Nestled high up in the Austrian village of Kitzbühel, a powerhouse of our portfolio CEOs, members of the 3i team and others in the 3i network met for the annual 3i CEO Forum 2008.

Kitzbühel was the ideal setting for the influential gathering.  Internationally renowned for its hospitality, incomparable landscapes and first class skiing, the Alpine resort is a member of the elite ‘Best of the Alps’ group.  It is this premier touch which the Forum emulated by creating an exclusive club atmosphere, where our CEOs enjoyed meeting each other to share experiences and networking within a relaxed, private environment.

Jonathan Russell, Managing Partner, Buyouts welcomed guests, “I hope you will use the next few days to learn more about 3i and take value from the knowledge and experiences of fellow CEOs in this room”

What followed was a refreshing mix of debates, seminars and workshops.  In addition,
Daniel Schrag, Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University, provided food for thought with his talk, Confronting the Climate-Energy Challenge. 

Following a thought provoking day, the delegates were joined by their wives for a traditional Austrian dinner.  Much fun was had by all and continued the next day as everyone headed out onto the slopes, despite the wind and rain!

As with previous years, the feedback from our delegates confirmed that this forum, and the way it supports relationships and gives access to our network, adds real value to their companies.

As one delegate said, “I wanted to say how very much I enjoyed the Forum, both the presentations and discussions, and the opportunity to renew old acquaintances and make new ones. The whole event ran like clockwork, a great tribute to everyone involved in its preparation and organisation, and 3i’s hospitality was superb.”