A tradition spanning beer and science

Carlsberg's chief wants Chinese businesses to learn from its heritage

Flemming Besenbacher has so many portfolios under his belt that it is difficult to gauge in what capacity he is talking to you. He is one of the most influential researchers in Denmark, world-renowned nanoscientist and chairman of the Denmark-based beverage giant Carlsberg Group. At the same time, he is also an expert in Danish corporate governance.

It was the last mentioned credentials that brought Besenbacher to China recently. Though it was his 51st trip to the country, he sounded as excited as a first-time visitor when he talked about the Danish corporate governance mode and other aspects of the business.