CPRT Expert Dialogue: A Different Approach to Influence: Non-Giving as a Viable Government Relations Strategy

Christopher Padilla, Vice President Government and Regulatory Affairs at IBM

Thursday, September 30, 3:00-4:15pm EDT

As described in Dealbook, IBM is one of only a handful of large U.S. companies that are not involved in direct political giving to candidates, and has advocated for public policy to address risks related to facial recognition software, artificial intelligence and even the workings of government. As companies struggle with increased reputational risk related to political contributions, is non-spending truly a viable strategy? And, beyond spending, how should companies think about advocacy relative to broader societal issues?

Please join us for our next Expert Dialogue with Christopher Padilla of IBM, where we will explore:

• Is non-spending truly a viable approach to political engagement?
• How should we define Corporate Political Responsibility? What factors or stakeholders must companies consider? What are the big open questions?
• How might today’s tumultuous political environment create a window of opportunity for action?

Christopher A. Padilla leads IBM’s global government affairs team of more than 100 professionals in thirty six countries. His team represents IBM’s interests before governments worldwide on such issues as cyber security policy, taxation, trade, intellectual property rights, workforce and education policy, and government procurement. He has been named one of Washington’s Top Corporate Lobbyists by The Hill newspaper.

The Corporate Political Responsibility Taskforce (CPRT) provides forums, foresight and frameworks to help companies better align their political influences with their commitments to values, purpose, sustainability and stakeholders. Our Expert Dialogues are in-depth, recorded conversations where our Expert Affiliates, Stakeholder Advisors, Network Partners and other colleagues share their expertise and answer questions about pressing CPR issues.

To learn more, click here or contact Elizabeth Doty.