NEDA’s annual NED Debate will bring together non-executive directors, c-suite executives, and industry experts from around the country, with the backing and participation of highly influential companies at the top of their fields. Here, we take a closer look at who’s involved.
This September 11th, we’ll be tackling the pressing motion: “This House believes boards struggle to identify and manage risk.” With an expertly curated range of debaters, the evening promises a lively exchange of diverse perspectives on a critical issue facing NEDs.
Alongside our debaters though, the highly-anticipated event also brings together some of the most influential companies from various industries at the core of this topical issue. These organisations are actively shaping critical discussions for NEDs and for risk management, and the participation of these companies will no doubt make this year’s debate stand out.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the companies driving the conversation.
WTW
Hosting this year’s debate, Willis Towers Watson (WTW) is a global leader in advisory, broking, and risk management solutions. With nearly 200 years of experience and 45,000 employees in over 140 countries, WTW helps businesses turn risks into growth opportunities by providing tailored solutions for intricate risk profiles.
WTW’s offerings, including professional liability, D&O insurance, cyber risk, and M&A-related insurances, directly address the risks and challenges faced by company directors. To further support these efforts, WTW’s annual Global Directors’ and Officers’ Survey gathers insights from directors, officers, and risk managers worldwide. This survey identifies top risks and emerging threats, helping organisations understand D&O and boardroom risk perceptions, and ultimately enhancing their risk management strategies.
The debate will be hosted at the iconic Willis Building in London. Their focus on both corporate and personal risks makes them a crucial voice in shaping the future of governance and risk oversight.
Alumni Global
Alumni Global is a leading international executive search and board recruitment firm, specialising in building high-performing leadership teams. With over 20 years of experience, Alumni Global works with a broad range of corporate clients at the boardroom level, helping some of the world’s most forward-thinking companies attract, assess, and develop their boards.
Their expertise includes offering leadership assessments to reduce the risks of poor hires and to evaluate the potential of current and future leaders. They are experts in ensuring that boards can meet the ever-increasing expectations and levels of scrutiny demanded by shareholders and society. As a key participant in this year’s debate, Alumni Global brings valuable insights into the critical role that board composition and dynamics play in organisational success.
Equiniti
Equiniti (EQ) is the UK’s leading provider of share registration services, pensions, and investment solutions, playing a key role in corporate governance and shareholder engagement. With over 5,000 employees across 26 locations worldwide, EQ have been delivering innovative solutions to a wide range of clients for over 70 years. Their expertise spans across multiple areas, including share registration, pensions, investment services, and employee benefits – including acting as share registrar for 48% of the FTSE100 with the average client relationship spanning 19 years.
With their timely involvement in this year’s debate, EQ Proxy offers extensive insights into the challenges facing boards. Their experience in proxy solicitation assists Boards, Secretariat, and investor relations teams in engaging with shareholders and rallying their support for AGMs, General Meetings, and M&A campaigns, helping them navigate shareholder expectations and mitigate governance risks.
CMS
CMS is a forward-thinking global organisation of independent law firms, boasting over 80 offices in more than 40 countries and a network of over 5,800 lawyers. Combining deep local market knowledge with a broad global perspective, CMS offers dynamic and agile legal solutions to help clients navigate the future with confidence.
As a NEDA sponsor, CMS brings its expertise in addressing current and emerging challenges, crucial to the discussion on risk management. The firm’s focus on social impact, diversity, and sustainability underscores its commitment to building a culture of trust and respect, making them a key voice in discussions about governance and future-facing leadership.
BDO LLP
BDO LLP is a key member of the BDO global network of public accounting, tax and advisory firms which provides business advisory services in 166 countries, with approximately 115,700 people working out of 1,770 offices worldwide. The firm delivers a wide range of services across all sectors, offering innovative and flexible solutions to help businesses navigate complex challenges.
In the context of this year’s discussions, BDO brings valuable insights into managing risk and governance, and is a core NEDA sponsor. They support businesses with a proactive approach that emphasises responsibility, integrity, and collaboration. BDO’s significant role in advising companies on international expansion and trading further enhances their contribution to the dialogue on effective risk management and corporate strategy.
Board Agenda
Board Agenda is a progressive media outlet dedicated to providing independent news, analysis, and expert insight on corporate governance, risk management, and strategic business issues. Covering a broad spectrum of topics - including legal and regulatory developments, ESG, cyber security, and executive remuneration - Board Agenda offers a wealth of information crucial for board directors and governance professionals.
For this year’s NED debate, Board Agenda will provide coverage and a write-up of the event. Their incisive journalism and expert commentary will capture the key discussions and insights, contributing valuable perspectives on emerging trends and boardroom practices. With support from their network of experienced non-executive directors, investors, and academics, Board Agenda enhances the dialogue on effective corporate governance and boardroom strategy.
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This year’s debate promises to be a compelling exploration of the challenges and strategies surrounding risk management for non-executive directors, and would not be possible without the participation of these leading brands alongside the NEDA team. This event is poised to be a significant opportunity for learning and networking.
Learn More
There’s still time to register and be part of this engaging debate. To secure your place, and for more details on the event, follow the link here.