Independent Discussions, Insights that Matter: U.S. Midterm Elections, Power, Geopolitics and Market Implications

Time:

• CEST: 10:30 AM

• Hong Kong & Singapore: 4:30 PM

Two hundred and fifty years after its founding, the United States finds itself at an inflection point. The ideals that shaped the republic, open markets, multilateral cooperation, institutional trust, and the rule of law, are being tested in ways that few in this generation have witnessed. Whether this moment represents a disruption, a correction, or something more structural is the question that investors, policymakers, and business leaders across the world are now asking.

It is against this backdrop that Probus Pleion is privileged to welcome John Emerson, Vice Chair of Capital Group International and one of the most distinctively positioned voices on American politics, diplomacy, and financial markets today.

In this first edition of "Independent Discussions, Insights that Matter", John will share his perspectives on the Trump 2.0 presidency and its implications for trade, foreign policy, and institutional frameworks. With the November mid-term elections firmly on the horizon, we will also explore what the domestic political landscape suggests about the direction of American policy in the years ahead, and what it means for investors navigating an increasingly complex world.

He will be joined by Prof. Andreas Schotter, BMO Endowed Professor of International Business at the Ivey Business School, who will open the discussion with an outside-in perspective on the state of the world and of the United States today, drawing on his academic work and decades of international executive experience.

This is a conversation grounded in firsthand experience, across the White House, the diplomatic corps, and the global investment industry. We look forward to welcoming you.

Our speakers

John Emerson

John Emerson works in global distribution as vice chair of Capital Group International, Inc.

From 2013 to 2017, he served as the United States ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany. John was awarded the State Department’s Susan M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service in 2015, which is given annually to one non-career ambassador, and in 2017 he was awarded the CIA Medal and the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Public Service award.

John brings a perspective that is genuinely rare. In the Clinton White House, he played a leading role in securing congressional approval of the GATT Uruguay Round Agreement and the extension of China's Most Favoured Nation trading status, the very frameworks that are now being dismantled or renegotiated under the second Trump presidency. As United States Ambassador to Germany under President Obama, he managed one of America's most consequential bilateral relationships at a time of significant transatlantic strain. He subsequently served on President Obama's Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Throughout, and for 25 years, he has operated at the senior level of Capital Group, one of the world's largest and most respected asset management firms.

John holds an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Hamilton College, a juris doctor degree from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Hamilton College. John is based in Los Angeles.

Prof. Andreas Schotter, Ph.D.

A dual Canadian and German citizen, who also holds Hong Kong Permanent Residence Status, Dr. Andreas Schotter is the BMO endowed Professor of International Business at the Ivey Business School in Canada. He was also named a John H. Dunning Fellow at Henley Business School at the University of Reading in the UK and serves as Professor of International Business at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU). The Wall Street Journal has recognized him twice as WSJ Distinguished Professor of the Year. Dr. Schotter has lived and worked in Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Australia, and the USA.

Dr. Schotter's academic career is deeply rooted in practical experience. With nearly two decades of serving in international executive roles in the luxury consumer goods, automotive, and industrial machinery industries, he brings a unique perspective to any conversation. He served as regional sales manager for Lancaster Group in Germany, as Volkswagen's North America Region Marketing and Sales Controller, as Linde AG's Managing Director for China, and as Germany-headquartered Bitzer Refrigeration Equipment Asia's regional CEO.

Academically, Dr. Schotter is at the forefront of understanding the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving global economy. His current areas of focus include the development of strategies for success in the era of exponential change, business system disruption, the internationalization strategies of digital firms, boundary-spanning leadership, and the Future of Work in the Age of AI. He is dedicated to supporting executives in driving the agile strategic decision-making crucial in today's complex and turbulent world.

Andreas' research has been published in top management journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Perspectives, Journal of Management Studies, Journal of International Business Studies, MIT Sloan Management Review, Journal of Business Venturing, Journal of World Business, and others. His insights are also frequently sought after by national and international media.

Your host

Mark Staudenmann

Partner

Probus Pleion Suisse SA (Zurich, Switzerland)

e  mstaudenmann@probuspleion.ch

t  +41 43 322 15 80

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