London, 23 April 2004 ñ Lord Browne of Madingley, Group Chief Executive of BP, became the inaugural recipient of the re-launched Channing Corporate Citizenship Award at a gala dinner last night in London. The dinner is hosted annually by BritishAmerican Business Inc (BABi), the leading transatlantic business organisation, and has recognised such names as George Mitchell and Margaret Thatcher in previous years for their contribution to the UK/US relationship.
BABi took the decision last year to re-launch the Channing Award ñ named in honour of William E Channing ñ as the Channing Corporate Citizenship Award. As the premier transatlantic business organisation, BABi sought to recognise and encourage good corporate citizenship, which, while meaning slightly different things on both sides of the Atlantic, still has the same aspirations of transparency, accountability and a sense of fair trade, as well as the open trade enjoyed between the US and the UK.
This yearís award recognised Lord Browneís outstanding track record in corporate citizenship and leadership in international efforts to engage with the challenges of corporate responsibility and governance. The event, held at One Whitehall Place, was sponsored by international business risk consultancy, Control Risks Group and Burson-Marsteller, one of the worldís leading public relations agencies.
The presentation of the award was made by Ian Stopps CBE, Chairman of BABi and Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin UK Ltd, who said: ìThe policies and practices of companies are critical in building and maintaining trust, which is a precious commodity in an increasingly uncertain world. It is hardly surprising that these issues are of growing importance to investors and consumers alike.
ìIt is, therefore, entirely appropriate that the inaugural award should go to BPís Lord Browne who, for more than a decade, has demonstrated exemplary global leadership on issues from climate change to stakeholder engagement and transparency.
ìUnder Lord Browneís leadership, BP has not only become a highly successful global energy company but is also consistently one of the most admired and respected across all sections of the transatlantic business community.î
Responding to the award, Lord Browne said. ìItís an immense honour to receive this award. I view it as a tribute to the many thousands of BP staff around the world who understand that good business is about mutual advantage, spread widely and over many, many years.î
Transatlantic Business Organisation Recognises BPs Lord Browne for Corporate Citizenship
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