Joshua Bolten, a chief of staff to former president George W. Bush, will take over as CEO of the Business Roundtable on January 23, the organization said. His appointment comes after the group last month appointed JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, a self-described Democrat, as its new chairman.
“I look forward to working closely with our membership, policymakers and other stakeholders to promote consensus on pro-growth policies that will benefit America and all Americans,” Bolten said.
Currently managing director of economic policy consultancy Rock Creek Global Advisers, Bolten said last year that Trump wasn’t fit for office and that his nomination as the Republican presidential frontrunner could cripple the party.
“That was then, this is now, and the now includes a president-elect Trump who has earned the benefit of the doubt from all of us who work in the policy world,” Bolten recently told Bloomberg. There was “plenty of space” to work with Trump on trade, he added.
The Business Roundtable counts 192 CEOs from the country’s largest companies among its membership. Business leaders have generally applauded Trump’s promise to slash tax rates and loosen regulation, though some are concerned that his threats to raise import tariffs and shirk free trade deals could fan inflation.
Dimon is among leaders who have previously supported the Transpacific Trade Partnership with Pacific Rim nations, and the Business Roundtable has traditionally advocated for free trade.
While announcing Bolten’s appointment, Dimon said he was nevertheless optimistic that good public policy would drive lasting economic growth.
“This will fuel job creation, raise the standard of living and position the country to invest in education, technology and infrastructure in a programmatic and sustainable way to build a better and safer future,” Dimon said. “The leaders of our business community have a responsibility to lead this effort, and our approach must appeal to both parties and all Americans.”
Bolten will succeed John Engler, who last month cited the chairman transition to Dimon as an opportunity to solidify his own retirement plans. Engler said he was prepared to stay in the CEO position until July to ensure a smooth transition process, indicating the organization has chosen to act swiftly with the new appointment.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
