Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), in collaboration with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) India and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), successfully organized the first edition of ‘The Great Indian Board Reboot: Roadshow 2024’ at the NSE Headquarters in Mumbai. The event, a significant milestone in the Indian corporate governance landscape, brought together over 200 delegates, including prominent business leaders, regulatory authorities, and corporate governance experts.
Addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities in corporate governance, the event focused on board renewal, diversity, and the integration of new technologies and regulatory frameworks. Dr. Niraj Gupta, Head of Corporate Governance & Public Policy at IICA, set the tone for the event with the presiding address, and Mr. Mathew John, Programme Manager at IICA, welcomed the attendees.
Keynote addresses by Mr. Ankit Sharma, Chief Regulatory Officer of NSE India, and Ms. Kamala K., Chief Regulatory Officer of BSE, emphasized the critical role of corporate governance in balancing economic, social, individual, and community goals. Mr. Sharma highlighted the importance of diversity and adaptability in board compositions, while Ms. Kamala discussed the transformative journey of Indian businesses and the necessity for boards to adapt and reboot in response to disruptions and changes in the business landscape.
Two insightful panel discussions further enriched the event:
- Navigating Board Renewal Challenges and Opportunities: Moderated by Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti, Chairman of Blue Star Ltd, the panel explored the necessity for boards to proactively address technological advancements, emphasizing continuous learning and relearning. Panelists highlighted the critical role of boards in safeguarding against disruption, fostering innovation, and ensuring the representation of diverse stakeholder interests.
- Gender Diversity and Beyond: Led by Mr. Deepak Shetty, Former Secretary, Government of India, the panel emphasized broadening the spectrum of diversity in board compositions. Discussions highlighted the need for boards to reflect changing demographics and the technological landscape, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
Coordinated by key personnel at IICA, including Dr. Niraj Gupta, Mr. Mathew John, Mr. Manoj Singh, Chief Programme Executive, and Mr. Ashish Kumar, Senior Research Associate, the event aimed to set new benchmarks in discussions around corporate governance in India. The insights and strategies shared are expected to significantly influence the future direction of board compositions and governance practices in Indian corporations.
‘The Great Indian Board Reboot: Roadshow 2024’ aspires to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on corporate governance, paving the way for enhanced governance practices and sustainable business strategies in India.