View from the Top

India needs to innovate

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:58:07 GMT

Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director of Mahindra & Mahindra, thinks Indian companies have the ability to compete in the world market. He tells the FT's James Crabtree that delivering "more for less" should be the country's mantra.

3M's George Buckley on boosting growth

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:22:00 GMT

Governments should focus on manufacturing, mining and agriculture to create value in their economies, according to Sir George Buckley, retiring chief executive of 3M, the diversified manufacturer famous for Scotch tape. Sir George explains to capital markets editor Richard Milne about business heroes, competitiveness, innovation and his plans post 3M.

Markit strategy

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:38:00 GMT

Markit, the data and post-trade services provider, last year failed in its bid LCH.Clearnet, the Anglo-French clearing house. On this week's View from the Top Lance Uggla, Markit chief executive, explains to Philip Stafford of FT TRading Room what the company's strategy is now.

Skills gap risk to world economy

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:59:00 GMT

Unemployment in the US will fall but a lack of skills in the developed world will demand more immigration of knowledge workers, says Ben Noteboom, chief executive of Randstad, the world's second largest recruitment company. He tells Brian Groom, employment editor, that deregulation of labour markets, especially in Europe, is essential for improved economic prosperity.

US beer industry in transition

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 19:31:40 GMT

Peter Swinburn, chief executive of Molson Coors, tells the FT's Alan Rappeport there is a need for beer makers to expand into the global market and innovate. Since the interview, Molson Coors acquired StarBev, the European brewer, for $3.5bn

Takeda on Nycomed acquisition

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:24:56 GMT

Japan's corporate giants face many challenges due to a rising yen and growing competition from China. The FT's Michiyo Nakamoto talks to Yasuchika Hasegawa, chief executive and president of Takeda, Japan's largest pharmaceutical company, about the outlook for the domestic economy and the group's recent acquisition of Nycomed.

Short-term concerns won't impact China

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:58:43 GMT

Zhang Xin, chief executive of Soho China and one of China's wealthiest women, tells the FT's Ed Luce that short-term worries over policy and political changes will not fundamentally impact China's continued rise

The digital challenge for America's daily newspaper

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:44:06 GMT

Brand recognition and local reach will drive Gannett's success, says chief executive Gracia Martore She tells Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, the Financial Times' media editor, that while print is in "secular decline," readers will still pay for "engaging, relevant content"

Make-up maker sees moderate economic growth

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 21:15:18 GMT

Fabrizio Freda, chief executive of Estée Lauder, tells the FT's Barney Jopson that US luxury spending is improving and there is still a place for magazine and TV advertising. Despite being invited by the Lauder family to transform a business where sales were slumping under family leadership, Freda says family control still has advantages

What to do with $2tn?

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 21:23:31 GMT

Gillian Tett, the FT's US managing editor, poses two key questions to Greenhill & Co.'s chief executive Scott Bok – is the US economy finally recovering and if so, what will American corporations do with the $2tn dollar cash reserve?

NSN pins hopes on mobile broadband

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:05:00 GMT

Nokia Siemens Networks is cutting a quarter of its workforce as it refocuses its operation towards the growing mobile broadband market. Rajeev Suri, chief executive, outlines progress to telecoms correspondent Dan Thomas and what consolidation he expects within the global telecommunications equipment sector.

Bombardier bullish on India and China

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:04:12 GMT

Pierre Beaudoin, chief executive of Bombardier, the Canadian aircraft and train maker, tells the FT's Jeremy Lemer why he is bullish on 2012 and on emerging markets such as China and India. He also discusses the future of the Derby plant in the UK.

Global diamond demand strong

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:59:00 GMT

Francois Graff, CEO of Graff Diamonds, retailer of some of the world's most expensive jewellery, talks to the FT's Daniel Garrahan about the strong global demand for diamonds and how high the price of the precious stones could go.

Booz CEO: US fares better than Europe

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:25:33 GMT

Shumeet Banerji, chief executive of Booz & Co, tells the FT's Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson why he thinks things are looking up for a US economic recovery but Europe's crisis may not yet be contained. He also weighs in on the FT's Capitalism in Crisis debate: The problem? Not enough of it.

Traders must focus on technology

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:49:34 GMT

Cromwell Coulson, chief executive of OTC Markets, a leading electronic quotation system for unlisted securities, tells the FT's Telis Demos that investors can't expect to have "risk-free investments" and that traders need to focus on technology.

BT CEO on investing through austerity

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:02:00 GMT

Times are tough, but BT is investing billions in super-fast broadband. Ian Livingston, chief executive, explains the UK telecoms company's strategy to telecoms correspondent Daniel Thomas.

