Corporate Governance Awards
Celebrating excellence

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Cipriani 25 Broadway, New York

About the awards

On Wednesday, November 9, over 400 industry professionals in the governance, risk and compliance world will gather to celebrate the best of the best at Corporate Secretary’s annual Corporate Governance Awards.

For our awards, individuals and companies have the opportunity to nominate themselves or others, free of charge, for aspects of GRC. More information about the categories, criteria, and judging process can be found below.

Join us to meet the companies that are consistently raising the bar and pushing the profession forward through innovation.

View the categories Submit an entry

Download the entry pack containing all of the guidelines and information in one placeClick here

What to expect

In March 2022, we held our first in-person awards ceremony in three years! View the highlights below to see what you can expect at the Corporate Governance Awards in November…

Awards categories

For our awards, individuals and companies are given the opportunity to submit written entries, free of charge, to be put forward to a panel of expert judges made up of corporate governance professionals and Corporate Secretary editorial team members.

Open for entries

We are now accepting entries for the 2022 awards! Please click here to access the entry form. The deadline for submissions is midnight (ET) on Friday, July 22.

If you have any questions that are not answered in the FAQ section on the entry form, please contact [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 8004 5339.

Please note that categories are subject to change based on the final number of entries received. Some categories may be split by cap size.

View the full list of 2021 winners by clicking here

Categories
How winners are chosen

Best AGM

In this category, the judges will be looking at the work of corporate secretaries, general counsel and governance teams in preparing for and running annual meetings – either 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.

Best compliance and ethics program

This award will look at coordination of governance, compliance, ethics and risk management processes across the entire corporation (including all subsidiaries). The judges will consider the level of understanding and integration of good governance principles across all disciplines and a truly non-silo approach to achieving an ethical governance environment.

Best ESG reporting

This entry should comment on the quality and robustness of ESG-related reporting. This includes exposure to environmental risk factors such as global warming, employee health and safety, foreign corrupt practices, consumer safety, social responsibility and corporate sustainability. The judges will also look at a company’s understanding of the role it plays in the community, both locally and globally.

Best global entity management

In this category, the judges will be looking at the work of general counsel, corporate secretaries and their teams in creating and running effective and innovative global entity management programs that ensure the organization remains in compliance with all local laws. Issues for consideration include: using technology in new ways, ensuring efficiency in the program and adapting to new circumstances, rules and conditions.

Best governance around a corporate transaction

In this category, 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.

Best proxy statement (large cap)

This award will examine the completeness of legal disclosures, effectiveness of communication elements, readability, timeliness of filing, visual design elements and overall layout. Specific elements such as compensation discussion and analysis, CD&A, director profiles and ESG challenges will be given particular consideration. Market cap definition: Small cap = below US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn - US$20 bn / Large cap = US$20 bn and over

Best proxy statement (mid-cap)

This award will examine the completeness of legal disclosures, effectiveness of communication elements, readability, timeliness of filing, visual design elements and overall layout. Specific elements such as compensation discussion and analysis, CD&A, director profiles and ESG challenges will be given particular consideration. Market cap definition: Small cap = below US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn - US$20 bn / Large cap = US$20 bn and over

Best proxy statement (small cap)

This award will examine the completeness of legal disclosures, effectiveness of communication elements, readability, timeliness of filing, visual design elements and overall layout. Specific elements such as compensation discussion and analysis, CD&A, director profiles and ESG challenges will be given particular consideration. Market cap definition: Small cap = below US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn - US$20 bn / Large cap = US$20 bn and over

Best shareholder engagement

Engaging in dialogue with shareholders around governance issues has taken on new importance in the era of say-on-pay. This category, introduced in 2014, will focus on 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. Formal programs, which may include governance roadshows, shareholder forums, independent director participation, surveys and other means of engagement, will be assessed for both qualitative and quantitative results such as strengthened relationships with institutional investors or a measurable increase in proxy voting support.

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. Areas of consideration include, but are not limited to: 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.

