Q&A
NEW: RABOBANK MATTERS
New chairman
Global
Global
Australia
RABOBANK
MATTERS
RIIN
with Ronald Slaats
CEO De Lage Landen
Q
Q
cooperation betiveen De Lage Landen
and Rabobank?
Q
factors for De Lage Landen in the coming
De Lage Landen is a fully owned subsidiary of the
Rabobank Group, providing global leasing and fïnance
solutions. Ronald Slaats, who took over as CEO on
1 June, talks about his vision for the company.
A Well, our sales are up to par and our costs are under
control. But we do have some challenges. Firstly, due
to the turbulent economie conditions, there is an
increased chance that businesses get into difficulties,
so we have to keep a close watch on the quality of
our portfolio. And secondly, there are limits on how
fast we can grow because of the scarcity of capital.
However, the business is solid, and we see many
more bright spots than clouds.
A Cooperation with Rabobank opens up many
synergy opportunities, such as cross-selling to
each other's customers, which benefits both the
customer and us. For example, we launched a
successful joint operation in Poland with Rabobank's
BGZ, where we provided leasing services to both
local customers and Rabobank's customers. In
addition, with our contribution to Rabobank's
'Amphora' initiative, we enable local Rabobank's in
the Netherlands to service their customers abroad
with our products and services.
A We will continue to work towards a stable,
profitable future, while improving where we can
and strengthening our operations so that we
can accelerate when the time is right.
Rabobank Australia New Zealand appointed
William P. Gurry as the chairman of its board of
directors, effective 31 March. Mr Gurry replaces
James Graham, who served as chairman from
November 2002.
Chairman of the Managing Board of Rabobank
International Bert Heemskerk says: "Bill Gurry is a
highly-respected business leader and an expe-
rienced company director. He has an extensive
background in banking and food retailing and
strong rural interests. During his time on the
Rabobank board, Bill has distinguished himself
as a director of the highest calibre."
Mr Gurry has enjoyed a lengthy and eminent
career in business, holding a number of senior
roles in the fïnancial services industry. He was
executive chairman of UBS in Australia and CEO
of its forerunner Potter Warburg. He also served
as managing director of National Mutual Royal
Bank. Mr Gurry is currently chairman of wine
company Cheviot Bridge and a director of the
Financial Markets Foundation forChildren and
St. Vincent's Mercy Private Hospital.
'Rabobank Matters' is a new publication,
offering insights into recent develop-
ments in cooperative banking. The book
highlights Rabobank Group's ability to be
an innovative market leader, while
managing to remain a local bankto its
customers, and is a fine addition to
previous publications that covered the
roots and functioning of Rabobank.
This well-illustrated paperback demon-
strates that the cooperative phiiosophy is
still relevant today, and shows what makes
Rabobank so special, where its roots lie and
how it continues to operate successfully
both nationally and internationally.
Some of the topics covered include:
the origin and founding of Rabobank; the
cooperative phiiosophy; the legal frame-
work; capital structure and relationships;
developments in fïnancial services; and
banking and CSR. The final chapter, 'Across
the border,' provides a well-written
overview of Rabobank's international
presence and activities since the 1980s.
The book can be ordered through the
Raboshop, number 13692.
6 ISSUE 20 THE WORD