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Exxon Board Case
Exxon Board Case
The success of Engine No. 1 at ExxonMobil is a prime example of how shareholder activism is
becoming more and more influential in the oil sector. These days, institutional investors and
shareholders are using their voting power to pressure companies to alter their business plans. They
are demanding a change in focus toward sustainability and holding businesses responsible for their
environmental impact. The need for diversity in board composition is demonstrated by ExxonMobil's
nomination of more environmentally concerned board members. Diversity today encompasses
knowledge and viewpoints in addition to gender and race, as it once did. The inclusion of board
members with expertise in sustainability and climate change concerns denotes a shift in corporate
governance and an understanding of the value of a varied and knowledgeable board.
The pressure on the oil industry to support international climate initiatives is growing. Aims for
cutting carbon emissions have been set high by agreements like the Paris Agreement. Oil firms need
to modify their strategy to support these global aims to stay relevant and behave as responsible
corporate citizens. The world's energy environment is evolving. The use of low-carbon and
renewable energy sources is expanding. ExxonMobil is among the oil firms that are seeing the need
to change with the times. Their long-term strategy now must include investigating cleaner energy
solutions and diversifying their energy portfolios.
3) Do you think there will be an increase in impact investing and/or shareholder activism?
Yes, there is a good chance that impact investment and shareholder activism will rise in the coming
years. Concerns about the environment and society, such as corporate responsibility, social
inequality, and climate change, are becoming more widely known. People and organizations are
likely to look for investment possibilities that fit with their goals and values as they become more
aware of these difficulties. Governments everywhere are enacting laws and guidelines that either
mandate or encourage businesses to take environmental, social, and governance (ESG)
considerations into account when making decisions and filing reports. As a result, there is a greater
opportunity for impact investing and shareholder activism to hold businesses responsible for their
deeds.
The media pays close attention to high-profile cases, such as the success of Engine No. 1 at
ExxonMobil, and other successful shareholder activism initiatives. More people and organizations
are inspired to do similar actions by these situations. An increasing number of investors are looking
for investment possibilities that benefit society and the environment in addition to providing
financial gains. They are prepared to advocate for corporate change using their financial power.
Companies may become more sensitive to shareholder concerns and open to impact investing
proposals as they grow to understand the significance of ESG aspects in their business strategies.
The financial advantages of investing with an ESG focus are currently the subject of a plethora of
data and research. This data bolsters the claim that ethical and sustainable investing strategies can
provide competitive profits, thereby inspiring activists, and investors even more. The need for
coordinated efforts to address complex global crises including resource depletion, social inequality,
and climate change is growing. Activism by shareholders and impact investing are viewed as
instruments to encourage businesses and sectors to pursue sustainable solutions.
Sustainability and ESG are becoming more and more important components of investment strategies
for institutional investors, such as pension funds and large asset managers. Their involvement and
support can make a big difference in bringing about change. YoungeBr generations are increasingly
likely to prioritize impact investment and ESG when they inherit or amass wealth, including
millennials and Generation Z. These practices will continue to grow because of this generational
transition.