Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal will be honoured with the Dwight D Eisenhower Global Leadership Award in 2007.
He is the chairman and CEO of Mittal Steel Company.
The award is established by Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) which is a non-profit US business association dedicated to forging relationships and promoting dialogue between business and government communities across the globe.
Since its inception in 2003, the award has been given to business executives who exemplify the definition of an international business leader by exhibiting outstanding contributions to global commerce.
The award notes that over the past two decades, Mittal has been at the forefront of the consolidation of the global steel industry. As CEO of the world's largest steel company, Mittal has built a truly international leader with 175,000 employees in locations across 14 countries and four continents.
The company's global operational presence has taken on even greater significance through various community investment and philanthropic initiatives such as Mittal Steel USA's response in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the US and its extensive financial commitment to Tsunami relief efforts.
"Mr. Lakshmi Mittal has transformed the fragmented steel industry, turning it once again into a global force for good in communities worldwide," said Peter Tichansky, President and CEO of BCIU. "His sound business practices and resounding commitment to the communities in which Mittal Steel operates necessitates recognition. The Mittal Steel portfolio defines today's multinational corporation, ranging from a New York Stock Exchange listing to a Rotterdam headquarters to operations spanning the globe: China, Romania, South Africa, Poland, the United States, Kazakhstan."
{{/usCountry}}"Mr. Lakshmi Mittal has transformed the fragmented steel industry, turning it once again into a global force for good in communities worldwide," said Peter Tichansky, President and CEO of BCIU. "His sound business practices and resounding commitment to the communities in which Mittal Steel operates necessitates recognition. The Mittal Steel portfolio defines today's multinational corporation, ranging from a New York Stock Exchange listing to a Rotterdam headquarters to operations spanning the globe: China, Romania, South Africa, Poland, the United States, Kazakhstan."
{{/usCountry}}Past Dwight D Eisenhower Global Leadership Award honorees include Lee Raymond, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation (inaugural, 2003); Raymond Gilmartin, Chairman, President and CEO of Merck & Co. Inc. (2004); John Browne, Group Chief Executive of BP p.l.c. (2005) and Jeffrey R Immelt, Chairman and CEO, General Electric (2006).
"BCIU is pleased to award Mittal with the Dwight D Eisenhower Global Leadership Award," said Ambassador Frank Wisner, Vice Chairman of BCIU.
"In addition to Mr. Mittal's international business leadership in the steel industry, we would like to highlight his generosity and leadership in the arena of corporate philanthropy. Mittal Steel USA's innovative response to Hurricane Katrina, for example, illustrates his belief that corporate leaders have a powerful role to play in disaster relief and in addressing global societal needs."
"Receiving the Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Leadership Award is an honour that I accept on behalf of the individuals representing 45 nationalities who represent the fabric of Mittal Steel Company," said Mittal.
"Mittal Steel is committed to playing a major role in the countries where we have operational presence because we believe that we have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of our employees, families and societies. We remain dedicated to expanding our international presence not only as a leader in the steel industry but also as a truly multinational company committed to making substantial contributions through community support initiatives."
The award will be presented at BCIU's Annual Opera Gala at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center in New York City, tentatively scheduled for Fall 2007.
"We look forward to receiving BCIU honoree, Lakshmi Mittal for a special night of ceremony, music and culture in acknowledgment of Mittal's philanthropy and corporate leadership," said Joseph Volpe, General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera.
"Through this award, BCIU each year honours a true global business visionary. Lakshmi Mittal is, indeed, deserving of this recognition - - not just for past accomplishments but also for what we are sure will be great contributions yet to come," said Dr Henry A Kissinger, presenter of the 2005 Award to BP's John Browne.