Foreword Dear RAI stakeholder, dear reader, The year 2020 has also been a unique one for the Supervisory Board. The first two months promised excellent annual results until the impact of COVID-19 on the RAI’s activities became clear in early March. From then on we increased the frequency of our meetings (especially informal ones), constantly monitored the situation as it developed, and supported the Executive Board where necessary. The changing circumstances required a substantial reorganisation and enhanced financial control and supervision, making our role as sparring partner to the Executive Board more relevant than ever.
Although the financial result of 2020 was very poor as a result of COVID-19, the year also had its positive sides as the RAI rapidly introduced technological innovations and developed new revenue models that will help us in the future. We can also conclude that the Executive and Supervisory Boards work very well together – even in times of crisis. The innovative strength and ambition of the Executive Board gives us confidence in the future.
We also maintained our focus on issues such as diversity and equal pay for similar positions in the RAI.
Composition of the Supervisory Board and committees With the departure of Roelf de Boer in 2019 and the planned departure of John van der Steen in 2021 in mind, we searched for two Supervisory Board members to complement the talents of the two remaining members Mariëlle de Macker and Annemarie Macnack-van Gaal. Our search resulted in the appointment of Michiel Boere and Otto Ambagtsheer as members of the Supervisory Board on 1 November 2020. Michiel is CFO of Uber Eats and has a wealth of experience in the field of data technology, innovations and finance. Otto is CEO of VIA Outlets with extensive experience in real estate, retail, mergers and takeovers, and in working with strategic partners and investors. These two new members have brought the Supervisory Board back to full strength.
With these appointments, the Audit Committee now consists of Michiel Boere and John van der Steen, while the Remuneration Committee and Selection and Appointment Committee is made up by Otto Ambagtsheer and Mariëlle de Macker.
The past year was very difficult for all RAI employees – for those who lost their jobs due to the reorganisation and those who remained but had to bid farewell to their colleagues and see one event or conference after another cancelled. We would like to thank them all for their support, efforts and trust.
We also thank the Executive Board for its relentless ambition to make the RAI the best exhibition and event venue in the world, in good times and bad.
Finally, thanks to the shareholders and other stakeholders for their understanding, involvement and support.
On behalf of my fellow Supervisory Board members,
Annemarie Macnack-van Gaal, chair
71
