Best AGM
Best AGM
Did you and your team run a noteworthy or innovative annual general meeting this past season?
Judges will be looking at the work of corporate secretaries, general counsel and governance teams in preparing for and running annual meetings whether they are in-person, virtual or hybrid - that meet the governance needs of both the company and shareholders. Consideration will be given to fulfilling regulatory obligations, training and preparing management and board members, and ensuring shareholders have the opportunity for engagement before and during the AGM.
Evidence can include notice of meeting and formal agenda, risk mitigation plans, regulatory compliance summaries, attendance metrics, Q&A participation statistics, screenshots of the online platform, shareholder registry journey etc.
Best board assessment program
Best board assessment program
Board evaluations are essential to ensure continuous improvement, with modern assessment programs becoming increasingly rigorous and sophisticated.
Judges will be looking for assessment programs that are thorough, innovative and tailored to a specific board where possible. Among other things, they will also be looking at whether feedback generated by an assessment has been acted on to help improve the functioning and/or composition of the board.
Evidence can include board assessment methodology (interviews, surveys, observations, peer reviews), skills matrix analysis, succession planning review, objectives and rationale.
Best compliance and ethics program
Best compliance and ethics program
This award will celebrate the coordination and strength of governance, compliance, ethics and risk management processes across the entire corporation (including all subsidiaries).
Judges will be looking at the level of understanding and integration of good governance principles across all disciplines championing those who adopt a truly non-siloed approach to achieving an ethical governance environment.
Evidence can include board oversight framework, ethics committee framework, independence safeguards, third-party risk assessment processes, risk review processes, code of conduct and manager training programs.
Best director training and education program
Best director training and education program
Boards need to be properly kept up to date with relevant information and fully trained to carry out their duties effectively. As such, a key role of governance teams is making sure their board is informed on necessary issues and best practices, often with the aid of outside specialists.
Judges will be looking for evidence of a program that meets these requirements for a specific board by offering extensive, relevant, timely and tailored training and education. They will also be looking for innovation in how directors are given the information and skills they need.
Evidence can include Boards skills gap analysis, onboarding framework, industry disruptor risk, committee specific training, training format (in-person, online or hybrid), annual training calendar.
Best global entity management
Best global entity management
Entity management remains the often overlooked yet crucial foundation supporting effective governance, ensuring transparency, mitigating risk and enabling strategic agility across multinational enterprises.
Judges will be looking for evidence of a program that meets these requirements for a specific board by offering extensive, relevant, timely and tailored training and education. They will also be looking for innovation in how directors are given the information and skills they need.
Evidence can include global entity management policies, subsidiary governance reviews, software tools and integration, risk mitigation and heat mapping.
Best governance around a corporate transaction
Best governance around a corporate transaction
Corporate transactions are a tumultuous time for an organization due to a combination of high-stakes financial pressure, complex regulatory hurdles and intense cultural clashes.
Judges will be looking for innovative and effective governance work carried out before, during and/or after a corporate transaction such as an IPO, M&A deal or restructuring. This might include, for example, overhauling a company’s governance structure, combining the best elements of two companies’ arrangements or managing the regulatory and other risks arising from a transaction.
Evidence can include combined governance policies and documentation, regulatory framework, approach to restructuring plans, company-wide audit and risk management.
Best proxy statement (small cap)
Best proxy statement (small cap)
Over the years, the proxy statement has evolved from dense compliance filings into a critical tool for communicating with shareholders that shape investor perception.
Judges will be looking at the completeness of legal disclosures, effectiveness of communication elements, readability, timeliness of filing, visual design elements and overall layout. Consideration will be given to specific elements such as compensation discussion and analysis, director profiles and ESG challenges.
Evidence can include a copy of your most recent proxy statement with select extracts relevant to your submission. Details of how your proxy stands out and shareholder engagement impact.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Best proxy statement (mid-cap)
Best proxy statement (mid-cap)
Over the years, the proxy statement has evolved from dense compliance filings into a critical tool for communicating with shareholders that shape investor perception.
