Since the great financial crisis of 2008, governments worldwide had implemented stricter regulations and behavioral standards for board directors and senior executives. Additionally, the number of new corporate governance codes approved had increased significantly since then. Despite these efforts, most recent corporate crises continued to have their roots in corporate governance and the decision-making processes of boards of directors.
This situation was further compounded by dramatic disruptions in the global economy, which placed increasing pressure on boards. Technological transformation, deglobalization, rising geopolitical risks, climate change, social activism, and activist investors combined to create unique challenges for businesses and society. In this complex context, effective corporate governance became essential, not only to protect investors but also to support the long-term development of companies and create prosperity for many.
On April 15, 2024, the IESE – ECGI 2024 Corporate Governance Conference took place at IESE’s Madrid campus. The conference reflected on recent experiences in the design and effectiveness of boards of directors and analyzed the competencies and capabilities that future boards should possess to truly enhance the quality of corporate governance.
The conference focused on several key topics, including:
- The role of purpose and strategy in board effectiveness.
- Board dynamics and functioning as an effective team.
- Interactions between the board and the company’s shareholders.
- How boards should address new disruptive realities such as climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical risks.
- The CEO succession process.
As in previous editions, the conference featured innovative contributions from prominent academics across various disciplines, such as strategic management, corporate finance, corporate governance, organizational behavior, and leadership. The interdisciplinary nature of these contributions was key to advancing the understanding of boards of directors as a critical governance institution.
Additionally, the event included discussions with CEOs, who provided practical insights on the academic work presented, as well as a panel of chairpersons and CEOs who delved into these topics from a practical perspective.
This one-day in-person event served as a platform to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing boards of directors today, offering actionable ideas to refine governance practices and adapt them to an ever-changing global landscape.
You can watch the full conference by clicking here.