Finance, and Accounting from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, alongside qualifications as a chartered accountant.
Stuart Graham's Expertise
Stuart Graham, a seasoned professional with over 30 years in the finance industry, hails from a distinguished background. As the co-founder and former CEO of Autonomous Research, he significantly impacted global financial services research. His earlier career included pivotal roles as a banking analyst at major firms like JP Morgan and Merrill Lynch, where he was recognized for his expertise in European banks. Currently, he serves as a consultant to Trade Republic and holds a master's degree in Modern History from Cambridge University.
Comments from the Chairman
Karl Guha, the chairman of ING's Supervisory Board, highlighted the anticipated contributions of Hofsté and Graham. "The addition of Petri Hofsté and Stuart Graham to our board will allow ING to benefit greatly from their experience and insights as we execute our strategy," Guha stated. He emphasized the board's commitment to enhancing growth, impact, and value delivery as ING strives to remain the premier European bank.
Upcoming AGM Agenda Highlights
The agenda for the AGM includes proposals not only for the new nominations but also to reappoint Steven van Rijswijk and Ljiljana ?ortan for a four-year term on the Executive Board. Additionally, Lodewijk Hijmans van den Bergh and Margarete Haase are up for reappointment to the Supervisory Board for four and two-year terms, respectively. These appointments aim to sustain governance excellence and operational oversight, which have been approved by the European Central Bank.
Audit and Sustainability Initiatives
Another significant proposal on the AGM agenda is the appointment of Deloitte Accountants BV as the external auditor. Deloitte will provide assurance on the Sustainability Statement for a four-year term, beginning January 1, 2026. This move underscores ING's commitment to sustainability and transparency in its operations. Previously, Deloitte was appointed to audit the financial statements for a four-year term starting from January 1, 2026, during the 2024 AGM.
Shareholder Participation in AGM
Registered shareholders are invited to participate in the AGM either in person at the designated venue or online via the ‘Evote by ING’ platform. This platform facilitates remote voting and participation, ensuring that all shareholders can engage in this crucial meeting of governance and strategy. Further details regarding participation, voting procedures, and admission requirements are available in the supporting materials provided prior to the AGM.
ING: A Leading Financial Institution
ING is renowned for its substantial role in the financial services sector, with an operational footprint across over 100 countries. The institution employs more than 60,000 individuals dedicated to providing comprehensive retail and wholesale banking services. ING is firmly committed to integrating sustainability into its core practices, consistently assessed through independent ratings. The bank's ESG rating was reconfirmed as 'AA,' reflecting its diligence in managing ESG risks, with Sustainalytics designating its risk management as ‘Strong’ as of the last assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Petri Hofsté and Stuart Graham?
Petri Hofsté is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the financial sector, while Stuart Graham is a well-respected expert in financial research and analysis.
Why is the AGM important for ING?
The AGM is critical as it sets the governance structure for ING and allows shareholders to vote on key appointments and initiatives impacting the organization's future.
How many employees does ING have?
ING employs over 60,000 individuals worldwide, dedicated to providing banking services across various markets.
What is ING's approach to sustainability?
ING aims to embed sustainability within its operations, with ongoing assessments by independent research bodies to evaluate its ESG performance.
Where can shareholders find more information about the AGM?
Shareholders can check the AGM proxy materials and other details on the ING website for comprehensive information regarding the upcoming meeting and participation.