Governance professional of the year (large cap)

The judges will be looking for the most outstanding individual in a governance, compliance or legal function. Entrants should be able to show exceptional performance in advancing governance and compliance activities at their company. Areas of consideration include, but are not limited to: board structure, shareholder communications, regulatory filing, annual reports and all other areas of the company’s governance operations. Market cap definition: Small cap = below US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn - US$20 bn / Large cap = US$20 bn and over

Governance professional of the year (small to mid-cap)

The judges will be looking for the most outstanding individual in a governance, compliance or legal function. Entrants should be able to show exceptional performance in advancing governance and compliance activities at their company. Areas of consideration include, but are not limited to: board structure, shareholder communications, regulatory filing, annual reports and all other areas of the company’s governance operations. Market cap definition: Small cap = below US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn - US$20 bn / Large cap = US$20 bn and over

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. 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? Market cap definition: Small cap = below US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn - US$20 bn / Large cap = US$20 bn and over

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. 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? Market cap definition: Small cap = below US$2 bn / Mid-cap = between US$2 bn - US$20 bn / Large cap = US$20 bn and over

Rising star

The judges will be looking 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, achieving 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.

Lifetime achievement

The judging process consists of three simple phases:

Phase one: Once the entry deadline has passed, the Corporate Secretary editorial team reviews all submissions and produces the short list

Phase two: The short-listed entries are shared with an independent judging panel made up of industry experts. The judges review each short-listed entry and select their top two picks per category

Phase three: The judges come together to discuss, debate and select the final list of winners who will go on to win an award

The judges’ votes are not made public, but their comments may be published in articles or reports after the event. Judges are not required to make comments against every submission.

Market cap definition

Small cap = below US$2 bn
Mid-cap = between US$2 bn – US$20 bn
Large cap = US$20 bn and over

What our attendees say

"As was said by many, compliance is a critical function in today’s corporate world. Yet, those engaged in that effort receive insufficient attention. Corporate Secretary, generally, and this event in particular, shine appropriate light on not only the substance of ethics, compliance and good governance, but also put faces to the names who lead in this field."

Graybar Electric Company

"The flow and format of the event were excellent!"

Robert Half International

"I enjoyed the Corporate Governance Awards very much. Thank you for the invitation. It was a lot of fun and very well organized. Congratulations!"

Quanta Services

"It is important that the good work done by many members of the corporate governance community be highlighted, and I particularly appreciate the opportunity for recognition offered to smaller companies and rising stars."

Argyle

"The awards are external validation for the work being done by the governance groups within companies whose work might go unseen by the average employee. Having a physical trophy is a good representation of the hard work of those teams"

Lockheed Martin Corporation

"A great production!"

Broadridge

Become a partner

Why partner with us?

Our awards provide a unique opportunity to get in front of some of the most influential people in the GRC community. As a partner, you will gain an extensive amount of exposure through a wide range of print and digital marketing materials, both pre and post event, as well as on the day itself. Additionally, you can use the event to align yourself with GRC excellence and network with key decision makers from across the region – the ones pushing the profession forward through innovation.

Partnering with the event will provide:

A chance to network with qualified, senior decision-makers in the IR community
Increased awareness and credibility through association with the region’s leading awards
New business opportunities through higher-brand presence among current and potential clients
The chance to entertain clients at the most respected event of the year
Exposure as the market leader in your chosen area by sponsoring the awards category that best reflects your area of expertise

All our partnerships are created using a mix of branding, thought leadership, lead generation and meetings with your target audience. You tell us your objectives and we will work with you to create you a package that’s makes sense for your company and will help you achieve those objectives. To find out more get in touch with Ian Richman or call on +1 212 430 6865.

Inquire about partnership

Partners

Alliance Advisors

Alliance Advisors

Awards Partners

Corporate Advisory, Reinvented

People

In a global community, relationships matter more now than ever before. Our team is comprised of world-renowned experts who laud the most effective strategic relationships, ensuring the best-case scenario for the future of your company.

Data

Business intelligence is more than information for information’s sake. The quality and timeliness of that data, reinforced by expert analysis of all pertinent information, differentiate business success from failure.

Process

As a public company, you need a partner who not only has the relationships, deep analysis, and access to real-time data to position your company for future growth, you need a visionary group that uses their unmatched experience to reinvent how things are done to achieve your goals faster and more effectively than anyone else.

We are Alliance Advisors.

For more information, please visit our website.
Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN)

Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN)

Awards Partners

DFIN is a leading global risk and compliance company. We’re here to help you make smarter decisions with insightful technology, industry expertise and data insights at every stage of your business and investment lifecycles.

As markets fluctuate, regulations evolve and technology advances, we’re there. And through it all, we deliver confidence with the right solutions in moments that matter.

