Serving a larger purpose
STEPHEN CRANSTON: New broom sweeps clean at Alexander Forbes
Forbes staff used to have endless theological debates on the subject of ‘higher purpose’
I am glad to see that new CEO Andrew Darfoor realises that the "business of business" is business. Forbes staff used to have endless theological debates on the subject of "higher purpose", which have now been banned. Prompt and efficient delivery to clients is what matters. To streamline the offering, Darfoor brought back John Anderson from Sygnia.
One of the most bizarre slogans I’ve seen at a head office was: "This place is crawling with actuaries". The copywriter obviously had a sense of humour — "Welcome to the house of horrors" was probably the alternative line. The slogan, on the old Alexander Forbes building, reflects the self-belief that the firm is brimming with intellectual capital. I sometimes think there are more people at Forbes trying to achieve so-called thought leadership than actually conducting business. Perhaps Forbes could justify a brains trust when, in addition to its local retirement administration business, it had a large UK insurance wholesale broker, several retail brokers and a firm of actuarial consultants in the UK, as well as the largest corporate brokerage and largest cell captive insurer in SA. I am glad to see that new CEO Andrew Darfoor realises that the "business of business" is business. Forbes staff used to have endless theological debates on the subject of "higher purpose", which have now ...
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