Leadership Spotlight

Mexico's economic growth toward globalization and the future of Latin American markets were among the dozens of panel discussions and speeches by government and corporate luminaries, including Fernando Canales Clariond, Mexico's Economy Secretary, at Wharton's Global Alumni Forum held on June 24-26 in Mexico City. The event, the last of three Wharton Global Alumni Forums held this summer, offered alumni the chance to network and learn with top corporate and government leaders who are impacting the business climate of Latin America. Topics included globalization strategy, the Hispanic market, energy, and pensions and growth. Juan Toro, the tax commissioner of Chile, Eduardo Wanick, CEO of DuPont Latin America and Alfredo Elias Ayub, CEO of the Federal Electricity Commission were among the roster of speakers.

The Wharton Global Alumni Forums are organized by alumni with the help of the School. In late May, the Moscow Global Alumni Forum addressed issues including emerging consumer markets and financing investment globally at a sold-out gathering the Moscow Times called "the first example in Russia of an international school putting on a large, publicized event ..." Wharton's presence was everywhere at the Shanghai Global Forum, held June 3-6, where welcome signs hung the airport walls and on city buses while a Wharton-emblazoned blimp flew over the city.

The sold-out Shanghai event brought together business and government leaders including Philip Murtaugh, chairman and CEO of GM China and Zhang Ruimin, chairman of the Haier Group, to discuss China's unique banking system and foreign direct investment, among other topics. During the Shanghai event, the School also presented its highest honor—the Dean's Medal—to K. P. Chao, chairman of the board of Novel Enterprises Ltd., for his exceptional leadership in advancing global business. For more information on the Global Alumni Forums, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu/alumni/forums.