Strong corporate governance is critical to business operations. The firms proving that an ethical agenda can also make a difference on profits took the spotlight at World Finance’s Corporate Governances Awards 2021.
One of the firms at the forefront of this wave of change is FBN Holdings, a business that takes a top-down approach to corporate governance, ensuring that good governance starts in the boardroom. Similarly, telecoms business Ooredoo Group recognizes the importance of governance leadership and guarantees that its team is constantly adapting to the evolution of the latest policies and practices. Among the other worthy winners is Mexican banking and financial services Banorte, whose board has won achievements based on its strict guidelines of compliance with regulations.
Throughout 2021, current events brought corporate governance from the conceptual to the everyday. COVID-19 was not only an issue of public health, but also a threat to steady financial and economic performance and customer and employee safety, as well as an impetus for support for new ways of working.
Elsewhere, protests around the world highlighted issues around racism, showing corporations that they can no longer ignore diversity and inclusion initiatives, and problems with misconduct proved the need to root out outdated ways of working. Boardrooms were forced to confront the value in diversifying their boardrooms in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, and experience. A broad range of talents, backgrounds, and viewpoints offers C-suites a powerful asset as well as a healthier corporate culture.
