The Most Important and Top Priorities for Corporate Boards in 2015
WorldTalk
Keeping pace with the changing risk management landscape is nothing new for corporate boards, but as we head into 2015, leaders are facing a variety of challenges that if not properly overseen may impact their organization’s reputation. To help boards and investors be aware of and prepare for these challenges, the EY Center for Board Matters, has unveiled its Top Corporate Board Priorities for the new year.
“Last year was about shareholder activism and engagement,” said Mark Manoff, EY Americas Vice Chair and leader of the EY Center for Board Matters.
“Boards that spent time in 2014 engaging with long-term investors to learn about their corporate governance concerns and priorities are likely to be better strategically positioned moving forward as activist campaigns continue at the same heightened pace.”
According to the EY Center for Board Matters, the Top Corporate Board Priorities in 2015 includes Human Capital. Many countries are experiencing explosive population growth, major demographic shifts or population declines.
These trends will continue to have far reaching impact, ranging from growing pressure on critical resources to sweeping changes in goals and aspirations at a personal and social level. Effective board oversight is required to address emerging risks in this volatile environment.
Leaders Urge Important Action on Gender Parity in 2015
The year 2015 could be a landmark one to lay the foundations for achieving gender parity, according to panelists speaking at the 45th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
Already, there have been remarkable achievements in Gender Paity, but despite optimism about realizing gender parity, panellists agreed there is much work to be done, which will require leadership.
“We know that girls’ education is a game- changer… This is a question of leadership” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Undersecretary-General and Executive Director, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.
Women play a central role in society, particularly in developing countries, said Melinda Gates, Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USA. “If you invest in a girl or a woman, you are investing in everybody else,” she said.
Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer, Unilever, United Kingdom, pointed out that it is impossible to create a high-performing organization if everyone does not have the chance to rise to their full potential.
12 | TRAINING MAGAZINE EUROPE FEB 2015