IN-BOARD Annual Event
Managing Global Risks: Making a Difference at Board Level
Thursday 13 June, 18:30 for 19:00 – 21:30
In today’s interconnected world, organisations face significant challenges due to global risks. Tailored to current and potential Non-Executive Directors, this panel discussion will provide strategies for effectively navigating these risks at the board level. Covering topics from geopolitical instability to cyber threats and climate change, the session will offer practical insights into managing these complexities.
Guided by experts, attendees will gain valuable perspectives on enhancing oversight, fostering resilience, and driving positive change within their organisations. Discover how NEDs can play a pivotal role in safeguarding organisational interests and creating sustainable value amidst uncertainty.
The panel will feature speakers from our Knowledge Partners: Deloitte, FTI Consulting, L.E.K. Consulting, Memery Crystal and Spencer Stuart. This event promises to be an excellent opportunity for learning, networking, and reconnecting. Don’t miss out if you’re considering board positions or building a NED portfolio.
Our panel:
Sunni Chauhan, of Spencer Stuart’s London Board Practice, is a strategic leader with more than 25 years of expertise advising on strategy, stakeholders, and sustainability. Notable roles include non-executive director at Britvic plc, partner at Tulchan Communications, and executive positions at Rexam plc and BAE Systems. With 16 years in investment banking, including at Morgan Stanley, Sunni brings extensive experience in complex transactions. A Dartmouth College graduate in Economics and Harvard Business School’s General Management Programme attendee, she previously served as a trustee for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, contributing to the creation of Breast Cancer Now through charity mergers.
Dr Wendy Dobson, Senior MD of FTI Consulting is an expert in responsible business and sustainability. Wendy has led Standard Bank’s Group Corporate Citizenship team for 13 years, shaping the bank’s sustainability strategy and climate policy. Her expertise encompasses ESG and climate risk, ethics, and stakeholder engagement, reporting regularly to board committees. Wendy’s leadership extends globally, as she co-chaired the Banking Board of the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative and contributed to developing the UN Principles for Responsible Banking. With previous roles in South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry and the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), Wendy brings a wealth of experience. She holds a PhD in Responsible Corporate Political Action from the University of Pretoria.
John Goddard, as Senior Partner and Vice Chair for Sustainability at L.E.K. Consulting, leads the firm’s sustainability initiatives and is a thought leader in the field. With over 25 years’ experience in strategy consulting, John regular advises at Board level across industrial and transportation businesses. He is currently very active across the energy transition including advanced energy solutions. John regularly contributes to platforms such as the FT, The Economist, HBR and CNBC, and its currently advising the World Economic Forum. He holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College and an MSc from MIT.
Jeff Roberts, Partner at Memery Crystal’s Corporate Department, specialises in Insolvency and Restructuring. With expertise in turnarounds and insolvencies, he represents administrators, liquidators, and clients in contentious and non-contentious matters. Jeff also assists clients sued by insolvency practitioners and those acquiring insolvent businesses. He advises boards of directors during turnarounds and handles Private Equity matters. Focused on achieving clients’ objectives, Jeff devises cost-effective strategies. A Fellow of R3 (Association of Business Recovery Professionals), he addresses financial distress, disputes, and breaches of warranty claims. Jeff maintains a substantial client base and delivers tailored solutions in insolvency and corporate matters.
Dr Nermeen Varawalla (MBA 00D), a dynamic leader in healthcare, began her career in clinical medicine before transitioning to business after INSEAD. Recognised for her expertise in developing new medicines, she founded and sold pioneering ventures like ECCRO, contributing to the industry’s evolution. With leadership roles at prominent biopharmaceutical and medical technology firms, including BTG International plc, she brings extensive experience to her positions. Beyond her corporate achievements, she serves on boards like the Malaria Consortium and chairs the Medical Advisory Group at Atorvia Health Technologies. As President of the INSEAD Alumni Association UK and the Somerville Alumni Association, University of Oxford, she remains deeply involved in academia and industry advancement.
Helen Wiseman (IDP-C 19Sep) is President of the INSEAD International Directors Network (IDN). Helen drives excellent corporate governance through networking, communication, and professional development. With comprehensive training in governance principles from INSEAD and extensive experience spanning 20 years across diverse industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and energy, she offers robust finance, risk oversight, and governance skills. A former KPMG partner and Chartered Accountant, Helen navigates growth, transformation, and M&A scenarios adeptly. As co-founder of Nine on Purpose and an ICF Professional Certified Coach, she guides leaders in defining their impact. Her global perspective, as a dual British-Australian citisen with New Zealand Permanent Residency, enriches her innovative approach to challenges.
Moderator:
Gustavo Burnier (MBA 03D), a seasoned entrepreneurial leader, excels in go-to-market strategy, start-up founding, and corporate transformations. In his recent role as CMO at Usercentrics, he achieved a 2.5X revenue increase to €50m ARR in two years, driving profitability post-merger. With roots at Despegar.com in 1999, Gustavo played a crucial role in its emergence as Latin America’s top online travel agency. He led transformative initiatives at eBay, Designit, WPP, AlmapBBDO, and Hotel Urbano. Co-founding Handmade Design in 2015, he guided its successful acquisition by Thoughtworks in 2022. Gustavo’s board expertise spans executive and advisory roles at firms like Designit and Neterra.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK VIA MYINSEAD
(Members will need to enter a promo code to access discounted tickets – contact [email protected] for details)