GCC Board Directors Institute Signs Two-Year Agreement with Digital Innovator, Elm

8 March 2022, Riyadh - The GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), a not-for-profit organization that helps board directors of organizations acquire the expertise and tools for effective governance, has signed a two-year agreement with smart solutions digital innovator, Elm.

GCC BDI and Elm will work together to raise the standards of corporate governance and promote best practices to improve the effectiveness of boards and contribute positively to the development of the GCC economies.

As a previous sponsor of the GCC BDI Chairman’s Summit in 2018, an annual leadership event that brings together influential chairmen across the GCC region and beyond, Elm helps cultivate innovative solutions to current technology and entrepreneurship challenges.

Elm works to develop new services and improve current procedures with to contribute to advancing the level of services and localizing information technology.

Dr. Abdulrahman Aljadhai, CEO, Elm, said: “At Elm, our journey is to explore unbound opportunities and innovative ideas fueled by technology. Our partnership with GCC BDI is part of our strategy to support Vision 2030 and support boards to better understand new technology and the solutions it can offer, as well as encouraging greater transparency and the adoption of best corporate governance practices.”

Jane Valls, Executive Director, GCC BDI, said: “GCC BDI is always looking for corporate affiliates to support the work we do in the Kingdom and the region. The partnership with Elm will allow us to further develop the products and services we offer boards and board directors including the advocacy of sound governance practices.”

She added: “Elm has more than 30 years of experience fused with successful strategic partnerships and expertise in digital solutions and innovation. All boards need a greater understanding of digitalization and the new technology that is reshaping the way we do business. We are delighted to welcome Elm as a partner in better understanding these challenges, trends, and best practices.”

Elm works to cultivate innovative solutions to technology and entrepreneurship challenges, to develop new services, and improve current procedures. The aim is to devise new innovative e-services and integrate technological solutions to spark a shift in public and private sector performance.

Since its inception in 2007, GCC BDI has become the pre-eminent network for board directors and senior executives in the GCC region. The not-for-profit organization works with more than 2,300 board directors from over 4,000 blue-chip companies across the region to raise the standards of corporate governance and improve board effectiveness.


About the GCC Board Directors Institute
Launched in 2007, the GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI) is an independent not-for-profit organisation that helps board directors of entities, from family-owned businesses to listed companies, to acquire the know-how and tools to achieve and sustain effective governance.

GCC BDI is supported by seven leading regional corporations and professional services firms who serve as our strategic partners: First Abu Dhabi Bank, SABIC, Saudi Aramco; Allen & Overy; Heidrick & Struggles; McKinsey & Company; and PwC. In addition, we are also supported by a number of corporate affiliates including Elm, The Saudi British Bank, National Bank of Bahrain, SIPCHEM, Saudi Telecom Company, The Saudi Investment Bank and Tasnee as well as the regional regulatory authorities. For more information, please visit www.gccbdi.org.

For more information, please contact:
Mehwish Sarwar
GCC Board of Directors Institute
mehwish.sarwar@gccbdi.org