The Business Council for International Understanding to Honor Klaus Kleinfeld, Pelè and Maurice Greenberg as 2014 Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards Recipients

NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), a non-profit U.S. business association dedicated to forging relationships and promoting dialogue between government and business communities across the globe, yesterday announced the recipients of its annual Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Awards. Headlined by Alcoa CEO Klaus Kleinfeld, this year's honorees also included soccer legend and philanthropist Pelè, and insurance icon Maurice Greenberg.

Modeled after President Eisenhower's global view of commercial diplomacy, the awards recognized outstanding leadership, citizenship and statesmanship in international business.

"BCIU has a track record of convening leaders who share Eisenhower's vision to propel the understanding of other countries and cultures by engaging in people-to-people diplomacy," said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. and past honoree. "In these uncertain times, it takes courageous leaders to inspire the best of society to work together to achieve higher objectives and all three recipients – Klaus Kleinfeld, Hank Greenberg and Pelé – have set an extraordinary standard."

Launched in 2003, the keystone Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Leadership Award has recognized distinguished members of the international business community who embody outstanding leadership and achievement. This year's recipient, Klaus Kleinfeld, extends a prestigious roster of past award winners, including Ratan N. Tata (2013), Carlos Slim (2012), former French President Nicolas Sarkozy (2008), Jeffrey Immelt, Chairman and CEO of GE (2006) and inaugural honoree Lee Raymond, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Alongside Mr. Kleinfeld, Mr. Greenberg received the Business Statesman Award, recognizing his success and valued contributions to global business, and Pelè was honored with the Global Citizenship Award, underscoring his unparalleled excellence from the pitch to the frontline of global humanitarian causes with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

"This year, we're recognizing the exceptional commitment of three unique leaders to creating a more collaborative and connected global community," said Peter Tichansky," President and CEO of BCIU. "Our honorees are visionaries and have made an indelible impact not only in their respective fields but in helping shape a better world for future generations."

A milestone calendar event, the annual ceremony brought together BCIU's members and special guests to celebrate the partnerships that encourage international trade and diplomacy. The official gala and award ceremony took place at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City.

Gathering at the gala to celebrate this year's honorees was a cross-section of distinguished global leaders and influencers in international business, the arts, sports and media, along with senior government officials, ambassadors and diplomats.

For a complete list of past honorees and additional information on the 2014 Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards, please visit http://bciu.org/wip06/public/gala.asp

ABOUT BCIU: Established at President Eisenhower's initiative on November 10, 1955, the Business Council for International Understanding is a premier business association whose membership includes many of the world's largest multinational corporations in all major industries. BCIU promotes international understanding through dialogue and action by organizing briefings and off-the-record discussions between senior government officials and key business executives on issues of common concern, by facilitating public-private partnerships in the global marketplace, and by assisting stakeholders with problem-solving in turbulent situations and markets. BCIU provides an ongoing venue for its member companies to interact with heads of state, chiefs of government, cabinet ministers, and senior officials of multilateral and international organizations. BCIU supports commercial diplomacy and corporate social responsibility in the international arena by facilitating roundtables and programs related to investment promotion, public diplomacy, corporate governance, and branding. On request, BCIU provides due diligence, referral, and qualifier services.

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SOURCE Business Council for International Understanding

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