Board composition and selection rank high as key priorities in the corporate governance choices faced by businesses.

This was highlighted during the GCC Board Directors Institute (BDI) workshop held in Bahrain in partnership with Investcorp, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The workshop also focused on foundations of directorship, highlighting the growing importance of corporate governance for family and corporate businesses alike.

“This is the fourth Foundations of Directorship workshop we have hosted to date with the forum representing a valuable knowledge sharing event during which senior board directors from across the GCC discuss a range of issues and challenges facing them today,” Investcorp's Gulf Business president Mohammed Al Shroogi said.

“By sharing real world experiences and best practice solutions, as a group, we are encouraging the adoption of a strong corporate governance culture across the region.

“This is of critical importance to both regional and international investors, and in turn, central to delivering superior returns to all stakeholders,” he said.

BDI executive director Nathalie Potvin said the workshops are designed by board members themselves, focused on improving effectiveness and capabilities across the GCC through the sharing of best practices and experiences.

Faculty presenters included global business leaders from Allen & Overy, Heidrick & Struggles, McKinsey Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers - BDI's content partners, as well as a senior adviser from the Central Bank of Bahrain.

Attending the workshop were senior executives and board members from Al Fozan Holding Company, Alkifah Holding Company, Alkifah Contracting Company, American University, Automak, FOSAM Company, Kanoo, Investcorp, Defence Ministry, National Industrialisation Company, Ma'aden, Osool Asset Management, Sabic, Saudi Arabian Mining Company, Seef Properties, TADCO, State General Reserve Fund, Tasnee and The National Entrepreneurship Institute. - TradeArabia News Service