Wendell Lewis Willkie, II

Wendell L. Willkie II is an adjunct fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He is also an adjunct professor of law at New York University. His current focus is the governance of America’s public companies, the responsibilities of corporate boards, and the significance of shareholder activism and engagement. 

For more than 20 years, Mr. Willkie was a member of the executive leadership of MeadWestvaco Corporation, a multinational manufacturing company. As senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary, he was responsible for all legal and government relations matters. He also had oversight of communications; safety, health, environment, and sustainability; and the company’s foundation. He was a key business leader in the company’s strategic transformation and major expansion in international markets, and he worked closely with the board and CEO to ensure the board’s effective execution of its oversight responsibilities.