On 3 May, a digital lunchtalk took place, organised by the working group Senior Professionals of the Fondsfrauen. The topic was "Supervisory boards in Austria: tasks, qualifications, requirements.
The guest was Dr Josef Fritz, Managing Partner of the Board Research GmbH. After a short welcome by Anke Dembowski, Fondsfraue Veronika Lammer from Vienna moderated the event.
Dr Fritz presented the topic with a lot of expertise and charm. He has already completed more than 1,000 supervisory board meetings, teaches at the Danube University Krems on "Professional Board Activities" and, with his company, arranges mandates in bodies such as supervisory boards or foundation boards.
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Professional board
"Supervisory boards have long since ceased to belong in the sleepy corner of the nodders, but nowadays work in a highly professional manner. They are liable for their demanding task with their private assets," explains Dr Fritz.
To work on a supervisory board, a candidate would have to have the following competences:
- Time
- Trust
- Qualification
- Suitability (passion for the respective company)
- Independance
The guiding principle in each case is the welfare of the company, and not what is best for the company owner.
Dr Fritz also spoke about the various fields of competence that a professional supervisory board should optimally fulfil. They range from business and legal knowledge to technical and production know-how to industry knowledge and internationality. But a "real economist", someone with a down-to-earth attitude, is also in demand.
Female supervisory board members in high demand
The search for female supervisory board members is in full swing, reports Dr. Fritz. He recommends that participants who are interested in a supervisory board position consider what they themselves can bring to the table and what benefits they can bring to a board. It is also important to be visible so that others know that you are interested in such a position.
After the keynote speech, Veronika Lammer asked smart questions and questions from the chat were also answered.
Anke Dembowski is a financial journalist and author of various investment fund-related and other financial books. She is also a co-founder of the "Fondsfrauen" network.