Marriott International names new CEO

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:48:18 GMT

Arne Sorenson, currently Marriott International’s president and chief operating officer, will replace J W Marriott Jr as chief executive of the international hotel group next year. Mr. Sorenson tells the FT’s Barney Jopson that tight US visa restrictions are diverting well-off emerging market travellers to Europe.

Lloyd's chief uneasy with UK veto

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:15:00 GMT

Richard Ward, chief executive of Lloyd's of London, the City's 300-year-old insurance market, tells Paul J. Davies, the FT’s insurance correspondent, that it is too early to say whether the recent veto issued by David Cameron over euro-saving proposals was the right move.

Splitting the pharma

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:16:00 GMT

Abbott shocked the market recently by announcing it would split the group into a solely pharmaceuticals company and a diverse one. Chief executive, Miles White, explains the move and how the eurozone crisis is affecting the company's plans.

Selling British heritage to China

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:19:46 GMT

Sunny Wong, managing director of Trinity Group, the Hong Kong based menswear retailer which owns European brands and has licences for others in China, explains to the FT's Rahul Jacob why he has found success reviving British brands in Asia.

Industry CEO: US infrastructure lacking

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:41:05 GMT

Lee McIntire, chief executive of CH2M Hill, the US engineering firm working to create a new lane of the Panama Canal, tells the FT’s Ed Crooks that the US is not doing enough to improve infrastructure. Mr McIntire says the US must look to privatisation for much-needed infrastructure projects governments can’t afford.

Swift decisions key to Hugo Boss

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 02:59:00 GMT

Last month, Permira sold a €307m stake in its upmarket German fashion retailer, Hugo Boss. Claus-Dietrich Lahrs, chief executive of Hugo Boss, was unconcerned by the move and explains to Elizabeth Paton, Luxury 360's assistant editor, the advantages of having a private equity owner. He also warns 2012 may be more challenging after the impressive growth this year.

Western Union optimistic on growth

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:20:00 GMT

Hikmet Ersek, chief executive of Western Union, the money transfer company that operates in around 200 countries, gives Stefan Wagstyl, the FT's emerging markets editor, his outlook for the global economy.

SAP has start-up ambitions

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:28:00 GMT

Earnings figures from SAP indicate the company is sitting on a substantial cash pile. Maija Palmer, FT technology correspondent, asks co-chief executive, Jim Hagemann Snabe, how he plans to spend it. Mr Snabe says that while SAP isn't afraid to make big purchases its focus will be on growing innovation from within.

YTL CEO: China must improve rule of law

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:33:31 GMT

Francis Yeoh, chief executive of Malaysia's YTL Group, with interests from water companies to luxury hotels, tells the FT's Rahul Jacob that for infrastructure investment he prefers the rule of law in countries such as the UK over growth prospects in China.

Kingfisher sells DIY to China

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:50:00 GMT

Ian Cheshire, chief executive of Kingfisher, the international home improvement conglomerate, says he's confident of succeeding in China - even though the Chinese don't do DIY. He tells Claer Barrett, retail correspondent, how he plans to win the market.

Pitfalls and opportunities of reform

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:00:18 GMT

Michael Gooch, chief executive of GFI Group, tells the FT's Gillian Tett about his fear that European politicians and central bankers will mishandle the eurozone crisis. But he says that if the markets can make it through the next five years, GFI will be in a "good world"

Beam drinks keeps independent spirit

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:38:00 GMT

Beam, the pure play spirits group with famous brands like Jim Beam, Teachers, Laphroaig and Canadian Club, has just demerged from Fortune Brands and it's now itself in play. Matt Shattock, chief executive, explains to Louise Lucas, consumer industries editor, how he plans to keep Beam independent.

BlackRock queries eurozone solutions

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:08:31 GMT

Larry Fink, the chief executive of BlackRock, the largest asset manager in the world, tells the FT’s Gillian Tett that the outlook for the eurozone is troubling and some proposed solutions could make the situation even worse.

Larry Fink of BlackRock plays long/short

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:08:26 GMT

BlackRock’s Larry Fink bets on the dollar, the euro, the yen, President Obama and Rick Perry.

Alcoa chief argues for world economy

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:37:47 GMT

Klaus Kleinfeld, chief executive of Alcoa, the western world’s largest aluminium producer, tells the FT’s Ed Crooks that real demand remains relatively strong despite many speculative bets against the world economy. Mr Kleinfeld says China’s economy is strong, but its aluminium market is flawed because its production is less efficient and clean than that of other countries.

Major pension fund invests in farm land

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:42:41 GMT

Roger Ferguson, chief executive of TIAA-CREF, one of the leading retirement service providers in the United States, talks to the FT’s Gillian Tett about retirement challenges in the US. Mr Ferguson says his firm is increasingly acquiring farm land in the US, Eastern Europe, Australia and Brazil as long term investments.

