IBM A/NZ is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen in all our business activities and in the communities in which we operate.
"Building a smarter planet isn't simply a recipe for economic growth; it's also a recipe for radically expanded economic and societal opportunity. It's not just a way to make the planet more efficient, but also to make it more sustainable. It's not just a way to do well by doing good; it's also a way to do good by helping all the world's regions and people to do well." (2008 Corporate Responsibility Report)
In my new role as Executive Sponsor for Corporate Responsibility, I'll be working with employees, clients and other key external stakeholders to support our position on corporate responsibility at IBM. As well, I'll be talking to media and analysts about what we're doing globally and locally right across the full scope of corporate responsibility - a key competitive differentiator - from governance and ethics to supply chain right through to how we minimise waste and are converting to renewable energy sources as quickly as we can, to our investment in education and local communities.
My role as CFO and Executive Sponsor for Corporate Responsibility could be seen as an unusual combination. The truth is that there is a logical linkage to role in governance and ethics, and I have a base degree in Science and environmental sustainability. Most of all though, I am interested in Corporate Responsibility issues and implications inside and outside work.
We have an opportunity to shape business and society and that the issues we are addressing - from clean water to safe food, to sustainable and vibrant cities, to smarter work, to empowered communities - are not a choice between business strategy and citizenship strategy. That they are both. I believe we should be using the capabilities and technology we have to improve the social and physical environment that we are part of, for good. IBM has a good track record. We continue to focus on corporate responsibility and our approach helps us win business.
Sara Watts
Chief Financial Officer
IBM Australia and New Zealand