Independent auditor
Policy & role of DSM’s auditors
Policy
The policy regarding the role of DSM’s audit firm is embedded in the Regulations of the Supervisory Board. The policy was adopted by the Supervisory Board on 8 September 2004 based on a proposal by the Audit Committee and after consultation with the Managing Board. The policy determines, amongst other things, that the appointed external auditor must be independent of the company.
Appointment
As required by Dutch law, the external auditor of the company is appointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders based on the proposal of the Supervisory Board, after the latter has been advised by the Audit Committee and the Managing Board. The Managing Board and the Audit Committee shall report on their dealings with the external auditor to the Supervisory Board on an annual basis, particularly with regard to the auditor's independence. The Supervisory Board shall take this into account when deciding its nomination for the appointment of an external auditor.
At least once every four years the Managing Board and the Audit Committee conduct a thorough evaluation and assessment of the functioning of the external auditor. The main conclusions of this assessment shall be communicated to the General Meeting of Shareholders.
KPMG Accountants N.V.
The current auditor of the company, KPMG Accountants N.V. was appointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders on 7 May 2014, replacing?Ernst & Young who fulfilled the role since 1967.
The external auditor attends, in principle, all meetings of the Audit Committee. The findings of the external auditor, the audit approach and DSM’s risk management are among the issues discussed at these meetings.
The external auditor attends the meeting of the Supervisory Board, at which the report of the external auditor with respect to the audit of the annual accounts is discussed, and at which the annual accounts are approved.?The external auditor also attends the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.