Citigroup Inc. has nominated a healthcare industry veteran and a former American Express Co. executive to be independent directors on its board.
Franz B. Humer, the chairman of Roche Holding Ltd., and Joan E. Spero, a senior research scholar at Columbia University's School of International Public Affairs, will stand for election at Citi's annual meeting on April 17.
"Dr. Humer's expertise in international and consumer business as well as his many years of experience leading large organizations in the U.S. and Europe make him an excellent candidate for the board," Richard D. Parsons, Citi's chairman, said in a news release on Thursday. "And we look forward to tapping the vast experience Ms. Spero will bring as a leader in government and international business as well as her knowledge of regulatory compliance and corporate governance issues."
Humer, 65, previously served as chief executive of the Roche Group, a company that develops medicines and diagnostics, from 1998 to 2008. He also was chief operating officer and head of pharmaceuticals for F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
From 1997 to 2008, Spero, 67, was the president of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, an organization that supports the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research and the prevention of child abuse.
Prior to that, Spero served as the under secretary of state for economics, business and agricultural affairs during the Clinton administration. She also was an ambassador to the United Nations for economic and social affairs during the Carter administration. From 1981 to 1993, she held a number of executive roles at American Express, including executive vice president of corporate affairs and communications.