Judges will be looking at the completeness of legal disclosures, effectiveness of communication elements, readability, timeliness of filing, visual design elements and overall layout. Consideration will be given to specific elements such as compensation discussion and analysis, director profiles and ESG challenges.
Evidence can include a copy of your most recent proxy statement with select extracts relevant to your submission. Details of how your proxy stands out and shareholder engagement impact.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Best proxy statement (large cap)
Best proxy statement (large cap)
Over the years, the proxy statement has evolved from dense compliance filings into a critical tool for communicating with shareholders that shape investor perception.
Judges will be looking at the completeness of legal disclosures, effectiveness of communication elements, readability, timeliness of filing, visual design elements and overall layout. Consideration will be given to specific elements such as compensation discussion and analysis, director profiles and ESG challenges.
Evidence can include a copy of your most recent proxy statement with select extracts relevant to your submission. Details of how your proxy stands out and shareholder engagement impact.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Best shareholder engagement (small to mid-cap)
Best shareholder engagement (small to mid-cap)
Engaging in dialogue with shareholders around governance issues has taken on new importance in the era of say-on-pay. This category will focus on the ways that companies are reaching out to proxy decision-makers, often outside of proxy season, to discuss their compensation strategy and other aspects of corporate governance.
Judges will be looking for formal programs, which may include governance roadshows, shareholder forums, independent director participation, surveys and other means of engagement. These will be assessed for both qualitative and quantitative results such as strengthened relationships with institutional investors or a measurable increase in proxy voting support.
Evidence can include a copy of your most recent proxy statement with select extracts relevant to your submission. Engagement strategy and governance frameworks, engagement formats (1:1, governance roadshows, investor calls), metrics on engaged shareholders and impact on votes.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Best shareholder engagement (large cap)
Best shareholder engagement (large cap)
Engaging in dialogue with shareholders around governance issues has taken on new importance in the era of say-on-pay. This category will focus on the ways that companies are reaching out to proxy decision-makers, often outside of proxy season, to discuss their compensation strategy and other aspects of corporate governance.
Judges will be looking for formal programs, which may include governance roadshows, shareholder forums, independent director participation, surveys and other means of engagement. These will be assessed for both qualitative and quantitative results such as strengthened relationships with institutional investors or a measurable increase in proxy voting support.
Evidence can include a copy of your most recent proxy statement with select extracts relevant to your submission. Engagement strategy and governance frameworks, engagement formats (1:1, governance roadshows, investor calls), metrics on engaged shareholders and impact on votes.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Best sustainability reporting (small cap)
Best sustainability reporting (small cap)
This award recognizes the quality and robustness of sustainability reporting. This includes disclosures around the company’s exposure, not only across environmental issues, but the company’s governance and social issues.
Judges will be looking for exceptional reporting on climate change, employee health and safety, foreign corrupt practices, consumer safety and social performance. The judges will also look at a company’s understanding of the role it plays in the community, both locally and globally and how the company has reported on and communicated their action in these areas.
Evidence can include ESG and proxy reports, qualitive targets, framework alignment with reporting standards (e.g. ISSB and SASB) and integration with financial reporting.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Best sustainability reporting (mid-cap)
Best sustainability reporting (mid-cap)
This award recognizes the quality and robustness of sustainability reporting. This includes disclosures around the company’s exposure, not only across environmental issues, but the company’s governance and social issues.
Judges will be looking for exceptional reporting on climate change, employee health and safety, foreign corrupt practices, consumer safety and social performance. The judges will also look at a company’s understanding of the role it plays in the community, both locally and globally and how the company has reported on and communicated their action in these areas.
Evidence can include ESG and proxy reports, qualitive targets, framework alignment with reporting standards (e.g. ISSB and SASB) and integration with financial reporting.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Best sustainability reporting (large cap)
Best sustainability reporting (large cap)
This award recognizes the quality and robustness of sustainability reporting. This includes disclosures around the company’s exposure, not only across environmental issues, but the company’s governance and social issues.
Judges will be looking for exceptional reporting on climate change, employee health and safety, foreign corrupt practices, consumer safety and social performance. The judges will also look at a company’s understanding of the role it plays in the community, both locally and globally and how the company has reported on and communicated their action in these areas.
