Under his leadership the Bertelsmann Stiftung plans to extend the international reach of its work and in future focus more specifically on developing sustainable policymaking methods. It currently operates primarily in Europe and the US, with offices in Barcelona, Brussels and Washington. “As part of our internationalization strategy we are now looking at Asia and Latin America,” De Geus announced. The foundation does not intend to open its own offices in those areas but plans to work with strategic partners.
In mid-September 2012 the German Foreign Ministry will be organizing a conference in cooperation with the Bertelsmann Stiftung on the topic of “The Value of Europe.” The event will be hosted by German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and De Geus. “By organizing this event we want to show that Europe is about more than just its price, that it has a real value in today’s world,“ explained De Geus.
The Bertelsmann Stiftung Executive Board comprises the following members: Aart De Geus (chairman), Liz Mohn (vice-chair), Dr. Brigitte Mohn and Dr. Jörg Dräger.
About the Bertelsmann Stiftung:
The Bertelsmann Stiftung is dedicated to serving the common good. It runs projects in its four core areas of education, business and social affairs, health, and international relations, and strives to promote peaceful coexistence among the world’s cultures. Through the example of its civic engagement, it wants to encourage all citizens to support their own communities as well. Founded by Reinhard Mohn in 1977 as a registered charity, Bertelsmann Stiftung is the majority shareholder of Bertelsmann AG. It is politically non-partisan and works independently of Bertelsmann AG. Bertelsmann Stiftung currently employs 316 people and has a budget of approximately €60 million.