The NED Debate, hosted in association with WTW, is one of the leading annual events for Non-Executive Directors in the UK, driving meaningful dialogue through its dynamic format and open-floor contributions.
This year's panel brings together a diverse and highly experienced group of leaders whose careers span regulation, boardroom leadership, professional services, and governance reform, promising an evening of sharp perspectives and bold insights.
CHAIR:
Graham Durgan
As the Chair of the Non-Executive Directors' Association (NEDA), Graham was the natural choice to steer this year's NED Debate. With decades of experience guiding boards and fostering effective governance, he brings a deep understanding of board dynamics to the table.
He was previously CEO of a Listed company and has been Chair of several entities, and is known for his extensive expertise on governance strategy and non-executive leadership.
Graham decided to found NEDA to address a gap he observed in the recruitment and development of NEDs; recognising that many capable professionals from non-traditional backgrounds were being overlooked for these critical roles, he created a structured approach to training NEDs - giving them the confidence and competence to step forward. This vision quickly gained traction, and NEDA has developed into a leading association, promoting excellence and diversity of thought in board-level positions. The NED Debate continues to drive these principles, tackling boardroom issues head-on through robust discussions and constructive challenge.
Graham's leadership experience extends across financial services, professional development, publishing, and inclusion advocacy. With a background in accounting, he has served as an ICAEW Council Member for over 30 years and is Chair of Emile Woolf (Holdings) Ltd - ensuring consistent quality in professional firms through IFRS and Audit testing services. Graham is also the Chair of Audeliss Executive Search and INvolve, championing global intersectional inclusion and leveling the playing field for diverse board leaders.
PROPOSING:
Richard Moriarty
Richard Moriarty is CEO of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), the UK’s independent regulator of auditors, accountants and actuaries, which is also responsible for setting the UK’s Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes. He has over 25 years of board-level experience across a range of regulated sectors.
Prior to joining the FRC, he was CEO of the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority and before that the CEO of the Legal Services Board, which oversees the regulation of the legal professions. Earlier in his career he held senior roles in the regulation of social housing, communications and energy. He has also held roles in the private sector such as director of a water company and partner for a consultancy.
In a non-executive capacity, he was Deputy Chair of the Social Housing Regulator, responsible for the governance and financial viability of social landlords. Outside of the FRC, Richard is Chair of Paradigm Housing Group, a housing association.
Nina Henderson
Nina Henderson is an experienced FTSE 100 NED and board director, with a varied leadership portfolio spanning healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, consumer goods, and property.
She serves on the boards of Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc, CNO Financial Group, and International Workplace Group plc, chairing key board committees including Human Resources and Compensation at CNO, and the Remuneration Committee at IWG.
Nina is Vice Chair of Drexel University’s Board of Trustees, and serves as a Director at St Christopher’s Children’s Hospital, the Foreign Policy Association, and VNS Health. She is also President of the Kent Land Trust Foundation and Commissioner of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.
Nina combines global leadership expertise and governance insight with a deep commitment to education, culture, and public health.
OPPOSING:
Vivienne Artz OBE FCSI (Hon) CMgr CCMI AIGP
Vivienne Artz is CEO of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, the UK’s business-led voluntary framework, supported by Government to improve the representation of women on boards of the FTSE 350 and the UK’s largest private companies. Alongside, she is a NED and senior advisor, specialising in data, privacy, AI, new technologies, anti-financial crime, and equality & diversity.
With over 25 years' experience in global financial and professional services, Vivienne has held senior roles at the London Stock Exchange Group, Refinitiv, Thomson Reuters, and Citibank. She is the AI and Data Lead at the International Business & Diplomatic Exchange, Founder of the PICCASO Awards, Co-Chair of the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime, and sits on multiple boards.
A former CEO of Women in Banking and Finance and a Patron of Women in Finance Rwanda, Vivienne was awarded an OBE in 2021 for her work in Financial Services and Gender Diversity.
Andrew Kemp
Andy Kemp is Chair of the Audit Committee Chairs’ Independent Forum (ACCIF) and a NED at The Berkeley Group Holdings plc, where he chairs the Audit Committee and serves as a member of both the Remuneration and Nominations Committees. He is a NED at Irwin Mitchell Holdings Ltd, chairing the Audit and Risk Committee, as well as a Governor at Birkbeck, University of London.
Having spent nearly 39 years at PwC, Andy has lead some of the firm’s largest FTSE 100 audit relationships, with major multinational clients across a range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, retail, industrials, and telecoms.
As chair of PwC UK’s NED Programme, he has extensive experience supporting boards to navigate complex governance and risk challenges, and has been a leading expert on the most pressing challenges facing NEDs. He is widely recognised for his financial oversight expertise, strategic insight, and collaborative approach to board leadership.
[Please note: No one should assume that the Debater's personal views either do or do not coincide with the side of the motion for which they are arguing].
The 2025 NED Debate will be taking place on 24th September at The Auditorium, 51 Lime Street, London. This year’s motion will explore the state and effectiveness of UK Corporate Governance; a timely and provocative topic that promises to spark lively discussion and challenge conventional thinking.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register your place now. Learn more here.
The NED Debate is hosted in conjunction with Willis Towers Watson (WTW).
And is proud to be sponsored by EQ and Board Intelligence.
With support from NEDA's partners, BDO and CMS.
