A Word from the Board
A board of directors is crucial to the life of a company, with responsibilities ranging from reviewing and approving long-term business strategies and plans to monitoring overall performance, as well as evaluating risk, conducting oversight and much more. KBR is fortunate to have an outstanding lineup of experts with decades of valuable experience in numerous industries serving on our board of directors. In this quarterly spotlight, you’ll hear directly from KBR board members on a variety of topics. This month, we had the opportunity to speak with Umberto della Sala, who is helping guide KBR’s HSSE (Health, Safety, Security and Environment) and social responsibility strategies on the board of directors.
A Word from the Board
A board of directors is crucial to the life of a company, with responsibilities ranging from reviewing and approving long-term business strategies and plans to monitoring overall performance, as well as evaluating risk, conducting oversight and much more. KBR is fortunate to have an outstanding lineup of experts with decades of valuable experience in numerous industries serving on our board of directors. In this quarterly spotlight, you’ll hear directly from KBR board members on a variety of topics. This month, we had the opportunity to speak with Umberto della Sala, who is helping guide KBR’s HSSE (Health, Safety, Security and Environment) and social responsibility strategies on the board of directors.
Where are you from originally? È vero che voi siete italiano?
Sì! And I was born in the south of Italy, not far from Naples.
Tell us about your career.
I am a chemical engineer. I spent almost my entire professional life at Foster Wheeler, which I joined in 1973 as an environmental engineer and from which I retired at the end of 2013.
How long have you served on the KBR Board of Directors?
I joined the KBR board at the beginning of 2015.
In addition to the Compensation Committee, you serve on the Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Social Responsibility Committee. What does service on that committee entail?
Serving on this committee is a very important part of my duties as a member of the KBR Board of Directors. It allows me to contribute to and participate in KBR’s journey to become a leading example of a sustainable company. I am proud of what we have achieved so far, specifically in the area of safety performance thanks to the Zero Harm initiative.
What has been your experience during the pandemic?
On a personal level, the strict lockdown in Italy was a struggle, as it was for so many. Fortunately, my dog has been a good companion and has allowed me to take him out two to three times a day. Also, virtual pizza dinners on Saturday evenings with our friends have also helped.
What do you think the lessons learned will be?
I believe that the main lessons we are learning are that we are not invulnerable and that we must respect nature.
What was your first association with KBR?
My first association with KBR goes back to my years of chemical engineering studies. That’s when I first came to know about the Kellogg portfolio of technologies.
Why is it important for companies to have a clear vision for and commitment to HSSE and Social Responsibility?
I think people are recognizing that companies are integral parts of society and can play a positive role in their surrounding communities and environments, in addition to the value they deliver for shareholders (which is also a very important objective). I am convinced that a safe, sustainable company is a better company, in terms of doing business and taking care of its people, and also in terms of creating value for shareholders.
What are some examples of how you see KBR setting itself apart in those areas?
As mentioned earlier, the cultural change developed with Zero Harm and the subsequent outstanding safety performance achieved in the past few years is certainly setting KBR apart from competitors. I am sure that using a similar approach with sustainability will lead to the same successful results.
Which of Stuart’s Four Words for 2020 — Passion, Teams, Trust and Sustainability — carries significance for you, especially during such a challenging year?
All of these words are very significant and, in my opinion, express the same underlying concept, which I would summarize as "respect.” For KBR, it means having respect for the company, the shareholder, the customer, the employee and the environment. But especially during this time, I think it’s about having respect for nature and for each other as human beings.
What’s a favorite book or movie of yours?
That’s hard to answer, but I would probably rate "Doctor Strangelove" as my favorite.
What’s a favorite book or movie of yours?
That’s hard to answer, but I would probably rate "Doctor Strangelove" as my favorite.
What is a favorite activity you enjoy?
I love reading history books and also enjoy cycling.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I love my country, but I am missing my yearly vacation in the U.S.
