On behalf of the Equilar Team, I hope you and your families are staying healthy and safe through these challenging times. As the COVID-19 pandemic passes its one-year anniversary, companies across Corporate America still face many challenges as they strive to remain resilient. With the vaccine rollout underway, we are cautiously optimistic as we head into spring. With that said, the pandemic has only further illustrated the value of sound governance practices, particularly those related to ESG and Human Capital Management (HCM).
Given these trends, the latest issue of C-Suite encapsulates the top issues companies are preparing for in the coming year. Our cover story highlights key findings and commentary from the Equilar Corporate Governance 2021 report, including the most critical topics board and executive management teams are facing as we continue to fight the global pandemic.
Additionally, 50/50 Women on Boards™ recently held its annual Global Conversation on Board Diversity. Experts from around the world addressed the status of diversity on corporate boards and shared how diverse boards lead to improved business culture, innovation and performance. Our feature interview with Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments; Brian Moynihan, Chairman and CEO of Bank of America; Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women; Paula A. Johnson, Cardiologist and President of Wellesley College; Valerie Jarrett, former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama; Martin South, President of the U.S. and Canada divisions at Marsh; Melinda French Gates, Co-chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and founder of Pivotal Ventures; and Eric Yuan, CEO and Founder of Zoom, includes highlights from the conversation.
I hope you enjoy our latest issue as we head toward brighter days. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions.
David Chun
CEO and Founder, Equilar
dchun@equilar.com