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Wolters Kluwer, Alphen Aan Den Rijn, Netherlands: Nancy McKinstry, CEO

Company: Wolters Kluwer, Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands
Company Description: Wolters Kluwer is a global provider of professional information, software solutions, and services for clinicians, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. The company reported 2022 annual revenues of €5.5 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 20,900 people.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Services –More Than 2,500 Employees
2023 Stevie Winner Nomination Title: Nancy McKinstry
  1. Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2021 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
    Written answers to the questions
  2. If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:

     

  3. Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):

    Total 200 words used.

    We would like to nominate Nancy McKinstry, the CEO and Chair of Wolters Kluwer, a leading professional information solutions and software provider. She's been CEO for 20 years, making her one of the longest-serving female CEOs globally and the longest-serving among Dutch listed companies.

    Under McKinstry's leadership, Wolters Kluwer transformed from a 167-year-old well-known publisher into a leading global tech company and top-tier supplier of professional information and software solutions, generating €5.5 billion in revenues (2022) and employing 21,900 people. Serving millions of professionals in 180+ countries, including many Fortune 500 companies, Wolters Kluwer's expert solutions are pivotal across the health, financial, legal, ESG, and regulatory fields. In times of increased pressure and growing regulations, relying on information solutions can truly empower professionals to make superior decisions when it counts the most.

    McKinstry’s success lies in her focus on innovation, diversity, and strategic growth, including a growing emphasis on AI, with 50% of digital revenues already coming from AI-powered products. Her career has included CEO roles at SCP Communications and Wolters Kluwer’s CCH Legal Information Services.

    McKinstry holds positions on the Board of Directors for Accenture, Abbott, and Russell Reynolds Associates, and at the JP Morgan International Council.

  4. Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2021 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):

    Total 250 words used.

    Since July 1, 2021, Nancy McKinstry's leadership at Wolters Kluwer has resulted in several noteworthy achievements that reflect a forward-thinking and progressive approach to business:

    • Climate Action: McKinstry guided the company in developing early-stage climate targets aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and reaching net zero by 2050. In 2022, Wolters Kluwer became one of the first in the industry to submit emission reduction targets to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), aiming to reduce Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 50% and Scope 3 GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.
    • Diversity and Inclusion: Under McKinstry's leadership, the company has fostered an inclusive environment. The company ranked number 1 in the Dutch Female Board Index due to having more women than men on the combined board. The number of women in senior management is also growing, and there's an emphasis on various cultures and backgrounds, reflecting the belief that diverse teams breed success. 
    • Technological Innovation: McKinstry's strategic investment in cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and AI has resulted in 50% of the company's digital revenue coming from AI-powered products, positioning Wolters Kluwer as an industry leader.
    • Financial Growth: McKinstry led Wolters Kluwer to record sales and profits in 2022, a testament to the success of the company's growth strategy.
    • Corporate Performance & ESG Division: The introduction of Wolters Kluwer's Corporate Performance & ESG division underlines the importance of anticipating and adapting to new market trends, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and strategic growth.
  5. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):

    Total 200 words used.

    Nancy McKinstry has been a remarkable leader at Wolters Kluwer, achieving outstanding milestones that distinguish the company in its industry. [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION] The company's climate goals are not only ambitious, but Wolters Kluwer is also one of the first companies in the world to have its climate goals reviewed by the renowned Science Based Targets Initiative, the leading partnership between the United Nations and the World Wide Fund for Nature, among others, that helps companies set and meet their climate goals. Wolters Kluwer is at the forefront of the industry in promoting diversity, achieving a historic gender balance and the company's innovative investments in AI and blockchain technology, along with its exceptional sales and profits, and the creation of a dedicated ESG division, reflect a comprehensive and pioneering approach. These accomplishments demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and anticipation of market trends and business opportunities, placing Wolters Kluwer and McKinstry at the forefront of industry leadership. Her leadership is recognized globally, and she currently serves as Vice Chair at the Round Table for Industry.  

  6. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):

    Total 131 words used.

Attachments/Videos/Links:
Nancy McKinstry
PDF 20230222_Wolters_Kluwer_2022_Full_Year_Results.pdf
PDF femaleboardindex2023.pdf
PDF Wolters_Kluwer_2022_Annual_Report_3.pdf
URL Wolters Kluwer recognized in the Financial Times and by an independent research firm as a leading global provider of ESG Software
Video Wolters Kluwer CEO: Share buyback of 1 billion euros planned for 2023
URL Trends Magazine interviews Nancy McKinstry
URL Resume Nancy McKinstry
URL European Round Table