Pointing the way to the future

Entrepreneur and founder Reinhard Mohn reorganized the Bertelsmann Stiftung's organizational and management structures at the end of 2004. By applying exemplary corporate governance practices, he hopes to ensure continuity in Germany's largest private operating foundation. The roles of the Executive Board and the Board of Trustees will be separated and their functions and powers clearly defined, as is standard practice in successful stock corporations. As of January 1, 2005, the Executive Board has been functioning as a management board; the Board of Trustees has become a supervisory board for consultation and controlling activities. This reorganization of leadership structure to conform to corporate best practices puts the Bertelsmann Stiftung right on course for its future endeavors.