Participants Dr. Frederik Phillips, former chairman of Philips Electronics, initiated the first meeting of the Caux Round Table in 1986 out of his belief that candid dialogue between business peers from Japan, Europe and the United States could help to defuse the trade tensions that he was concerned could further escalate. Other key business leaders who participated in the first meeting included Toshihiko Yamashita, former President of Matsushita Electronic Industries, Owen Butler, former CEO of Procter and Gamble, and Gerrit Wagner, former President of Royal Dutch Petroleum Company. In the second year of its meetings the group was joined by Ryuzaburo Kaku, Chairman of Canon Inc., whose visionary leadership led the Caux Round Table to focus its attention increasingly on issues of global corporate responsibility. Inc. The meetings of the CRT are usually limited to approximately thirty business peers. They are highly participatory and often lead to published positions on issues and actions.
All titles reflect either current positions or positions held at the time of initial participation.
Henri de Clermont-Tonnerre President, Deputy Managing Director Soci te d'Armement et de Navigation Ch. The Wharton School University of Pennsylvania Weldon B. Gibson, Sr. Membership and participation are obtained by invitation or application, subject to approval by the Global Steering Committee.