FEI, French Institute sponsor joint event.

• Author: Leonard, Philippe
• Position: Conferences - Financial Executives International

FEI and DFCG, the French FEI Institute, hosted a conference in Paris on May 14 titled: "Old and New World: Working Together." The objective was to bring together global financial executives for information-sharing and networking. Sponsors of the program included: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Robert Half International Management Resources, Ernst & Young, Oracle Corp., Euler Hermes, Hyperion Solutions, Mazars, American Express Co. and CIMA.

FEI Senior Vice President for Public Affairs, Technical Committees and the Global Oversight Committee, Grace Hinchman, said, "This bi-lateral networking opportunitiy has proven to be very successful in allowing financial executives to have an open and frank dialogue about issues and business challenges of mutual concern."

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The opening speaker, The Honorable Howard H. Leach, the U.S. Ambassador to France, set the tone for the conference, recognizing that the role of the CFO is more and more important today to corporations than ever. He pointed out that it's a time of greater public awareness, as well a crucial period in terms of the CFO protecting shareholders' interests and overseeing public information integrity.

Jean-Francois Bosquet, Chairman of DFCG, stated that working together is clearly a priority for companies on both sides of the Atlantic, and he hailed the one-day conference, a first for both organizations. "We have to work together now to restore investor and market confidence, and to invent the role of the CFO for tomorrow," said Bosquet.

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In her opening statement, Colleen Sayther, President and CEO, Financial Executives International, explained that the world of finance has changed...