Saudi Aramco and the GCC Board Directors Institute to host 4th Chairman Summit in Riyadh

With lingering low oil prices creating uncertainty in GCC economies, Saudi Aramco and the GCC Board Directors Institute (BDI) are bringing together high profile chairmen from across the GCC and expert panellists to exchange views on the current issues facing leadership and best practice under the theme “Leading the board through changing times” at the 4th Chairman Summit to be held in Riyadh on 2 October, 2016.

The keynote address will feature His Excellency, Eng. Khalid A. Al-Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco).

“Despite the challenges existing in today’s economy, GCC governments are looking ahead and working at full capacity towards fast-approaching national visions.  A key element of realising these visions is the support and strength of local businesses and this can only be achieved with a well-prepared and active board of directors that will help drive the economy through economic uncertainty,” said Jane Valls, Executive Director at Board Directors Institute (BDI).

“Through our annual Chairman Summit, we have created a platform for Board members and industry experts to share knowledge and experiences as well as introduce international best practice in our efforts of enhancing corporate governance standards in the GCC.” 

This year’s Chairman Summit will feature two panel discussions titled “Staying ahead – the board’s role”, and “How to get the best from the board”.

Panelists will include Tarek Elmasry, Managing Director, McKinsey & Company, Middle East; Khalid Al Faddagh, Board Audit Committee Member, Saudi Telecom Company; Zeyad Khoshaim, Allen & Overy; Peter Breen, Senior Partner, Board Practice and Chairman Middle East, Heidrick & Struggles; Taha El Kuwaiz Chairman, Derayah; Mike Maddison, Partner PwC Middle East, Risk Assurance Services; Sabah Al Moayyed, Managing Partner of Intellect Resources Management, Bahrain; Lubna Qassim, ‎Executive Vice President + Group General Counsel, Emirates NBD; and Simon Walker, Director General, Institute of Directors UK.

GCC BDI is the pre-eminent not-for-profit institute in the GCC with a focus on helping boards become more effective so that organizations perform better and grow.