We need to grow more Arab leaders to develop a genuine culture of directorship and governance

Arab leaders across the GCC must be nurtured and empowered to deliver quality board directorship and the highest standards of corporate governance to positively impact business and society, says the GCC Board Directors Institute.

Speaking at the Institute’s first Breakfast Forum – a series aimed at bringing together leaders across different industries to address issues connected with board governance and global trends - Jane Valls, Executive Director of GCC BDI said  “A knowledge-based economy, and the spirit of entrepreneurship and responsibility are taking centre stage on several government agendas including UAE Vision 2021, KSA Vision 2030, Bahrain Vision 2030, Kuwait Vision 2035, and Oman Vision 2020.

“These government visions require a collective leader’s spirit and the ability to find opportunities in any challenges that may come. The new direction taking form across the GCC will also require the transition of nationals from employment in the public sector to seeking opportunities in the private sector.”

Valls continued:  “As part of our effort to nurture and empower quality board directorship to create a positive impact on business and society, we felt it was pertinent to inaugurate our first Breakfast Forum with a special focus on growing Arab Leaders and the approach to leadership development in the region.” 

The first event held on Wednesday 7th September in Dubai was in partnership with McKinsey & Company and welcomed over 60 senior board directors, C-suite professionals, senior advisers and diplomats from a broad range of industries in the public and private sectors.

 “When tackling the tough question of how to overcome the socio-economic challenges in Arab countries, the answer lies in the future business leaders who need to be equipped with the necessary skills and character traits to adapt to the dynamic nature of the regional landscape,” said Michael Rennie, Head of Global Organization Practice, McKinsey & Company. “Leadership style is the engine of high performance work and an important skill to have is a far-sighted vision that will guide leaders towards a brighter future.”

Michael Rennie has directed McKinsey’s work in leadership globally for 20 years and shared his experiences and success stories in the region from the past 3 years during the event.  

Hosted by the GCC Board Directors Institute, the leading voice on board governance in the region, The GCC BDI Breakfast Forum Series is a regular event held across various GCC locations.  The next event is scheduled on 3 October in Dubai, with speaker Simon Walker, Director General of the UK Institute of Directors and Chairman of the Global Network of Director Institutes focusing on the topic "Brexit – Britain’s prospects post Brexit".