Staff writers
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Inside the new era of governance: Lessons from the 2025 awards
Glass Lewis has warned that a wave of state-level legislation targeting proxy advisory firms could reshape the sector and potentially limit the ability of investors to access independent governance advice. In a statement, the firm said that 13 US states are considering measures that could make it significantly more difficult for proxy advisors to operate and provide voting recommendations to institutional investors. Glass Lewis argues that the initiatives are designed to curb that influence by placing new requirements and restrictions on proxy advice. According to the firm, critics of proxy advisors are attempting to bypass federal lawmakers and regulators by…
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Why modern proxy statements matter: key trends shaping shareholder engagement in 2026
As we settle into 2026, one thing becomes clear: modern proxy statements have evolved from dense compliance filings into strategic shareholder communication tools that shape investor perception, trust and voting outcomes. Click here to download the playbook >> This Playbook highlights how expectations from institutional investors and proxy advisors have intensified, making clarity, structure and visual communication essential components of an effective proxy. Industry voices, including Amanda Thrash of The Williams Companies and Jonathan Kuai of Korn Ferry, emphasize that today’s proxies must balance required disclosures, investor expected information and voluntary narrative to create a complete and credible story about…
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How governance teams are enabling AI-powered boardrooms
As AI continues to reshape the corporate landscape, governance professionals are presented with a critical opportunity to reposition themselves as strategic enablers within the boardroom. For board directors, company secretaries and governance teams, the integration of AI offers a pathway to move beyond traditional administrative functions and contribute more directly to strategic decision-making. Click hereto download the report >> By adopting AI-driven tools and processes, governance professionals can redirect their focus toward higher-value activities, enhancing board effectiveness in navigating complexity, uncertainty and rapid change. In this Governance Intelligence blueprint – developed in partnership with Diligent – readers will gain exclusive…
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Future-proofing the boardroom: how to ensure directors are equipped for tomorrow’s challenges
As the pace of change accelerates across the global economy, corporate boards face mounting pressure to evolve. From the transformative impact of AI to the shifting demands of sustainability, tomorrow’s boardrooms will be defined by directors’ ability to adapt, learn and lead with confidence. Click hereto download the report >> The latest Governance Intelligence playbook, written in association with Nasdaq, explores the critical skills and competencies boards must develop to meet emerging challenges head-on. Drawing on exclusive insights from hundreds of governance professionals, report identifies key areas of focus for boards seeking to stay ahead of the curve. Among the…
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How to craft proxies that gain the trust and support of your shareholders
NYSE-listed bedding company Somnigroup Internationalhas announced the promotion of chief human resources officer Kindel Nuno to the role of chief human resources officer and general counsel. ‘Combining the roles of chief human resources officer and general counsel brings greater efficiency and agility to the HR and legal functions at the parent company level,’ said Scott Thompson, Somnigroup’s chairman, CEO and president. ‘Over the course of her 18-year legal career, Nuno has navigated numerous challenges and strategic events impacting Mattress Firm and other clients she represented. Through those experiences, she brings clarity, confidence and integrity to complex decisions, which I know…
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‘An open-minded and collaborative approach is crucial’: The Chicago Network’s Maria Doughty on creating an effective board
Doughty will speak at the Corporate Governance Forum 2025 in New York Ahead of the Corporate Governance Forum 2025, which will take place in New York on Thursday, November 6, Governance Intelligence has spoken to some of the event’s leading speakers to find out what they see as the emerging corporate governance trends of 2025. Maria Doughty is the president and CEO of women’s leadership non-profit The Chicago Network, as well as a member of the board of directors of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and a member of the board of trustees of Roosevelt University. Set to speak…
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How to build an effective proxy statement process: A Governance Playbook
In today’s fast-moving capital markets, the proxy statement has become more than a formal document to meet SEC compliance requirements. It serves as the cornerstone of a company’s communication, reaching shareholders and stakeholders alike — including employees, regulators and customers. This evolution reflects the growing importance of the proxy statement as a platform to showcase a company’s strategy, values and commitments amid increasing scrutiny over operations and ethical practices. Click hereto download the report >> Crafting a proxy statement that resonates with diverse audiences demands a meticulous process. At the helm of this effort lies the corporate secretary’s office, working…
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The week in GRC: Enter the era of protectionism… but activists to exit?
This week’s governance, compliance and risk-management stories from around the web Sidley Austin’s Derek Zaba and Kai Liekefett explore the potential impact of the so-called ‘liberation day’ tariffs on the upcoming proxy season. In their shareholder activism update this week, they discuss how these tariffs, and the resulting economic volatility, could influence shareholder activism. As AGM season approaches in the US, economic uncertainty can present practical challenges for activists who need to remain invested in companies for longer periods and may struggle to exit the stock if they gain board seats, which prompts the authors to ask: ‘Will tariffs be…
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Building an agile governance framework: Be ready to adapt successfully to changes affecting your business
Around a quarter of votes cast at Delta Airline’s AGM were in favor of a proposal supporting unionization rights at the company. The resolution is among a number filed at US companies to focus on labor rights amid an uptick in efforts of US employees to organize. The proposal was backed by 26 percent of the votes cast, down from 33 percent at last year’s AGM and not a majority but still a level of support widely seen as significant by governance experts. The resolution, filed by As You Sow, asks that Delta’s board ‘adopt and disclose a non-interference policy……
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Director education and training: How to prepare your board for the road ahead
Governance Playbook ‘Director education and training: How to prepare your board for the road ahead’, sponsored by SAI360, provides expert advice from governance professionals and board members on a key element of their work in supporting boards. It lays out actionable steps and best practices for corporate secretaries seeking to design and adapt their training programs to help their board successfully carry out its duties and help the company thrive. DownloadGovernance Playbook: Director education and training: How to prepare your board for the road ahead here >> Key findings Education and training is essential if the board is to fulfill…