This issue of C-Suite focuses on how boards can innovate by stepping out of their comfort zones to take on the new corporate environment full speed ahead. Our feature story includes data from the annual Equilar report, Executive Compensation and Governance Outlook, which features commentary from Hogan Lovells and Labrador. The article examines how boards are using the proxy statement for voluntary disclosures that communicate sound corporate governance practices and shareholder value creation.
Our featured interviews include Jeff Sonnenfeld, Yale professor and founder and president of The Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute, who discussed what a Trump presidency will (and won’t) mean for corporate leaders. We also spoke with Ira Millstein, renowned corporate lawyer and founding chair of his namesake Center for Global Markets and Corporate Ownership at Columbia Law School. Millstein authored a new book on the imperative for directors not only to think like activists, but also to recruit directors who are willing to take a more strategic role in the company. The pace of change in Corporate America is faster than it’s ever been, he said, and boards must adapt.
Our regular features and columnists focus on the theme of innovation as well. Our newest feature, “The Changing Face of America’s Boardrooms,” highlights the contributions of new directors serving boards for the first time, and “Ask the Experts” includes commentary on the 2017 hot-button proxy issues from Argyle Communications, Fredrikson & Byron, Innisfree, PwC and former SEC Commissioner Troy Paredes. Meanwhile, TK Kersetter of Boardroom Resources outlines the 20 things boards should know going into 2017, and Ron Schneider of Donnelley Financial Solutions analyzes board disclosure practices.
2017 is already off and running, and we wish you the best of success throughout the rest of the year. Please enjoy this issue and feel free to reach out to me directly with any feedback.
David Chun
CEO and Founder, Equilar
dchun@equilar.com