Roger Ferguson of TIAA-CREF plays long/short

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:24:43 GMT

Roger Ferguson of TIAA-CREF bets on Rick Perry, President Obama, gold and the Washington Redskins.

IMI to spend 'good deal' on M&A

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:19:00 GMT

Martin Lamb, chief executive of IMI, the manufacturing group that makes fluid controlling valves for clients from drinks companies to nuclear power stations, says the company is keen to spend 'a good deal of money' on M&A. The engineer and lifelong employee of IMI tells Peter Marsh, manufacturing editor, that he is looking for western companies with high emerging market content.

US nuclear power moves forward

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 17:50:56 GMT

Thomas Fanning, Southern Company chief executive, tells the FT's Ed Crooks that the company is pressing ahead with its plans to build two new reactors in Georgia. Nuclear power is important for diversifying energy supplies, he says

Thomas Fanning: full interview

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 17:41:18 GMT

Samir Brikho on what Amec's eying up

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Amec, the engineering project services group has £400m of cash on its balance sheet. Samir Brikho, chief executive, explains to Sylvia Pfeifer, energy editor, where it wants to beef up its operations, the future of the North Sea and the oulook for Libya oil production.

Seeing through Amec's vision

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:48:00 GMT

With $400m of cash on its balance sheet, Amec, the engineering project services group, can beef up its operation. Sylvia Pfeifer, energy editor, analyses her interview with chief executive Samir Brikho as he explains the company's vision and whether he will see it through.

Samir Brikho plays long/short

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:50:00 GMT

Samir Brikho, Amec's chief executive, plays long/short betting on the oil price, the euro, the dollar, President Obama and the Middle East peace process.

The expanding Soda empire

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:26:16 GMT

Coca-Cola chief Muhtar Kent tells the FT's Alan Rappeport that the group is succeeding, despite the sluggish economy, because it is offering more options to consumers

Muhtar Kent plays long/short

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:26:13 GMT

Coca-Cola chief Muhtar Kent tells the FT's Alan Rappeport that the group is succeeding, despite the sluggish economy, because it is offering more options to consumers

Muhtar Kent: fears are greatly exaggerated

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:33:30 GMT

Coca-Cola chief Muhtar Kent tells the FT's Alan Rapaport that the group is succeeding, despite the sluggish economy, because it is offering more options to consumers

Severin Schwan: Targeting medicines

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:08:00 GMT

Roche is keen to build on its stable of cancer treatments by developing diagnostics that will lead to the creation of more effective medicines. Andrew Jack, pharmaceuticals correspondent, analyses his interview with Severin Schwan, chief executive of the Swiss pharma group, looking at that strategy plus his thoughts on how to make treatments available to the developing world at more affordable prices.

Severin Schwan plays long/short

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:01:00 GMT

Severin Schwan, Roche chief executive, plays long/short, betting on the euro, the NHS, Obama's healthcare reforms, and the Greek economy

Anglo chief: Chinese demand not slowing

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:52:00 GMT

A big question for the mining group Anglo American, is what Chinese demand will look like in the years ahead. In this week's View from the Top analysis, William MacNamara, mining correspondent, and the FT's Daniel Garrahan examine Anglo chief executive Cynthia Carroll's comments on demand in China and the outlook for commodity prices.

Cynthia Carroll: Commodity prices to fall

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:44:00 GMT

Cynthia Carroll, chief executive of mining group Anglo American, tells William MacNamara, mining correspondent, she doesn't see a substantial softening of demand in China, but all commodity prices are set to fall in the long-term.

GM builds cash bulwark against storm

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:24:19 GMT

General Motors Chief Executive Dan Akerson tells the FT's Bernard Simon that he never wants GM to be a highly leveraged company again. Mr Akerson says GM could make money at the bottom of a cycle.

Dan Akerson of General Motors: full interview

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:24:16 GMT

General Motors Chief Executive Dan Akerson tells the FT's Bernard Simon that despite persistent rumours, he is not looking to sell Opel. Mr Akerson says he is committed to the European market and hopes to increase GM’s presence in Eastern Europe.

Dan Akerson of General Motors plays long/short

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:24:12 GMT

Dan Akerson of General Motors bets on Toyota, President Obama, and the city of Detroit.

Howard Lutnick on benefits of turmoil

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 01:46:34 GMT

Cantor Fitzgerald has recently reported annual earnings growth of 35%. The FT analyses its View from the Top interview with Howard Lutnick, chief executive of both Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Partners. He says that bonds produced by the US government are the firm's raw materials and that "chaos" and "crisis" are great words for his firm.