The DNV Group and Germanischer Lloyd announced that from September 12, 2013, we operate as one entity: the DNV GL Group. Together we are now creating a world leading provider of classification, certification, verification and training services that help our customers build sustainable business performance and create stakeholder trust. We promise to be focused on your future.

The merger rests on a strong strategic rationale, responding to challenges of increased globalization, rapid technological change and the need for sustainable development. Both DNV Group and GL represent leading market positions, complementary strengths, a global network and an acknowledged reputation for premium quality and strengths. With 17,000 employees across 300 sites in more than 100 countries, we look forward to combining the best capabilities of our respective organizations to work with you and further advance the industries we serve, making a global impact for a safe and sustainable future.

What does this mean to me?
You will become a DNV GL customer. The name of your certification partner changes, but our promise and obligations to you remain the same. The people you interact with and our relationship does not change. It is business as usual, and we promise to take care of any practical aspects and contractual obligations to smooth any transitional steps. We will take care of everything in order to provide a seamless process for you. As one entity, DNV GL, we will work to establish better practices worldwide and offer a better level of service, translating this into more value for you and your customers.

One of the first improvements you will experience is our Next Generation Risk Based Certification methodology, available from the beginning of 2014. This evolution in our management system certification audit approach will widen the scope of risk and better support you in building a strong foundation for more sustainable business performance. This is one example of how we demonstrate that we are focused on your future.

What about my certificates and planned activities?
Your certificates are still valid. DNV GL continues to be accredited for all standards and in all countries as before. For the time being existing certificates will remain under the DNV Logo for DNV Business Assurance customers and the GL logo for GL Systems Certification customers. In the future, certificates will be branded under one logo, but the transition will take place in an organic way, creating minimal disruption for you. We will take care of any specific needs in this process.

Moreover, all activities will be carried out as planned. Your local office remains the same, as well as your contact person(s). Our planners and auditors will continue to be your trusted reference points, together with your dedicated account manager. Your needs will be looked after and you will not be left alone; all activities will be maintained and our employees will be there for you. In parallel we will spend the time between now and the 1st official day of operations as a new company – DNV GL Group – to integrate the DNV Business Assurance and GL Systems Certification business. Until then we operate, as mentioned, under two separate brands: DNV Business Assurance and GL. But we look forward to presenting our new DNV GL brand to you from December 2013.

Who is GL Systems Certification?
GL Systems Certification is a first class international certification body concentrating on technical, logistics, shipping and aerospace systems certification with the aim to add value for our customers. As part of the Germanischer Lloyd Group, established in 1867 we are part of a global network of more than 7000 employees.

Who is DNV Business Assurance?
DNV Business Assurance is a world-leading certification body. As part of the DNV Group, an independent foundation established in 1864, we belong to a global network of more than 10,500 employees working from 300 offices in 100 countries. We work with companies to assure the performance of their organizations, products, people, facilities and supply chains through certification, verification, assessment and training. Our 2,000 employees worldwide help our 70,000 active business relations build sustainable business performance and create stakeholder trust.

About DNV GL
Driven by its purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. Combining leading technical and operational expertise, risk methodology and in-depth industry knowledge, DNV GL provides classification, certification and technical assurance along with software and independent expert advisory services to help organizations make the right choices for their business and for society.

With a main focus on the maritime, oil and gas, energy sectors and through a leading position in certification, DNV GL empowers its customers’ decisions and actions with trust and confidence. The company continuously invests in research and collaborative innovation to provide customers and society with operational and technological foresight. Established in 1864, DNV GL operates globally in more than 100 countries with its 17,000 professionals dedicated to helping customers – and the world – to be safer, smarter and greener.

2014 Healthcare Symposium-Nashville Highlights