GCC BDI, the Financial Academy celebrate the graduation of 64 new Board Directors and Secretaries
- Fourth cohort of pioneers in corporate governance awarded certificates at graduation ceremony in Riyadh.
- The graduates include 56 Certified Board Directors, 4 Certified Board Secretaries and 4 Directors who received Diplomas.
Riyadh, KSA, September 24, 2024 — The GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), the region’s leading authority on advancing board effectiveness and corporate governance, has announced the graduation of its latest cohort of 64 individuals who have completed its Certificate and Diploma in Board Directorship and Board Secretary Certification Programmes in partnership with the Financial Academy.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Movenpick Hotel in Riyadh, honoured 56 Certified Board Directors, 4 Certified Board Secretaries, and 4 Directors who received diplomas. They will go on to champion excellence in corporate governance across the GCC.
The GCC BDI and the Financial Academy jointly developed these certification programmes to furnish aspiring leaders with essential skills and knowledge critical to advancing in board directorship and secretarial roles. The Financial Academy supports these programmes as the awarding body for the certificated curriculum in line with its work to nurture expertise in governance. Since its inception in 2019, the GCC BDI has certified a total of 188 Board Directors and 42 Board Secretaries, as well as 17 Diploma holders of the Board Directorship Certification.
Strengthening Corporate Governance in the GCC
The GCC BDI’s mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of board governance, ultimately contributing to the growth and stability of the GCC’s economy. The organisation advocates for strong corporate governance – essential for attracting investment, fostering responsible business practices, and building a robust and transparent business environment.
The certification programmes offered by GCC BDI, in collaboration with the Financial Academy, are designed to equip future board leaders with the skills and knowledge to:
• Uphold ethical standards: Promote responsible decision-making and ensure accountability within organisations.
• Enhance risk management: Implement effective strategies to mitigate potential risks and protect stakeholders.
• Improve financial literacy: Deepen understanding of financial reporting, performance analysis, and investment strategies.
• Develop strategic foresight: Contribute to the development of sound business strategies and long-term sustainability.
A Collaborative Approach to Building Effective Boards
GCC BDI and the Financial Academy share a commitment to building a strong foundation for effective corporate governance within the GCC. Their partnership ensures that these programmes integrate theoretical knowledge with practical, industry-relevant insights.
John Gollifer, CEO of GCC BDI, said: “We are incredibly proud of our graduates who have demonstrated a deep commitment to mastering and applying corporate governance principles. This graduation ceremony is a testament to our collective investment in the future of the GCC’s corporate landscape.
“At GCC BDI, we are committed to developing board leaders who will drive best practices in governance and ethics, fostering an environment that is conducive to sustainable economic growth. The invaluable partnership with the Financial Academy amplifies our vision by blending educational excellence with practical industry insights, ensuring our graduates emerge as forward-thinking pioneers in corporate governance.”
Added Mana Alkhamsan, CEO of the Financial Academy: “Our collaboration with GCC BDI is designed to support highly skilled leaders who are equipped to tackle both current challenges and future transformations within the corporate environment. As the business environment becomes increasingly complex, the role of effective governance is paramount. These certification programmes empower individuals with knowledge and contribute to the overarching goal of enhancing governance and transparency across the GCC region. Together, we are laying down the foundation for a resilient economic ecosystem supported by ethical and innovative leadership.”
The ceremony featured influential speakers including Nayef Al-Athel, Group Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Saudi Tadawul Group, Dr. Chris Pierce, Senior GCC BDI External Associate and Lead Faculty for Board Directorship Certification and Mutlaq Almorished, Governor GCC BDI.
Al-Athel commented: “Strong governance is essential for the growth and stability of our capital market. Supporting the development of certified board directors is key to maintaining the attractiveness of our market to international investors.”
Graduate Testimonials
Among the graduates, Ferass Al Dobiyan, Senior Manager, Planning & Control at Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), who earned the Certificate in Board Secretary, stated, “The Board Secretary certification program has provided me with the insights and tools I need to drive positive change in governance at SABIC.”
Bushra Abu Salem Fathallah, Director of Governance Affairs and Board Secretary at Nesma & Partners, certified in Board Directorship, added: “The knowledge and networks gained through this certification are invaluable as we strive to lead sustainable initiatives within the boardroom.”
Mazen Abdulaal, Managing Director at IPC Business Solutions Group, said: “The Diploma in Board Directorship has broadened my strategic vision and prepared me for the complex challenges of board governance.”
For more information about the event and the GCC BDI’s certification programmes, visit https://gccbdi.org/
About GCC Board of Directors Institute
GCC BDI is supported by eight leading regional corporations and professional services firms who serve as our strategic partners: First Abu Dhabi Bank, National Bank of Bahrain, SABIC, Saudi Aramco, Allen & Overy, Heidrick & Struggles, McKinsey & Company, and PwC. GCC BDI aims to enhance board member capabilities, create a strong regional network of board members, and disseminate high-quality corporate governance knowledge. Since its founding in 2007, it has delivered over 600 programmes and forums to top-tier companies in the Gulf and now comprises over 4000 members.
As the leading organisation for board directors in the region, GCC BDI is globally recognised and the only director institute from the Gulf region admitted to the Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI). Its mission is to strengthen corporate governance in the GCC through capability building, advocacy, and promoting sound governance practices, with a vision to be the pre-eminent institute for boards and directors in the GCC, promoting the highest professional standards of corporate governance and professional directorship.
For more information, please visit https://gccbdi.org
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mehwish Sarwar
GCC Board of Directors Institute
mehwish.sarwar@gccbdi.org