APC 2007 Annual Report Download - page 7

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Message from
Henri Lachmann
Chairman of the Supervisory Board
We have already exceeded the targets of our
new2company program for developing talent,
diversity and occupational health. In addition, we
strongly encourage our suppliers to join the United
Nations’ Global Compact. All of these actions have
helped put Schneider Electric in the world’s main
socially responsible investment indices.
The corporate governance system deployed by Schneider Electric in May 2006
demonstrated its worth in 2007. Separating
oversight from the strategic and operating
functions was the right choice. Schneider Electric
SA’s Supervisory Board would like to take this
opportunity to renew its confidence in this
governance system, in the new management
team, the Management Board and its Chairman.
This young, energetic and diverse team has
regenerated our Company while maintaining
continuity. With its resolutely long-term view,
this team delivered record growth in 2007 and
obtained excellent financial results.
The Supervisory Board was exemplary in
carrying out its responsibilities and deserves our
shareholders’ confidence and support.
The Board comprises diverse and remarkable
skills. Its members are always well informed and
deeply involved. Dialogue within the Supervisory
Board and with the Management Board is open
and constructive. Two new members have joined
our ranks: Léo Apotheker, a German national, and
Richard Thoman, an American. The Chairmen of
the Supervisory Board and Management Board
have a strong relationship of mutual trust.
This year, we decided to move our Foundation
forward by giving it more ambitious missions.
These include ensuring universal access to
electricity, training young people and supporting
start-ups in our businesses and pursuing
rebuilding projects after natural disasters.
We complement each other and work together
effectively in a frank, harmonious environment.
We are in an industry of the future. Demand for
electricity is growing year after year, energy
efficiency has become a priority, and emerging
markets contain the greatest growth potential.
With our lineup of products and services and our
operations in emerging markets, we are very well
positioned to take advantage of these
opportunities.
Our stock market performance does not accurately
reflect our excellent results, healthy fundamentals
and new growth profile. Schneider Electric is a
virtuous but undervalued stock. The market has
not yet recognized our Company’s true value;
it has focused on volatility rather than results and
potential for long-term profitable growth.
The Supervisory Board would like to congratulate
everyone at Schneider Electric for the year’s
results and thank all our team members for their
energy and efficiency in 2007. We are fully
confident in Schneider Electric’s future.