Learn about DFIN’s end-to-end risk and compliance solutions. Visit www.dfinsolutions.com or call +1 800 823 5304.
Diligent

Diligent

Awards Partners

Diligent is the largest governance, risk and compliance (GRC) SaaS provider, serving more than one million users from over 25,000 organizations around the globe. Our modern GRC platform ensures boards, executives and other leaders have a holistic, integrated view of audit, risk, information security, ethics and compliance across the organization.

Diligent brings technology, insights and confidence to leaders so they can build more effective, equitable and successful organizations. We empower 79% of the Fortune 500, 90% of the FTSE 100 and 83% of the ASX 200 to improve their bottom line, keep pace with stakeholder expectations and create lasting, positive impact on the world.

For more information visit www.diligent.com.
Govenda

Govenda

Awards Partners

Govenda provides a secure suite of board management software solutions designed by governance professionals to elevate your board performance. We value diverse perspectives. We are authentic, follow through on our vision, and continue to build a company culture around these ideals.

For more information, please visit: www.govenda.com.
Nasdaq

Nasdaq

Awards Partners

Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global provider of trading, clearing, exchange technology, listing, information and public company services. Through its diverse portfolio of solutions, Nasdaq enables customers to plan, optimize and execute their business vision with confidence, using proven technologies that provide transparency and insight for navigating today’s global capital markets. As the creator of the world’s first electronic stock market, its technology powers more than 90 marketplaces in 50 countries, and 1 in 10 of the world’s securities transactions. Nasdaq is home to approximately 3,900 total listings with a market value of approximately $13 trillion.

To learn more, visit: business.nasdaq.com.
Okapi Partners

Okapi Partners

Awards Partners

Okapi Partners LLC is a strategic proxy solicitation and investor response firm providing a full range of solicitation and information agent services, as well as related consultation and advice to our clients. We represent listed companies, mutual funds, and investors, providing our clients with superior service, established industry relationships and outstanding execution capabilities.

For more information, please visit us at www.okapipartners.com
Q4

Q4

Awards Partners

Q4 is the fastest growing cloud-based investor relations and capital market solutions to the IR Industry with over 1,200 clients. Public companies the world over (many of which are Fortune 1000 brands) look to our leading web and intelligence solutions to power successful (and award winning) IR programs — and to better connect with their investors, make more effective decisions, and understand the capital markets.
Learn more at https://www.q4inc.com/home/default.aspx

Venue

We are pleased to be hosting our awards at:

Venue:
Cipriani 25 Broadway
25 Broadway
New York, NY 10004

Dress code:
Black tie

Warning: Please note the event may contain flashing lights or sudden loud sound effects.

Who attends?

Attendees at our awards are leading practitioners from across the US. Each participant is someone with an established track record and a strategic GRC role within their company. In addition to our nominees, some of our past attendees include:

Job title	Company	Job title	Company
CCO	MMA Securities	SVP, associate GC & assistant secretary	Bank of America
CEO	Ethisphere	SVP, chief compliance officer	Visa
CEO	Everest	SVP, corporate governance	Columbia Bank
Chief corporate counsel	MMC	SVP, corporate secretary & deputy GC	AIG
Chief legal officer & corporate secretary	Dawn Foods	SVP, deputy GC & corporate secretary	Verizon Communications
COO	International Elite Capital	SVP, GC & corporate secretary	Clearway Energy
Director	Evergy	VP & assistant corporate secretary	BlackRock
Director, global ESG reporting & insights	AT&T	VP & associate GC	Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Director, corporate securities	HP	VP & chief ethics & compliance officer	3M
Director, governance and securities	Owens Corning	VP, assistant GC & secretary	IBM
Director, legal entity services	Mastercard	VP, corporate secretary	MVC Capital
EVP & chief legal officer	Nuance Communications	VP, associate GC	At Home
EVP & GC	MF Global Holdings	VP, corporate development, GC & CHRO	Columbus McKinnon
EVP, GC, secretary & CCO	B&G Foods	VP, corporate secretary	TD Bank Group
Senior director, global sustainability	Clarivate	VP, governance	Prudential
SVP & corporate secretary	Discovery	VP, assistant GC & assistant secretary	Coeur Mining
SVP	PepsiCo	VP, associate GC, corporate	Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings
SVP, deputy GC	Healthpeak Properties	VP, chief sustainability officer & group GC	The Travelers Companies
SVP, GC & corporate secretary	Avangrid	VP, learning & development	Change Healthcare

