Profile in Leadership: John Davidson

In March, Carol “John” Davidson was announced as the new chairman of TE’s Board of Directors. John has served as a board member since 2016 and lead independent director since 2022. With a background in finance and accounting, he has more than 30 years of leadership experience across multiple industries and has served on seven public company boards throughout his career. In his role, he ensures that the Board remains focused on the critical objectives of our company, company strategies, and priorities and key issues. 

Please provide an overview of the Board of Directors and your new role as chairman. What are your primary responsibilities and areas of focus? 

One of my key responsibilities as chairman of the Board of Directors is to foster an environment where the Board can be effective in meeting its goals and mission to enhance and create shareholder value and promote the health of the company. The Board works closely with TE’s management to set strategies and ensure we are setting an appropriate tone for ethical conduct and behavior. The Board is responsible for ensuring continuity of leadership within the company, communicating effectively with our shareholders and making certain that we are conducting business in a compliant way. My role is to facilitate all of this and create an environment where we can be collectively and individually effective.  

Another primary responsibility of mine is to make sure we’re focused on the critical objectives of the company, company strategies, and priorities and key issues. I work closely with CEO Terrence Curtin on these items and to develop meeting agendas. We have five standing meetings as a Board each year, as well as individual committee meetings. 

As chairman of the Board, how do you collaborate with executive leaders across TE?  

I meet with Terrence regularly to ensure alignment on multiple focus areas and provide him input from the Board, as he has primary responsibility for setting goals and aligning across the business. I also stay in close contact with key members of Terrence’s team with topics that they might bring to the Board for review and consideration.   

What excites you most about TE’s future? 

TE is in a wonderful position as a company to continue to thrive and create value for our shareholders. We are part of many megatrends, including the transition towards electric vehicles and renewable energy, all of which are wonderful opportunities for us. We have such vast expertise in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and this will continue to set us up for success. Given these factors along with TE’s capable and highly engaged team, the opportunities we have for the future are endless and this is very exciting to me.   

You have served as a Board member since 2016 and have more than 30 years of leadership experience across multiple industries. How have your experiences prepared you to lead TE’s Board of Directors?  

I have had the opportunity to work for some wonderful, global companies and be mentored by many strong people who took interest in my development. I’ve been able to work in many different roles, primarily in finance and accounting, and many of the companies that I worked for have been large and successful, one being Kodak. When I worked for Kodak in the 1980’s, the company went through a period of significant challenges. Being part of the management team during this time provided great experience that I have been able to carry throughout the rest of my career. In 2010, I had my first public company board experience, and the next year I joined the board of the organization that oversees how accounting standards are set in the United States. I was also on the Board of Governors for a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a company which makes sure capital markets are operating effectively. I have been actively involved in professional organizations and non-profits, which has allowed me to give back and develop in ways that I may not have been able to do so in my jobs. Through these experiences I was able to engage and learn outside of just accounting and finance, and develop a broad range of skills. 

How would you describe your leadership style? 

I have a collaborative leadership style and aim to create environments where everyone knows their contributions are valued. Each person on the Board is an accomplished leader and brings unique perspectives to the table, and it’s important that I encourage collaboration so that each person is heard.   

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and who gave it to you? What career advancement advice would you offer to employees?  

In the early stages of my career at a public accounting firm, my audit manager shared the importance of consistently ensuring that others have confidence in my ability to deliver objectives on time. Ever since, personal accountability has remained important to me. I always make sure that I am prepared for and putting effort into my work assignments. This includes recognizing when I need help and reaching out for feedback. This approach demonstrates to others that I can be counted on to seek the necessary information or resources to overcome challenges. 

The advancement advice that I would offer to others is to understand what is important to the business, whether that be your team or a customer. Ensuring alignment with the company's goals and priorities is crucial. It's essential to deliver results in a manner that is closely tied to these key objectives and in alignment with TE values, ensuring that your efforts meet the required standards.