Meet the Dover Board of Directors

If you're interested in learning more about the inner workings of Dover Corporation, a multinational conglomerate that operates in four major markets – energy, engineered systems, fluids, and refrigeration and food equipment – we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery into the Dover Board of Directors.

Who are the members of the Dover Board of Directors?

The Dover Board of Directors is made up of twelve directors, including Chairman Richard J. Tobin and CEO and President Richard L. Tobin, who was appointed in 2018.

Other members of the board include Michael B. Stubbs, Retired Chairman of the Board and CEO, Spectris plc; Mary A. Winston, Retired CEO, Bed Bath & Beyond; George S. Barrett, Retired Executive Chairman, Cardinal Health, Inc.; C. Anderson Fincher, Managing Director, 2M Companies Inc. and David M. Johnson, President and CEO, Aimbridge Hospitality, LLC.

The remaining members are Kristen H. Actis-Grande, Retired Vice President Finance and Corporate Controller, DuPont; Kristiane C. Graham, Retired Executive Vice President, Strategy, Innovation and Corporate Development at Liberty Mutual Group; Stephen Hajducki, Retired Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Delphi Corporation; Christopher E. M Vice Chairman, Baker Hughes Company; Bjorn K. Olsson, Retired Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Xylem Inc.; and Carole L. Stone, Retired Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, CIGNA Corporation.

The Dover Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the management and direction of the company. They are tasked with making important decisions that impact the company's future, including setting strategic goals, approving budgets, and appointing senior executives. The board meets regularly to review the company's performance and ensure that it is meeting its objectives. In addition to their duties as directors, many members of the board also serve on various committees, such as the audit committee or the compensation committee, which are responsible for specific areas of the company's operations.

A Brief History of the Dover Company

Dover Corporation has a rich history dating back over 60 years. The company was founded in New York in 1955 by George Ohrstrom II and was originally a manufacturer of specialized printing equipment.

Over the years, Dover evolved through a series of acquisitions and mergers, expanding into new markets and industries, such as industrial products, energy, refrigeration equipment, and food equipment. Today, Dover has over 23,000 employees and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide.

In recent years, Dover has also made significant strides in sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, such as investing in renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency in its facilities. Dover has also set ambitious goals to reduce waste and increase recycling across its operations.

What do Board of Directors do?

The role of the board of directors is to provide oversight and guidance to the company's management team in order to ensure the long-term success of the company. Directors are responsible for approving major corporate decisions, such as mergers and acquisitions, and for establishing corporate governance and ethical standards.

The board of directors also plays an important role in setting the company's strategic direction and overseeing its financial performance.

In addition to these responsibilities, the board of directors is also responsible for ensuring that the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. This includes overseeing the company's compliance with environmental, labor, and safety regulations, as well as ensuring that the company's financial reporting is accurate and transparent.

How was the Dover Board of Directors elected?

The members of the Dover Board of Directors are elected annually by the company's shareholders. Directors are nominated by the company's governance committee, and shareholders are given the opportunity to vote on the slate of candidates at the annual meeting.

Directors are elected on a simple majority basis, meaning that candidates who receive more than 50% of the votes are elected to the board.

It is important to note that the company's governance committee carefully considers the qualifications and experience of potential board members before nominating them. This ensures that the board is composed of individuals who have the necessary skills and expertise to effectively oversee the company's operations and make strategic decisions.

Additionally, shareholders have the option to nominate candidates for the board through a proxy statement. This allows shareholders who may not agree with the slate of candidates put forth by the governance committee to still have a say in the election of board members.

The Roles and Responsibilities of a Board Member

The roles and responsibilities of a board member are multifaceted and complex. Directors are expected to bring their expertise and experience to the table in order to provide guidance and oversight to the company's management team.

Directors are also responsible for ensuring that the company is being run in the best interests of its shareholders and other stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the broader community. This includes establishing and monitoring the company's ethical and corporate governance standards.

Furthermore, board members are responsible for making strategic decisions that will impact the long-term success of the company. This includes approving major investments, mergers and acquisitions, and other significant business decisions. Board members must also be aware of potential risks and challenges facing the company and work to mitigate them.

The Qualifications and Experience Required for a Directorship

The qualifications and experience required for a directorship can vary depending on the company and industry in question. Typically, directors are expected to have a high level of expertise and experience in their field, as well as a proven track record of leadership and strategic thinking.

Many companies also value diversity on their boards and actively seek out candidates with a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.

In addition to these qualifications, directors must also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be required to work closely with other board members, senior executives, and stakeholders. They must be able to effectively articulate their ideas and opinions, while also being open to feedback and constructive criticism.