Request full attendee list

Covid-19 commitment

Before you attend

We ask that all attendees follow government guidance with the onset of any Covid-19 symptoms. If you are presenting symptoms of Covid-19, have been in close contact with anyone confirmed to have Covid-19, are required to quarantine due to travel, or are awaiting the results from a PCR test, we ask that you DO NOT attend the event until you are presented with a negative test result
We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to update our guidelines accordingly

At the venue

Upon arrival at the venue, we may request the following:
- Proof of being fully vaccinated, with a second dose administered at least 14 days before the event date, with a recognized Covid-19 vaccine
- If, for whatever reason, you are unable to provide evidence you have been vaccinated, you are asked to provide proof of a negative test
- Your data will not be stored by us or the venue; proof can simply be shown to the organizers upon arrival
All attendees are expected to be considerate to those around them and respectful of the safety measures implemented by the organizers and the venue
We will continue to implement further efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests, which will be shared with the attendees in advance of the event

If you have any questions about the measures in place, please contact [email protected].

Book your place

The super early bird rates shown below will expire on Friday, September 23, 2022.

After this date the price will increase to $750 for an individual seat and $5,890 for a table of 10.

If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Gardiner at [email protected] or call +44 20 8090 0556.

Individual seat

$950

$550

Book your place
Table of 10

$7,490

$4,290

Book your place

Download the entry pack containing all of the guidelines and information in one placeClick here

Gallery

David Brancaccio, host and senior editor of American Public Media’s Marketplace Morning Report

Bruce Goldfarb (right), president & chief executive officer of Okapi Partners presenting the award for best ESG reporting to Ben Kruse, director of global CSR reporting & insights, AT&T

Martyn Chapman, executive director Nasdaq Center for Corporate Governance (right) presenting the award for best use of technology to Scott Siamas, vice president & associate general counsel for corporate, securities and global governance at Salesforce.com

Larry Miller, managing director at Innisfree (right) presenting the award for best shareholder engagement to Frank Sedlarcik, vice president, assistant general counsel & secretary, IBM

Ron Schneider, director of corporate governance services at DFIN presenting the award for best proxy statement (small cap) to Robyn Koyner, vice president, assistant general counsel & assistant secretary, Coeur Mining

Ron Schneider, director of corporate governance services at DFIN (left) presenting the award for best proxy statement (mid-cap) to Tim Olson, corporate secretary, NorthWestern Energy

Kevin White, senior vice president, MacKenzie Partners (right) presenting the award for rising star to Connor Kuratek, chief corporate counsel and assistant secretary at Marsh & McLennan Companies

Ron Schneider, director of corporate governance services at DFIN (left) presenting the award for best proxy statement (large cap) to John Kim, lead securities counsel at General Motors Company

Marion Lewis, chief executive officer, BoardBookit (right) presenting the award for best compliance and ethics program (large cap) to Kellye Gordon, vice president, of global ethics & compliance, VF Corporation

Rose Marie Glazer, deputy general counsel & secretary, AIG presents the award for best compliance and ethics program (small to mid-cap) to Ray Williams, vice president of compliance of Comscore.

Cristine Carpluk, regional vice president of customer success, Diligent (left) presents the award for best overall governance – international to Maria Douvas, senior vice president, U.S. general counsel & global head of litigation, Royal Bank of Canada.

Christian Berczely, chief technology officer, Intelligize presents the lifetime achievement award to Carol Ward.

Lou Vega, senior vice president of business development, Alliance Advisors (left) presents the award for governance professional of the year (small to mid-cap) to Adam Kokas, executive vice president, general counsel & corporate secretary, Atlas Air Worldwide

Tiffany Wooley, chief counsel for executive compensation & governance and assistant secretary, Marsh & McLennan Companies (left) presents the award for governance team of the year (small to mid-cap) to Stacie Roberts, assistant vice president of corporate governance, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

Dorothy Flynn, president, corporate issuer solutions at Broadridge (right) presenting the award for governance professional of the year (large cap) to Hope Mehlman, executive vice president and chief governance officer, Regions Financial Corporation.

Christopher Hayden, chief operating officer – US at Georgeson presenting the award for governance team of the year (large cap) to Michelle Bushore, executive vice president, general counsel & chief legal & risk officer, Caesars Entertainment Corporation