The International Business School at Brandeis University recognized the professional achievements and contributions to society of Charles Phillips, chief executive officer of Infor, by conferring the Perlmutter Award for Excellence in Global Business Leadership.
The award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated both exceptional leadership and a vision that transcends national borders. It was presented in a celebratory event in New York on October 26, 2017 which was hosted by the Perlmutter Institute for Global Business Leadership at Brandeis. Past winners include Niall FitzGerald, KBE, former chairman and chief executive officer of Unilever and Jay Hooley, chief executive officer of State Street.
“The distinguished career of Mr. Philips reflects the values of Brandeis by combining great professional achievements with important and long-lasting social contributions,” said Brandeis University President Ronald Liebowitz. “His work illustrates the highest levels of professionalism and a commitment to the global community and its prosperity.”
After being raised in a military family and growing up around the world, Phillips attended the United States Air Force Academy before entering the Marine Corps, rising to the rank of captain. His business career began on Wall Street, where he quickly earned a reputation as one of its highest-rated analysts. He went on to serve in senior leadership roles at Oracle. As CEO of Infor, an information systems giant, he has been described as the “Steve Jobs of business software.”
“Love your craft, be curious and surround yourself with people who love what they do,” Phillips advised students at the event in New York, crediting the military for honing his leadership skills and commitment to teamwork.
Phillips praised Brandeis students who, through a partnership with Infor, learned about the company’s operations and participated in consulting projects. Earlier in the day, Infor welcomed students to explore the company from the inside through the school’s Industry Trek program.
In 2009, Phillips was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Economic Recovery Advisory Board to help provide advice and counsel to lead the United States out of the Great Recession. An agent of social change, he was also recognized for his longstanding support of the Posse Foundation. Deborah Bial ’87 H’12, the organization’s founder and leader, discussed the powerful role Phillips has played both as a past chair of its board and longstanding champion of its mission. The foundation supports public high school students with four-year leadership scholarships to some of the foremost universities in the country, including Brandeis.
Liebowitz was joined by Trustee Louis '56 and Barbara Perlmutter, founders of the Perlmutter Institute, in presenting the award. The institute prepares students for leadership positions across the globe, advancing the positive forces of business.
“We embrace Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis’s view that business is a profession, with success derived from knowledge and invention, and results measured not merely by money but by social impact,” said Brandeis International Business School Interim Dean Peter Petri, the Carl J. Shapiro Professor of International Finance.
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