BOONE—It’s up to the next generation of business leaders to restore the public’s faith in corporate America, said Lowe’s Companies chairman and CEO Robert Niblock.

Speaking to students and guests at the Harlan E. Boyles Distinguished CEO Lecture Series at Appalachian State University, Niblock said the characteristic of integrity has always been and will continue to be important to successful business leaders.

“When you look at the avalanche of accounting scandals and ethical breeches (that have occurred) over the last few years, having integrity is more important than ever,” he said.

Niblock told students that as they begin their business careers, they should ask themselves if they are doing what is ethically correct in their job, or seeing how much they can get by with.

“Because of the high profile cases that are out there, the next decade will be challenging for all CEOs. There will be additional scrutiny and additional governance relating to business practices,” Niblock said. “Over time, I’m hopeful that the image of corporate America will moderate and return to a higher level of dignity.

Niblock joined Lowe’s in 1993 as director of taxation, following a nine-year career with the accounting firm Ernst & Young. He has served as vice president and treasurer, senior vice president, and executive vice president and CFO. Niblock served as president for two years prior to being named chairman and CEO in 2005.

The lecture series, sponsored by Appalachian’s Walker College of Business, is named for the late Harlan E. Boyles, who was N.C. state treasurer for 24 years.

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