MEIRA partners with GCC BDI to conduct a strategic review of its Corporate Governance

Dubai, UAE. 8th July, 2024. The Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) has forged a strategic partnership with the GCC Board of Directors Institute (GCC BDI) to undertake a comprehensive assessment of its Corporate Governance frameworks and Board of Directors’ operations, encompassing both the central MEIRA Board and the Saudi Chapter Board. The assessment will be undertaken by an independent GCC BDI External Consultant.

At the outset of 2024, MEIRA embarked on a thorough membership perception study, meticulously pinpointing pivotal factors that foster membership engagement and propel organisational growth. This pioneering endeavour underscores MEIRA's unwavering commitment to transparency and robust governance, steadfastly ensuring that member feedback is not only heeded but swiftly translated into actionable outcomes.

The GCC Board of Directors Institute, renowned as a distinguished independent non-profit entity, is dedicated to advancing corporate governance standards across the region. As part of this collaborative effort, GCC BDI will undertake a comprehensive review encompassing governance protocols, board composition, tenure considerations, and succession planning among other critical facets.

Commenting on the initiative, Andrew Tarbuck, stated: “I am delighted that we are partnering with such an esteemed organization as the GCCBDI.  We have the shared objective of promoting best practice in governance and it is very important for our culture at MEIRA that we “walk the walk” as well as “talk the talk”. This strategic overview puts our rhetoric into practice and is an example of how important we value our members’ feedback and act upon it.”

MEIRA CEO, Paolo Casamassima, continued: “At MEIRA, we are dedicated to setting benchmarks in governance and transparency within the Middle East. I am delighted about our Chairman’s initiative and the overall Board’s support around the effort. Our partnership with GCC BDI marks a significant milestone in our journey towards enhancing member value and reinforcing best practices across our boards”.

John Gollifer, GCC BDI CEO, added: “Partnering with MEIRA aligns seamlessly with GCC BDI's mission to foster robust corporate governance frameworks throughout the Gulf region. We look forward to contributing our expertise and insights towards shaping the future of governance practices of the main industry body for IR, a clear example for the rest of the listed companies in the region”.

About the Middle East Investor Relations Association

The Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA or the Association) is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the Investor Relations (IR) profession and international standards in corporate governance. The mission of MEIRA is to enhance the reputation, efficiency and attractiveness of the Middle East capital markets.

This is delivered by fostering increased dialogue among members and encouraging the IR community to share the global benchmark in best practice within the field of IR. In partnership with stock exchanges, regulators and other market participants, MEIRA supports companies through its professional development and certification programmes as well as its membership community and network of country Chapters.

Paolo Casamassima | Chief Executive Officer | Email: paolo@meira.me / Phone: (0) 4 516 3042

Alicia Gallego MartinezMarketing, Communications and Events Manager | Email: pr@meira.me / Phone: +971 (0)4 309 7034                                                               

All information is also published on www.meira.com

About GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI)

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 3900 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