The Diversity and Inclusion Efforts at Dover's Board Level

Dover Corporation is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion at all levels of the company, including at the board level. The company's governance committee actively seeks out diverse candidates to nominate for board positions, and the board itself is made up of individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

This commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in Dover's broader corporate culture. The company has established a number of initiatives and programs aimed at fostering a more inclusive workplace, including employee resource groups and diversity and inclusion training for all employees.

One of the key initiatives that Dover has implemented to promote diversity and inclusion is the Diversity and Inclusion Council. This council is made up of employees from across the company and is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The council works closely with senior leadership to ensure that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of the company's operations.

In addition to the Diversity and Inclusion Council, Dover has also established a number of partnerships with external organizations that are focused on promoting diversity and inclusion. These partnerships include collaborations with organizations that support women in leadership, people with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented communities. Through these partnerships, Dover is able to leverage the expertise and resources of these organizations to further its own diversity and inclusion efforts.

The Challenges Faced by the Dover Board of Directors in Today's Business Climate

The challenges facing the Dover Board of Directors are many and varied. The company operates in a number of highly competitive markets, and directors must navigate constantly changing industry trends, technological innovations, and geopolitical uncertainties.

In addition to these external challenges, the board of directors must also balance the needs of multiple stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, and customers, while maintaining a strong ethical and governance framework.

One of the major challenges faced by the Dover Board of Directors is the need to stay ahead of the curve in terms of innovation and technology. With new advancements being made every day, it is crucial for the board to invest in research and development to ensure that the company remains competitive and relevant in the market.

Another challenge faced by the board is the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and behaviors. With the rise of e-commerce and the increasing demand for sustainable and socially responsible products, the board must be proactive in identifying and responding to these trends in order to stay ahead of the competition.

How does Dover's Board of Directors Ensure Corporate Governance and Ethics?

Dover's board of directors takes its responsibility for ensuring corporate governance and ethics very seriously. The board has established a comprehensive set of policies and procedures aimed at ensuring that the company operates in a responsible and ethical manner.

These policies and procedures include a code of conduct for employees and business partners, a whistleblowing policy, and a range of other governance and compliance measures.

In addition to these policies and procedures, Dover's board of directors also regularly reviews and assesses the company's performance in terms of corporate governance and ethics. This includes monitoring key metrics and indicators, as well as conducting regular audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement.

The Impact of the Board's Decisions on Shareholders, Employees, and Stakeholders

The decisions made by Dover's board of directors can have a significant impact on the company's shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders.

For example, decisions regarding mergers and acquisitions can impact the company's financial performance and long-term strategy, while decisions regarding corporate governance and ethics can impact the company's reputation and relationships with its stakeholders.

Another area where the board's decisions can have a significant impact is in the area of employee relations. Decisions regarding employee compensation, benefits, and working conditions can impact employee morale and productivity, which in turn can impact the company's overall performance.

Additionally, decisions regarding environmental and social responsibility can impact the company's relationships with its stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and the broader community. For example, decisions regarding sustainable sourcing and production practices can enhance the company's reputation and attract socially conscious customers, while decisions that are perceived as harmful to the environment or community can damage the company's reputation and lead to boycotts or other forms of activism.

The Future Plans and Vision for Dover from a Director's Perspective

The future plans and vision for Dover from a director's perspective are centered on driving growth and innovation while maintaining a strong focus on ethical and responsible business practices.

The company is committed to investing in the latest technologies and developing new products and services that meet the evolving needs of its customers and the wider market. At the same time, Dover is committed to maintaining a strong ethical framework and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization.

One of the key areas of focus for Dover in the coming years is sustainability. The company recognizes the importance of reducing its environmental impact and is actively working to implement more sustainable practices across its operations. This includes reducing waste, increasing energy efficiency, and sourcing materials from sustainable suppliers.

In addition, Dover is also looking to expand its global reach and establish a stronger presence in emerging markets. The company sees significant growth potential in these regions and is investing in building local partnerships and developing products and services tailored to the specific needs of these markets.

How to become a member of Dover's Board of Directors?

To become a member of Dover's board of directors, candidates must be nominated by the company's governance committee and elected by the shareholders at the annual meeting. Candidates must possess a high level of expertise and experience in their field, as well as a proven track record of leadership and strategic thinking.

The company actively seeks out diverse candidates to nominate for board positions, and is committed to fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.

Comparison with Other Fortune 500 Companies' Boards

Compared to other Fortune 500 companies, Dover's board of directors is relatively small, with just twelve members. However, the board is made up of individuals with a wide range of expertise and experience, and is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization.

Overall, Dover's board of directors plays a vital role in guiding the company's strategic direction and ensuring its long-term success in an increasingly complex and competitive global marketplace.