Evidence can include ESG and proxy reports, qualitive targets, framework alignment with reporting standards (e.g. ISSB and SASB) and integration with financial reporting.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Best use of technology
Best use of technology
The use of technology is becoming an integral part of the way corporate secretaries and other governance professionals communicate with their colleagues and with investors. Entrants should be able to show how their use of new technological tools, social media and the internet has helped to advance governance within their firm.
Judges will be looking for the use of technology in board communications, shareholder engagement, company meetings, records management and information governance and the successful use of technology to facilitate transactions. The judges will also consider the accessibility of the corporate secretary, general counsel and board of directors using technology, and the quality of information distributed.
Evidence can include details of technology type, tools and scope, quantifiable evidence of board-level impact and corporate efficiencies, cyber-security frameworks and governance oversight and details of change management and training.
*Recognizing that technology is now embedded across governance teams of every size, this year we’ve broadened the category to welcome nominations from both publicly listed and private companies
Governance professional of the year (small to mid-cap)
Governance professional of the year (small to mid-cap)
This award honors the most outstanding individual in governance, compliance or legal function. Entrants should be able to show exceptional performance in advancing governance and compliance activities at their company.
Judges will be looking for examples of laudable work across board structure, shareholder communications, regulatory filing, annual reports as well as all other areas of the company’s governance operations.
Evidence can include clear scope of role and influence (not a job description), evidence of governance leadership and/or crisis management, clear outcomes and measurable results, and personal testimonials.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Governance professional of the year (large cap)
Governance professional of the year (large cap)
This award honors the most outstanding individual in governance, compliance or legal function. Entrants should be able to show exceptional performance in advancing governance and compliance activities at their company.
Judges will be looking for examples of laudable work across board structure, shareholder communications, regulatory filing, annual reports as well as all other areas of the company’s governance operations.
Evidence can include clear scope of role and influence (not a job description), evidence of governance leadership and/or crisis management, clear outcomes and measurable results, and personal testimonials.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Governance team of the year (small to mid-cap)
Governance team of the year (small to mid-cap)
The size and scope of teams involved in achieving sound governance are growing. Some companies have dozens of people working solely on compliance and governance. This award will look at the best overall governance team in the country, and what it has achieved in the past 12 months.
Judges will be looking for teams that operate effectively to deliver tangible results for their organization. Questions include: How does the size of the team compare with the size of the company? How have team numbers changed in recent years? Who is involved and what training do they get?
Evidence can include team size, mandate and scope. Examples of crisis or complex event management, measures to ensure cross team collaboration. Clear outcomes and measurable results.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Governance team of the year (large cap)
Governance team of the year (large cap)
The size and scope of teams involved in achieving sound governance are growing. Some companies have dozens of people working solely on compliance and governance. This award will look at the best overall governance team in the country, and what it has achieved in the past 12 months.
Judges will be looking for teams that operate effectively to deliver tangible results for their organization. Questions include: How does the size of the team compare with the size of the company? How have team numbers changed in recent years? Who is involved and what training do they get?
Evidence can include team size, mandate and scope. Examples of crisis or complex event management, measures to ensure cross team collaboration. Clear outcomes and measurable results.
Market cap definition: Micro cap = below US$300 mn / Small cap = between US$300 mn - US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn / Large cap = between US$20 bn - US$200 bn / Mega cap = US$200 bn and over
Rising star
Rising star
This trophy is for the best newcomer to a governance or compliance role. This person will have been in the profession less than 10 years and have less than 15 years of professional experience.
Judges will be looking for demonstrable success in driving good governance or implementing change at his or her company, advancing academic thinking or making a significant contribution to the governance community at large.
Evidence can include clear scope of role and influence (not a job description), evidence of proactive governance leadership and/or crisis management, clear outcomes and measurable results, and personal testimonials.
Past winners of our coveted Corporate Governance Awards are invited to be inducted into the Corporate Governance Awards Hall of Fame. This is an exclusive alum organization reserved only for individual winners of our awards including the categories – Best Governance Professional across all cap sizes and Lifetime Achievement award winners.
